Engstrom Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1969–2004 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Engstrom Pond was last stocked August 6, 2004 with Largemouth Bass. Engstrom Pond has 19 stocking records on file, spanning 1969–2004, with about 27,353 fish stocked over that period.
When Engstrom Pond is stocked
Engstrom Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Engstrom 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 Engstrom 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 Engstrom Pond was last stocked August 6, 2004, 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 Engstrom 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.
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
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 Engstrom 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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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 Engstrom Pond, freshest activity first.
Boxelder Lake
19 mi5 species · 115 records
Last stocked June 2025
Wagner Reservoir
21 mi4 species · 45 records
Last stocked June 2020
Big Horn Dam
17 mi1 species · 63 records
Last stocked May 2008
Lund Reservoir
8 mi1 species · 32 records
Last stocked April 2007
Engstrom (Dave) Pond
2 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 2004
Christman Reservoir
21 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked April 2003
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 6, 2004 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 2,015 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,294 | 5.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1987 | Tiger Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 2, 1986 | Yellow Perch | 250 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 1986 | Fathead Minnow | 3,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1984 | Yellow Perch | 640 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1982 | Yellow Perch | 1,752 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 11 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 3, 1977 | Yellow Perch | 1,172 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1976 | Yellow Perch | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1976 | Yellow Perch | 1,100 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1972 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1972 | Northern Pike | 1,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1972 | Fathead Minnow | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1972 | Brook Trout | 500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1970 | Bluegill | 1,140 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1970 | Bluegill | 490 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1969 | Largemouth Bass | 2,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1969 | Northern Pike | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Engstrom Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Engstrom Pond was last stocked August 6, 2004 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Engstrom Pond?
Engstrom Pond is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Tiger Trout, Yellow Perch, Fathead Minnow, Northern Pike, Brook Trout, and Bluegill.
What time of year is Engstrom Pond stocked?
Engstrom Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Engstrom Pond stocked?
Engstrom Pond is stocked intermittently — 19 recorded stockings between 1969 and 2004.
How many fish have been stocked in Engstrom Pond?
About 27,353 fish have been stocked in Engstrom Pond across 19 recorded events since 1969, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Engstrom Pond?
Fish stocked in Engstrom Pond average about 3.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Engstrom 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 Engstrom Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Engstrom 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.