Conklin Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1989–1995 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Conklin Pond was last stocked July 10, 1995 with Rainbow Trout. Conklin Pond has 3 stocking records on file, spanning 1989–1995, with about 1,796 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Conklin 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 Conklin 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 Conklin Pond was last stocked July 10, 1995, 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 Conklin 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.
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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Recommended Tackle for Conklin 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Conklin Pond, freshest activity first.
Willow Creek Reservoir
5 mi5 species · 460 records
Last stocked June 2026
Spring Meadow Lake
4 mi2 species · 120 records
Last stocked May 2026
Fairgrounds Pond
5 mi1 species · 105 records
Last stocked May 2024
Park Lake
8 mi3 species · 91 records
Last stocked July 2021
Crow Creek
8 mi4 species · 104 records
Last stocked June 1991
Moose Creek
6 mi4 species · 83 records
Last stocked July 1973
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 10, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 763 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 533 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Conklin Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Conklin Pond was last stocked July 10, 1995 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Conklin Pond?
Conklin Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
How often is Conklin Pond stocked?
Conklin Pond is stocked intermittently — 3 recorded stockings between 1989 and 1995.
How many fish have been stocked in Conklin Pond?
About 1,796 fish have been stocked in Conklin Pond across 3 recorded events since 1989, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Conklin Pond?
Fish stocked in Conklin Pond average about 4.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Conklin 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 Conklin Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Conklin 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.