Johnson Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1947–1999 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Johnson Pond was last stocked June 23, 1999 with Rainbow Trout. Johnson Pond has 39 stocking records on file, spanning 1947–1999, with about 23,606 fish stocked over that period.
When Johnson Pond is stocked
Johnson Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 18 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Johnson 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 Johnson 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 Johnson Pond was last stocked June 23, 1999, 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 Johnson 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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Johnson 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Johnson Pond, freshest activity first.
Willow Creek Reservoir
8 mi5 species · 460 records
Last stocked June 2026
Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir
1 mi2 species · 80 records
Last stocked May 2026
Spring Meadow Lake
9 mi2 species · 120 records
Last stocked May 2026
Hauser Reservoir
4 mi10 species · 897 records
Last stocked April 2026
Fairgrounds Pond
8 mi1 species · 105 records
Last stocked May 2024
Rock Creek
10 mi6 species · 595 records
Last stocked May 2013
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 23, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 6.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 6.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 6.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 31 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 27, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 503 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 502 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 503 | 8.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 522 | 9.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 498 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 499 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 612 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 960 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 302 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 320 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 502 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 505 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 440 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1953 | Brook Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1952 | Rainbow Trout | 498 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1952 | Brook Trout | 516 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1947 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Johnson Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Johnson Pond was last stocked June 23, 1999 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Johnson Pond?
Johnson Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Johnson Pond stocked?
Johnson Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Johnson Pond stocked?
Johnson Pond is stocked intermittently — 39 recorded stockings between 1947 and 1999.
How many fish have been stocked in Johnson Pond?
About 23,606 fish have been stocked in Johnson Pond across 39 recorded events since 1947, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Johnson Pond?
Fish stocked in Johnson Pond average about 8.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Johnson 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 Johnson Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Johnson 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.