Far West Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 2018–2020 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Far West Pond was last stocked October 14, 2020 with Bluegill. Far West Pond has 6 stocking records on file, spanning 2018–2020, with about 6,906 fish stocked over that period.
When Far West Pond is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Far West 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 Far West 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 Far West Pond was last stocked October 14, 2020, 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 Far West 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.
Bluegill Profile Tips
A staple of family and youth fishing programs; readily takes worms, small jigs, and flies.
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 Far West 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Far West Pond, freshest activity first.
Lee, A. G. Pit #2 Reservoir
11 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 2020
Al Lee Pit Res.
11 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 2020
Lee Pit, A.G.
11 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 2020
Black Coulee Reservoir
13 mi4 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 2013
Lee Pond 2
13 mi4 species · 19 records
Last stocked August 2013
Lee, A. G. #2 Reservoir
12 mi5 species · 12 records
Last stocked August 2004
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 14, 2020 | Bluegill | 2,088 | 0.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2019 | Yellow Perch | 2,268 | 1.63" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 550 | 2.21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 2018 | Smallmouth Bass | 1,000 | 2.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 3.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Far West Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Far West Pond was last stocked October 14, 2020 with Bluegill.
What fish species are stocked in Far West Pond?
Far West Pond is stocked with Bluegill, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, and Smallmouth Bass.
How often is Far West Pond stocked?
Far West Pond has been stocked about 2 times a year — 6 recorded stockings between 2018 and 2020.
How many fish have been stocked in Far West Pond?
About 6,906 fish have been stocked in Far West Pond across 6 recorded events since 2018, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Far West Pond?
Fish stocked in Far West Pond average about 2.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Far West 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 Far West Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Far West 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.