Dawson Pond #1 Fish Stocking
Montana · 1967–2015 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Dawson Pond #1 was last stocked May 22, 2015 with Rainbow Trout. Dawson Pond #1 has 58 stocking records on file, spanning 1967–2015, with about 38,815 fish stocked over that period.
When Dawson Pond #1 is stocked
Dawson Pond #1 is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 28 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Dawson Pond #1
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 Dawson Pond #1, 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 Dawson Pond #1 was last stocked May 22, 2015, 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 Dawson Pond #1:
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.
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 Dawson Pond #1
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 Dawson Pond #1, freshest activity first.
Dawson Pond #2
0 mi2 species · 30 records
Last stocked May 2015
Ellis Pond
5 mi3 species · 17 records
Last stocked June 2010
Bovee Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 1994
Bowman Reservoir #2
6 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked April 1983
Cass Pond #1
4 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1980
Cass Pond #2
4 mi2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 22, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 4.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 232 | 7.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 2014 | Brook Trout | 1,500 | 4.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 512 | 4.68" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 204 | 7.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 2013 | Brook Trout | 1,057 | 4.74" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 7.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 5.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 9, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 6.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 7.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2012 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 8.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 7.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 7.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 992 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 513 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,060 | 6.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 1,022 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 994 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 1,029 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 1,010 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 496 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,540 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 532 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 264 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 58 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Dawson Pond #1 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Dawson Pond #1 was last stocked May 22, 2015 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Dawson Pond #1?
Dawson Pond #1 is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Dawson Pond #1 stocked?
Dawson Pond #1 is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Dawson Pond #1 stocked?
Dawson Pond #1 is stocked intermittently — 58 recorded stockings between 1967 and 2015.
How many fish have been stocked in Dawson Pond #1?
About 38,815 fish have been stocked in Dawson Pond #1 across 58 recorded events since 1967, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Dawson Pond #1?
Fish stocked in Dawson Pond #1 average about 5.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Dawson Pond #1?
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 Dawson Pond #1?
Freshly stocked trout in Dawson Pond #1 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.