Maxwell Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1983–1989 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Maxwell Pond was last stocked August 17, 1989 with Rainbow Trout. Maxwell Pond has 3 stocking records on file, spanning 1983–1989, with about 3,503 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Maxwell 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 Maxwell 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 Maxwell Pond was last stocked August 17, 1989, 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 Maxwell 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 Maxwell 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 Maxwell Pond, freshest activity first.
Brown Reservoir
21 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked August 2023
Old Anderson Pond
19 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 2017
Flying V Ranch Ponds
12 mi1 species · 19 records
Last stocked July 2012
Wolf Mountain Lookout Pond
23 mi2 species · 44 records
Last stocked June 2008
Lodge Grass Storage Reservoir
16 mi3 species · 129 records
Last stocked May 2008
Yellow Weasel Pond
3 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked July 2007
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 17, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,027 | 5.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 1,020 | 9.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 1,456 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Maxwell Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Maxwell Pond was last stocked August 17, 1989 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Maxwell Pond?
Maxwell Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Maxwell Pond stocked?
Maxwell Pond is stocked intermittently — 3 recorded stockings between 1983 and 1989.
How many fish have been stocked in Maxwell Pond?
About 3,503 fish have been stocked in Maxwell Pond across 3 recorded events since 1983, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Maxwell Pond?
Fish stocked in Maxwell Pond average about 6.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Maxwell 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 Maxwell Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Maxwell 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.