Petrie Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1996–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Petrie Pond was last stocked May 27, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Petrie Pond has 23 stocking records on file, spanning 1996–2026, with about 24,634 fish stocked over that period.
When Petrie Pond is stocked
Petrie Pond is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Petrie 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 Petrie 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 Petrie Pond was last stocked May 27, 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 Petrie 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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Petrie 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 Petrie Pond, freshest activity first.
Pr 054 Reservoir
21 mi3 species · 15 records
Last stocked September 2025
Pr 022 Reservoir
23 mi3 species · 30 records
Last stocked August 2025
Br 028 Reservoir
18 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked June 2025
Golden Rearing Pond
24 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 1991
Compton Reservoir
22 mi2 species · 20 records
Last stocked April 1990
Horseman Reservoir
23 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked April 1989
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.94" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 143 | 6.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 357 | 7.93" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 2019 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 4.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 15 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 26, 2017 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 4.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2015 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 4.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2014 | Brook Trout | 1,034 | 4.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 2012 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2010 | Brook Trout | 1,500 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2009 | Brook Trout | 1,500 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2008 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 2004 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2004 | Bluegill | 1,450 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2004 | Bluegill | 50 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 2,500 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Petrie Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Petrie Pond was last stocked May 27, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Petrie Pond?
Petrie Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill.
What time of year is Petrie Pond stocked?
Petrie Pond is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Petrie Pond stocked?
Petrie Pond is stocked intermittently — 23 recorded stockings between 1996 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Petrie Pond?
About 24,634 fish have been stocked in Petrie Pond across 23 recorded events since 1996, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Petrie Pond?
Fish stocked in Petrie Pond average about 5.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Petrie 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 Petrie Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Petrie 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.