Lafever Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1966–1978 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lafever Pond was last stocked May 30, 1978 with Rainbow Trout. Lafever Pond has 28 stocking records on file, spanning 1966–1978, with about 55,370 fish stocked over that period.
When Lafever Pond is stocked
Lafever Pond is typically stocked year-round, most often in May — 10 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lafever 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 Lafever 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 Lafever Pond was last stocked May 30, 1978, 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 Lafever 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 Lafever 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 Lafever Pond, freshest activity first.
Blue Creek Pond
10 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked August 2023
Wolf Mountain Lookout Pond
13 mi2 species · 44 records
Last stocked June 2008
Spear-o Reservoir
7 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked April 1999
Conley Pond
14 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked August 1995
Rednose Reservoir
5 mi6 species · 46 records
Last stocked July 1995
Parker Reservoir
1 mi4 species · 5 records
Last stocked June 1978
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 30, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 7,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 20 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 12, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,370 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 2, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 29, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 20, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Lafever Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Lafever Pond was last stocked May 30, 1978 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lafever Pond?
Lafever Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Lafever Pond stocked?
Lafever Pond is typically stocked year-round, most often in May.
How often is Lafever Pond stocked?
Lafever Pond has been stocked about 2 times a year — 28 recorded stockings between 1966 and 1978.
How many fish have been stocked in Lafever Pond?
About 55,370 fish have been stocked in Lafever Pond across 28 recorded events since 1966, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Lafever Pond?
Fish stocked in Lafever Pond average about 8.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lafever 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 Lafever Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Lafever 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.