Christensen Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1964–1978 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Christensen Pond was last stocked July 26, 1978 with Black Bullhead. Christensen Pond has 11 stocking records on file, spanning 1964–1978, with about 18,363 fish stocked over that period.
When Christensen Pond is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Christensen Pond
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Montana.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Christensen Pond, they typically congregate in schools near public access points, boat ramps, or inlets for the first 24 to 48 hours while adjusting to natural water conditions.
Since Christensen Pond was last stocked July 26, 1978, anglers visiting within 1 to 2 weeks of a reported event generally experience the highest activity before fish disperse into deeper cover.
State Regulations & Licensing
- •Fishing License: A valid Montana freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase Montana license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by Montana fish & wildlife agency.Official Montana regulations guidebook →
- •Ethical Conservation: Use barbless hooks and keep fish submerged in water during unhooking.Trout Thermal Advisory: When water temperatures rise above 68°F (20°C), released trout face severe mortality from thermal exhaustion. Target warmwater species or fish early in the morning when lakes and streams warm up.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Christensen Pond:
Stocked Trout Tactics
Use light 4–6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Float scented dough bait (PowerBait) 12–18" off bottom using a sliding slip-sinker rig with a size 14–16 treble hook. For active casting, throw 1/16 to 1/8 oz inline spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail) or small spoons (Kastmaster) along drop-offs.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
Rainbow Trout Profile Tips
The most commonly targeted stocked trout in the country, taken on bait, spinners, and flies alike; a common first fish for new anglers.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Christensen Pond
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Berkley PowerBait Floating Trout Dough
Hatchery-raised trout are conditioned to pelleted scents; scented dough floated 12–18 inches off bottom consistently triggers strikes.
Panther Martin Classic Teardrop Inline Spinner
The heavy convex blade spins instantly upon retrieval, sending vibration through the water that triggers aggressive reaction bites along drop-offs.
Sliding Sinker & Treble Hook Rigging Kit
Sliding egg sinkers allow cautious trout to run with bait without feeling line drag, while size 14–16 treble hooks keep dough bait securely pinned.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Christensen Pond, freshest activity first.
Hatfield Reservoir
24 mi1 species · 55 records
Last stocked June 2025
Carney Pond
24 mi2 species · 21 records
Last stocked May 2025
Killenbeck Reservoir
25 mi7 species · 35 records
Last stocked May 2025
Danelson Reservoir
12 mi3 species · 35 records
Last stocked July 2024
Hoversland Reservoir
13 mi1 species · 28 records
Last stocked May 2020
Stentoft Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 36 records
Last stocked April 2016
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 26, 1978 | Black Bullhead | 700 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1977 | Black Bullhead | 1,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1972 | Common Carp | 235 | 16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 2,450 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1972 | Common Carp | 278 | 16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 3 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 30, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1965 | Brook Trout | 1,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Christensen Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Christensen Pond was last stocked July 26, 1978 with Black Bullhead.
What fish species are stocked in Christensen Pond?
Christensen Pond is stocked with Black Bullhead, Common Carp, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout.
How often is Christensen Pond stocked?
Christensen Pond is stocked intermittently — 11 recorded stockings between 1964 and 1978.
How many fish have been stocked in Christensen Pond?
About 18,363 fish have been stocked in Christensen Pond across 11 recorded events since 1964, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Christensen Pond?
Fish stocked in Christensen Pond average about 5.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Christensen Pond?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid Montana freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from Montana fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.
How do you catch stocked trout in Christensen Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Christensen Pond typically respond well to floating dough bait (such as PowerBait) floated 12–18 inches off bottom on light 4–6 lb leader, live nightcrawlers under a bobber, and small inline spinners or spoons retrieved along shorelines and drop-offs.