Colstrip Pond 3 Fish Stocking
Montana · 1958–1979 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Colstrip Pond 3 was last stocked August 1, 1979 with Smallmouth Bass. Colstrip Pond 3 has 46 stocking records on file, spanning 1958–1979, with about 65,490 fish stocked over that period.
When Colstrip Pond 3 is stocked
Colstrip Pond 3 is typically stocked in summer and fall, most often in May — 9 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Colstrip Pond 3
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 Colstrip Pond 3, 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 Colstrip Pond 3 was last stocked August 1, 1979, 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 Colstrip Pond 3:
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.
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.
Smallmouth Bass Profile Tips
Prized for its aerial fight; often targeted with crayfish-imitating jigs and tubes along rocky structure.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Recommended Tackle for Colstrip Pond 3
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 Colstrip Pond 3, freshest activity first.
Castle Rock Reservoir
2 mi7 species · 58 records
Last stocked June 2025
Green Leaf Pond
17 mi2 species · 52 records
Last stocked June 2008
Philbrick #1
15 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked July 2003
Hays Reservoir
18 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked April 1982
Philbrick #3
14 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 1978
Philbrick Reservoir
11 mi3 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1978
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 1, 1979 | Smallmouth Bass | 300 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1979 | Smallmouth Bass | 190 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1979 | Largemouth Bass | 500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 850 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1978 | Smallmouth Bass | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1978 | Smallmouth Bass | 600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 38 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 9, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1978 | Walleye | 10,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1976 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1976 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1976 | Northern Pike | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 5, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1973 | Walleye | 4,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1972 | Channel Catfish | 200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 23, 1972 | Largemouth Bass | 200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,400 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 1, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 1, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1965 | Northern Pike | 1,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 10, 1964 | Largemouth Bass | 100 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 5, 1964 | Largemouth Bass | 1,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1963 | Bluegill | 3,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1963 | Largemouth Bass | 1,200 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1962 | Channel Catfish | 500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1961 | Largemouth Bass | 600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 1961 | Bluegill | 1,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 1960 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 8, 1960 | Bluegill | 2,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1960 | Bluegill | 1,750 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1960 | Largemouth Bass | 350 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1960 | Bluegill | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1960 | Northern Pike | 6,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 1958 | Bluegill | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 17, 1958 | Largemouth Bass | 800 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Colstrip Pond 3 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Colstrip Pond 3 was last stocked August 1, 1979 with Smallmouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Colstrip Pond 3?
Colstrip Pond 3 is stocked with Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Northern Pike, Channel Catfish, and Bluegill.
What time of year is Colstrip Pond 3 stocked?
Colstrip Pond 3 is typically stocked in summer and fall, most often in May.
How often is Colstrip Pond 3 stocked?
Colstrip Pond 3 has been stocked about 2 times a year — 46 recorded stockings between 1958 and 1979.
How many fish have been stocked in Colstrip Pond 3?
About 65,490 fish have been stocked in Colstrip Pond 3 across 46 recorded events since 1958, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Colstrip Pond 3?
Fish stocked in Colstrip Pond 3 average about 2.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Colstrip Pond 3?
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 Colstrip Pond 3?
Freshly stocked trout in Colstrip Pond 3 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.