Dry Bridge Slough Fish Stocking
Montana · 1999–2021 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Dry Bridge Slough was last stocked April 6, 2021 with Rainbow Trout. Dry Bridge Slough has 79 stocking records on file, spanning 1999–2021, with about 25,156 fish stocked over that period.
When Dry Bridge Slough is stocked
Dry Bridge Slough is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 44 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Dry Bridge Slough
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 Dry Bridge Slough, 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 Dry Bridge Slough was last stocked April 6, 2021, 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 Dry Bridge Slough:
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.
Recommended Tackle for Dry Bridge Slough
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.
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 Dry Bridge Slough, freshest activity first.
Snappys Pond
3 mi4 species · 160 records
Last stocked June 2026
Shady Lane Pond
3 mi2 species · 120 records
Last stocked June 2026
Finger Lake
2 mi3 species · 53 records
Last stocked May 2026
Pine Grove Pond
5 mi2 species · 147 records
Last stocked May 2026
Foy Lake
3 mi11 species · 274 records
Last stocked September 2025
Buffalohead Park Pond
4 mi1 species · 43 records
Last stocked June 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 6, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 537 | 10.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 16.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 405 | 13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 16.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 10 | 28.11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 40 | 18.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 35 | 18.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 15 | 29.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 10, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 25 | 18.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 25 | 23.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 35 | 22.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 15 | 28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,058 | 5.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 25 | 23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 25 | 27.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 21, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,086 | 6.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 110 | 18.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 20 | 28.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 30 | 16.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 997 | 8.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 20 | 28.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 28.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,073 | 7.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 196 | 12.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,022 | 7.61" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 11 | 28.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 25, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 39 | 23.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,131 | 6.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 480 | 10.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 6.71" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 52 | 22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 26, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 80 | 18.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 26, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 26.86" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 26, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,014 | 10.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,016 | 10.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 21 | 22.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 53 | 18.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 35 | 26.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 28 | 18.51" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,003 | 7.44" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 60 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 20 | 22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 216 | 10.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 721 | 9.45" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,006 | 5.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 9 | 23.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 61 | 19.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 101 | 19.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 79 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Dry Bridge Slough last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Dry Bridge Slough was last stocked April 6, 2021 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Dry Bridge Slough?
Dry Bridge Slough is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Dry Bridge Slough stocked?
Dry Bridge Slough is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Dry Bridge Slough stocked?
Dry Bridge Slough has been stocked about 3 times a year — 79 recorded stockings between 1999 and 2021.
How many fish have been stocked in Dry Bridge Slough?
About 25,156 fish have been stocked in Dry Bridge Slough across 79 recorded events since 1999, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Dry Bridge Slough?
Fish stocked in Dry Bridge Slough average about 17.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Dry Bridge Slough?
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 Dry Bridge Slough?
Freshly stocked trout in Dry Bridge Slough 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.