Phillips Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 2013–2014 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Phillips Pond was last stocked June 12, 2014 with Rainbow Trout. Phillips Pond has 3 stocking records on file, spanning 2013–2014, with about 1,086 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Phillips 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 Phillips 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 Phillips Pond was last stocked June 12, 2014, 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 Phillips 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 Phillips 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 Phillips Pond, freshest activity first.
Tiber Reservoir
23 mi9 species · 125 records
Last stocked May 2025
Diacon Pond
22 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked June 2021
Twelvemile Coulee Reservoir
21 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked May 2012
Twelvemile Coulee
23 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked September 2005
Gottfried Pond
23 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked May 2000
Lightning Reservoir
7 mi2 species · 10 records
Last stocked April 1998
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 12, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 458 | 7.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 128 | 3.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Phillips Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Phillips Pond was last stocked June 12, 2014 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Phillips Pond?
Phillips Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Phillips Pond stocked?
Phillips Pond has been stocked about 2 times a year — 3 recorded stockings between 2013 and 2014.
How many fish have been stocked in Phillips Pond?
About 1,086 fish have been stocked in Phillips Pond across 3 recorded events since 2013, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Phillips Pond?
Fish stocked in Phillips Pond average about 6.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Phillips 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 Phillips Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Phillips 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.