Ikes Fishing Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 2021–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ikes Fishing Pond was last stocked May 30, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Ikes Fishing Pond has 6 stocking records on file, spanning 2021–2025, with about 3,021 fish stocked over that period.
When Ikes Fishing Pond is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Ikes Fishing 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 Ikes Fishing 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 Ikes Fishing Pond was last stocked May 30, 2025, 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 Ikes Fishing 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 Ikes Fishing 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 Ikes Fishing Pond, freshest activity first.
Knudsen Bros Pond
12 mi3 species · 13 records
Last stocked June 2025
Hofman Reservoir
6 mi2 species · 69 records
Last stocked May 2025
Crusch Reservoir
16 mi2 species · 30 records
Last stocked May 2025
Big Muddy Reservoir
4 mi2 species · 49 records
Last stocked May 2022
Big Horn Dam
17 mi1 species · 63 records
Last stocked May 2008
Bainville RR Pond #1
13 mi9 species · 28 records
Last stocked May 1996
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 30, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.03" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 6.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.08" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 410 | 6.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 611 | 6.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Ikes Fishing Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ikes Fishing Pond was last stocked May 30, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Ikes Fishing Pond?
Ikes Fishing Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Ikes Fishing Pond stocked?
Ikes Fishing Pond has been stocked about 1 times a year — 6 recorded stockings between 2021 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Ikes Fishing Pond?
About 3,021 fish have been stocked in Ikes Fishing Pond across 6 recorded events since 2021, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Ikes Fishing Pond?
Fish stocked in Ikes Fishing Pond average about 6.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Ikes Fishing 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 Ikes Fishing Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Ikes Fishing 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.