KOA Dredge Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1979–2000 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, KOA Dredge Pond was last stocked June 14, 2000 with Rainbow Trout. KOA Dredge Pond has 23 stocking records on file, spanning 1979–2000, with about 2,300 fish stocked over that period.
When KOA Dredge Pond is stocked
KOA Dredge Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 9 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for KOA Dredge 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 KOA Dredge 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 KOA Dredge Pond was last stocked June 14, 2000, 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 KOA Dredge 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 KOA Dredge 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 KOA Dredge Pond, freshest activity first.
Ruby River Reservoir
8 mi2 species · 189 records
Last stocked June 2026
Elk Lake
2 mi3 species · 198 records
Last stocked May 2026
Twin Lake (Upper)
13 mi2 species · 24 records
Last stocked July 2025
Mckelvey Lake
14 mi1 species · 27 records
Last stocked September 2022
Mine Lake
14 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked September 2022
Reservoir Lake
13 mi2 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2022
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 14, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 15 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 15, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 90 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 35 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 85 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 85 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 11.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 51 | 28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 26, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 51 | 26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 10, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 110 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 10, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 182 | 24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 511 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was KOA Dredge Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, KOA Dredge Pond was last stocked June 14, 2000 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in KOA Dredge Pond?
KOA Dredge Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is KOA Dredge Pond stocked?
KOA Dredge Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is KOA Dredge Pond stocked?
KOA Dredge Pond is stocked intermittently — 23 recorded stockings between 1979 and 2000.
How many fish have been stocked in KOA Dredge Pond?
About 2,300 fish have been stocked in KOA Dredge Pond across 23 recorded events since 1979, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in KOA Dredge Pond?
Fish stocked in KOA Dredge Pond average about 19.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish KOA Dredge 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 KOA Dredge Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in KOA Dredge 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.