Gooderich Bayou Fish Stocking
Montana · 2003–2013 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Gooderich Bayou was last stocked May 29, 2013 with Cutthroat Trout. Gooderich Bayou has 20 stocking records on file, spanning 2003–2013, with about 5,169 fish stocked over that period.
When Gooderich Bayou is stocked
Gooderich Bayou is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 10 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Gooderich Bayou
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 Gooderich Bayou, 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 Gooderich Bayou was last stocked May 29, 2013, 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 Gooderich Bayou:
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.
Recommended Tackle for Gooderich Bayou
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 Gooderich Bayou, freshest activity first.
Beaver Lake
3 mi4 species · 167 records
Last stocked June 2026
Snappys Pond
4 mi4 species · 160 records
Last stocked June 2026
Shady Lane Pond
3 mi2 species · 120 records
Last stocked June 2026
Pine Grove Pond
3 mi2 species · 147 records
Last stocked May 2026
Buffalohead Park Pond
5 mi1 species · 43 records
Last stocked June 2025
Rock Lake
3 mi3 species · 71 records
Last stocked September 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 29, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 252 | 10.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 252 | 10.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 269 | 12.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 269 | 12.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 256 | 8.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 256 | 8.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 267 | 8.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 267 | 8.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 12 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 256 | 9.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 256 | 9.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 262 | 9.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 262 | 9.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 251 | 9.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 275 | 8.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 275 | 8.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 256 | 7.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 256 | 7.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 266 | 8.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 266 | 8.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 13.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Gooderich Bayou last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Gooderich Bayou was last stocked May 29, 2013 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Gooderich Bayou?
Gooderich Bayou is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Gooderich Bayou stocked?
Gooderich Bayou is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Gooderich Bayou stocked?
Gooderich Bayou has been stocked about 2 times a year — 20 recorded stockings between 2003 and 2013.
How many fish have been stocked in Gooderich Bayou?
About 5,169 fish have been stocked in Gooderich Bayou across 20 recorded events since 2003, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Gooderich Bayou?
Fish stocked in Gooderich Bayou average about 9.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Gooderich Bayou?
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 Gooderich Bayou?
Freshly stocked trout in Gooderich Bayou 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.