Nelsons Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1949–2003 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Nelsons Pond was last stocked July 30, 2003 with Black Crappie. Nelsons Pond has 3 stocking records on file, spanning 1949–2003, with about 2,755 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Nelsons 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 Nelsons 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 Nelsons Pond was last stocked July 30, 2003, 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 Nelsons 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.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
Black Crappie Profile Tips
Often caught around structure with small jigs or minnows, especially in spring when crappie move shallow to spawn.
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 Nelsons 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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Nelsons Pond, freshest activity first.
Chief Joseph Pond
11 mi3 species · 176 records
Last stocked June 2026
Martinsdale Reservoir
17 mi4 species · 337 records
Last stocked May 2026
West Fork Cottonwood Creek
12 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked September 2004
Lebo Lake
18 mi6 species · 84 records
Last stocked July 1993
North Fork Musselshell River
16 mi4 species · 167 records
Last stocked July 1973
South Fork Musselshell River
16 mi4 species · 121 records
Last stocked June 1970
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 30, 2003 | Black Crappie | 25 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1953 | Rainbow Trout | 490 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 24, 1949 | Rainbow Trout | 2,240 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Nelsons Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Nelsons Pond was last stocked July 30, 2003 with Black Crappie.
What fish species are stocked in Nelsons Pond?
Nelsons Pond is stocked with Black Crappie and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Nelsons Pond stocked?
Nelsons Pond is stocked intermittently — 3 recorded stockings between 1949 and 2003.
How many fish have been stocked in Nelsons Pond?
About 2,755 fish have been stocked in Nelsons Pond across 3 recorded events since 1949, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Nelsons Pond?
Fish stocked in Nelsons Pond average about 6.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Nelsons 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 Nelsons Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Nelsons 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.