Evans Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1948–1977 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Evans Pond was last stocked June 23, 1977 with Rainbow Trout. Evans Pond has 4 stocking records on file, spanning 1948–1977, with about 1,517 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Evans 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 Evans 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 Evans Pond was last stocked June 23, 1977, 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 Evans 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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
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.
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Recommended Tackle for Evans 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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Evans Pond, freshest activity first.
C-1 Reservoir
9 mi3 species · 30 records
Last stocked June 2004
Kolar Reservoir #6
10 mi2 species · 26 records
Last stocked April 2000
Kolar Reservoir #4
10 mi2 species · 30 records
Last stocked April 2000
Surprise Creek Reservoir
4 mi3 species · 38 records
Last stocked May 1996
Dry Wolf Creek
9 mi4 species · 169 records
Last stocked August 1993
Polleri Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1971
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 23, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 767 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 25, 1948 | Largemouth Bass | 250 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 25, 1948 | Bullhead | 250 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 25, 1948 | Bluegill | 250 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Evans Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Evans Pond was last stocked June 23, 1977 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Evans Pond?
Evans Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Bullhead, and Bluegill.
How often is Evans Pond stocked?
Evans Pond is stocked intermittently — 4 recorded stockings between 1948 and 1977.
How many fish have been stocked in Evans Pond?
About 1,517 fish have been stocked in Evans Pond across 4 recorded events since 1948, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Evans Pond?
Fish stocked in Evans Pond average about 3.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Evans 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 Evans Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Evans 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.