Cole Pond NNW Fish Stocking
Montana · 1959–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Cole Pond NNW was last stocked August 26, 2025 with Largemouth Bass. Cole Pond NNW has 98 stocking records on file, spanning 1959–2025, with about 209,458 fish stocked over that period.
When Cole Pond NNW is stocked
Cole Pond NNW is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May — 27 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Cole Pond NNW
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 Cole Pond NNW, 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 Cole Pond NNW was last stocked August 26, 2025, 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 Cole Pond NNW:
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.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Cole Pond NNW
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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Cole Pond NNW, freshest activity first.
Allery Reservoir
12 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked June 2025
Cole Pond NW
0 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked May 2025
Cole Pond SW
0 mi3 species · 64 records
Last stocked May 2025
Bowman Reservoir
13 mi4 species · 6 records
Last stocked August 1982
Frenchman Creek
10 mi2 species · 8 records
Last stocked June 1977
Mcneil Slough
4 mi4 species · 15 records
Last stocked July 1976
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 26, 2025 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 1.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 21, 2024 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 2023 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 1.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2021 | Largemouth Bass | 2,273 | 1.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 2020 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 0.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 7.07" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2019 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 1.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 7.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 5.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 31, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 1.04" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 6.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 7.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 7.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,007 | 7.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 6.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 499 | 6.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 7.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 502 | 7.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2013 | Kokanee | 10,416 | 2.74" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,941 | 7.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2011 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 2011 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.53" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2010 | Largemouth Bass | 3,000 | 1.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 14, 1988 | Yellow Perch | 2,300 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 14, 1988 | Yellow Perch | 2,300 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 9, 1986 | Yellow Perch | 58 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1985 | Largemouth Bass | 31 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1985 | Largemouth Bass | 31 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 202 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 202 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1978 | Walleye | 104 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 904 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 3,011 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 3,219 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 928 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 5,012 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 3,014 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 902 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,706 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 98 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Cole Pond NNW last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Cole Pond NNW was last stocked August 26, 2025 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Cole Pond NNW?
Cole Pond NNW is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Kokanee, Yellow Perch, Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Cole Pond NNW stocked?
Cole Pond NNW is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in May.
How often is Cole Pond NNW stocked?
Cole Pond NNW has been stocked about 1 times a year — 98 recorded stockings between 1959 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Cole Pond NNW?
About 209,458 fish have been stocked in Cole Pond NNW across 98 recorded events since 1959, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Cole Pond NNW?
Fish stocked in Cole Pond NNW average about 4.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Cole Pond NNW?
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 Cole Pond NNW?
Freshly stocked trout in Cole Pond NNW 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.