Ellis Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1973–2010 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ellis Pond was last stocked June 30, 2010 with Cutthroat Trout. Ellis Pond has 17 stocking records on file, spanning 1973–2010, with about 19,775 fish stocked over that period.
When Ellis Pond is stocked
Ellis Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Ellis 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 Ellis 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 Ellis Pond was last stocked June 30, 2010, 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 Ellis 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.
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.
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 Ellis 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 Ellis Pond, freshest activity first.
Pow Wow Pond
9 mi3 species · 89 records
Last stocked June 2021
Dawson Pond #1
5 mi2 species · 58 records
Last stocked May 2015
Dawson Pond #2
5 mi2 species · 30 records
Last stocked May 2015
Bovee Reservoir
6 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 1994
Bowman Reservoir #2
9 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked April 1983
Cass Pond #1
9 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1980
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 30, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,140 | 2.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 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 |
| May 19, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 1,034 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 1,056 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 9 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 21, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 988 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1976 | Brook Trout | 533 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,510 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1974 | Brook Trout | 568 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,080 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,798 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Ellis Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ellis Pond was last stocked June 30, 2010 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Ellis Pond?
Ellis Pond is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Ellis Pond stocked?
Ellis Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Ellis Pond stocked?
Ellis Pond is stocked intermittently — 17 recorded stockings between 1973 and 2010.
How many fish have been stocked in Ellis Pond?
About 19,775 fish have been stocked in Ellis Pond across 17 recorded events since 1973, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Ellis Pond?
Fish stocked in Ellis Pond average about 4.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Ellis 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 Ellis Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Ellis 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.