Philbrick #3 Fish Stocking
Montana · 1978–1978 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Philbrick #3 was last stocked June 27, 1978 with Rainbow Trout. Philbrick #3 has 1 stocking record on file, spanning 1978–1978, with about 1,000 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Philbrick #3
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 Philbrick #3, 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 Philbrick #3 was last stocked June 27, 1978, 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 Philbrick #3:
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 Philbrick #3
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 Philbrick #3, freshest activity first.
Castle Rock Reservoir
16 mi7 species · 58 records
Last stocked June 2025
Philbrick #1
3 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked July 2003
Boggs Reservoir
14 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1992
Brewster Pond #2
15 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1982
Colstrip Pond 3
14 mi7 species · 46 records
Last stocked August 1979
Philbrick Reservoir
6 mi3 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 1978
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 27, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Philbrick #3 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Philbrick #3 was last stocked June 27, 1978 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Philbrick #3?
Philbrick #3 is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Philbrick #3 stocked?
Philbrick #3 is stocked intermittently — 1 recorded stockings between 1978 and 1978.
How many fish have been stocked in Philbrick #3?
About 1,000 fish have been stocked in Philbrick #3 across 1 recorded events since 1978, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Philbrick #3?
Fish stocked in Philbrick #3 average about 4.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Philbrick #3?
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 Philbrick #3?
Freshly stocked trout in Philbrick #3 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.