Philman Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1992–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Philman Pond was last stocked April 24, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Philman Pond has 45 stocking records on file, spanning 1992–2026, with about 9,873 fish stocked over that period.
When Philman Pond is stocked
Philman Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 26 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Philman 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 Philman 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 Philman Pond was last stocked April 24, 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 Philman 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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Recommended Tackle for Philman 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 Philman Pond, freshest activity first.
AMC Settling Pond #3
2 mi3 species · 90 records
Last stocked June 2026
Warm Springs Gravel Pit
0 mi2 species · 77 records
Last stocked June 2026
Warm Springs Kids Pond
1 mi3 species · 129 records
Last stocked May 2026
Job Corps Pond #4
1 mi2 species · 17 records
Last stocked April 2026
Job Corps Pond 3
1 mi1 species · 17 records
Last stocked April 2026
Job Corps Pond 2
2 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 24, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 255 | 7.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 10 | 13.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 299 | 7.48" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 15 | 22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 7.61" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 20 | 11.76" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 5 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 37 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 12, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 8.07" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 125 | 9.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 124 | 8.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 125 | 11.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 125 | 10.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 125 | 9.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 10.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 10.47" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 10.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 253 | 9.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 252 | 10.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 253 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 251 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 340 | 10.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 262 | 11.18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 265 | 11.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 256 | 10.91" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 251 | 10.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 263 | 10.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 101 | 11.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 22, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 244 | 10.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 253 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 8, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 10.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1997 | Cutthroat Trout | 50 | 13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 11.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 135 | 11.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 265 | 11.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 10.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 350 | 11.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 10.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 12.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Philman Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Philman Pond was last stocked April 24, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Philman Pond?
Philman Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Philman Pond stocked?
Philman Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Philman Pond stocked?
Philman Pond has been stocked about 1 times a year — 45 recorded stockings between 1992 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Philman Pond?
About 9,873 fish have been stocked in Philman Pond across 45 recorded events since 1992, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Philman Pond?
Fish stocked in Philman Pond average about 10.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Philman 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 Philman Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Philman 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.