Olsen Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1946–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Olsen Pond was last stocked June 4, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Olsen Pond has 47 stocking records on file, spanning 1946–2026, with about 46,528 fish stocked over that period.
When Olsen Pond is stocked
Olsen Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 19 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Olsen 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 Olsen 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 Olsen Pond was last stocked June 4, 2026, 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 Olsen 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.
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Recommended Tackle for Olsen 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.
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 Olsen Pond, freshest activity first.
Shallow Reservoir
14 mi2 species · 24 records
Last stocked September 2025
Anita Reservoir
9 mi7 species · 54 records
Last stocked August 2025
Kinkelaar Pond
14 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 2025
Snag Retention Reservoir
14 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked May 2025
Plutz Reservoir
15 mi2 species · 23 records
Last stocked May 2022
Peterson Pond
11 mi1 species · 32 records
Last stocked June 2012
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 4, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 496 | 4.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 508 | 4.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 503 | 4.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 531 | 3.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 4.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 506 | 4.48" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 502 | 4.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 39 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 506 | 4.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 17, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,016 | 7.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,045 | 4.18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,007 | 4.74" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,007 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 998 | 3.91" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 4.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | 4.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 978 | 3.52" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 984 | 4.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 994 | 3.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 26, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 998 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 996 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,021 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,026 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,056 | 5.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 4.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,007 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 979 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,012 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 1,046 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 2,013 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 2,001 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 2,523 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 3, 1976 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1969 | Largemouth Bass | 200 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 1969 | Largemouth Bass | 300 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 1946 | Crappie | 400 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 24, 1946 | Largemouth Bass | 160 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1946 | Bluegill | 1,600 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Olsen Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Olsen Pond was last stocked June 4, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Olsen Pond?
Olsen Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Bluegill.
What time of year is Olsen Pond stocked?
Olsen Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Olsen Pond stocked?
Olsen Pond is stocked intermittently — 47 recorded stockings between 1946 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Olsen Pond?
About 46,528 fish have been stocked in Olsen Pond across 47 recorded events since 1946, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Olsen Pond?
Fish stocked in Olsen Pond average about 4.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Olsen 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 Olsen Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Olsen 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.