Fairgrounds Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1955–2024 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Fairgrounds Pond was last stocked May 29, 2024 with Rainbow Trout. Fairgrounds Pond has 105 stocking records on file, spanning 1955–2024, with about 88,033 fish stocked over that period.
When Fairgrounds Pond is stocked
Fairgrounds Pond is typically stocked in summer, most often in May — 36 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Fairgrounds 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 Fairgrounds 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 Fairgrounds Pond was last stocked May 29, 2024, 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 Fairgrounds 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.
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 Fairgrounds 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.
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 Fairgrounds Pond, freshest activity first.
Willow Creek Reservoir
0 mi5 species · 460 records
Last stocked June 2026
Spring Meadow Lake
1 mi2 species · 120 records
Last stocked May 2026
Johnson Pond
8 mi2 species · 39 records
Last stocked June 1999
Lake Helena
8 mi8 species · 28 records
Last stocked April 1999
Conklin Pond
5 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1995
Helena Industries Pond
8 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 1991
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 29, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 7.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 7.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 7.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 7.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 8.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 6.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,220 | 7.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 6.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 7.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 6, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 8.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 8.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 6.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 8.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 6.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 8.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 8.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 6.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 8.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 8.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 602 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 558 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 624 | 7.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 608 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 607 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 605 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 105 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Fairgrounds Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Fairgrounds Pond was last stocked May 29, 2024 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Fairgrounds Pond?
Fairgrounds Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Fairgrounds Pond stocked?
Fairgrounds Pond is typically stocked in summer, most often in May.
How often is Fairgrounds Pond stocked?
Fairgrounds Pond has been stocked about 2 times a year — 105 recorded stockings between 1955 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Fairgrounds Pond?
About 88,033 fish have been stocked in Fairgrounds Pond across 105 recorded events since 1955, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Fairgrounds Pond?
Fish stocked in Fairgrounds Pond average about 8.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Fairgrounds 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 Fairgrounds Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Fairgrounds 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.