Peterson Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1981–2012 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Peterson Pond was last stocked June 1, 2012 with Rainbow Trout. Peterson Pond has 32 stocking records on file, spanning 1981–2012, with about 100,717 fish stocked over that period.
When Peterson Pond is stocked
Peterson Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in June — 13 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Peterson 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 Peterson 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 Peterson Pond was last stocked June 1, 2012, 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 Peterson 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 Peterson 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 Peterson Pond, freshest activity first.
Olsen Pond
11 mi4 species · 47 records
Last stocked June 2026
Kinkelaar Pond
5 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 2025
Snag Retention Reservoir
17 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked May 2025
Lone Tree Pond
17 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 2025
Butch Reservoir
17 mi3 species · 22 records
Last stocked May 2011
Sundance Reservoir
17 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 2010
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 1, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 3,008 | 3.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 2,979 | 3.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 2,999 | 3.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 3,025 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 2,975 | 3.09" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 3,002 | 3.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 3,008 | 4.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 3,100 | 4.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 24 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 6, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 2,958 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 3,078 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 3,021 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 3,100 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 3,160 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 3,400 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 3,176 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 3,038 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 3,066 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 3,010 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 3,018 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 3,002 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 3,060 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 2,956 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 3,487 | 5.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 3,495 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 1, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 3,570 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 3,498 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 1,992 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 3,504 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 2,001 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 4,002 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 4,004 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 4,025 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Peterson Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Peterson Pond was last stocked June 1, 2012 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Peterson Pond?
Peterson Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Peterson Pond stocked?
Peterson Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in June.
How often is Peterson Pond stocked?
Peterson Pond is stocked intermittently — 32 recorded stockings between 1981 and 2012.
How many fish have been stocked in Peterson Pond?
About 100,717 fish have been stocked in Peterson Pond across 32 recorded events since 1981, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Peterson Pond?
Fish stocked in Peterson Pond average about 3.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Peterson 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 Peterson Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Peterson 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.