Phipps Trout Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1982–2009 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Phipps Trout Pond was last stocked April 17, 2009 with Rainbow Trout. Phipps Trout Pond has 23 stocking records on file, spanning 1982–2009, with about 97,000 fish stocked over that period.
When Phipps Trout Pond is stocked
Phipps Trout Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 11 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Phipps Trout 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 Phipps Trout 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 Phipps Trout Pond was last stocked April 17, 2009, 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 Phipps Trout 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 Phipps Trout 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.
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 Phipps Trout Pond, freshest activity first.
Jarden Reservoir 2
7 mi1 species · 39 records
Last stocked May 2025
Saylor Reservoir
11 mi1 species · 35 records
Last stocked May 2025
Saylor Pond
12 mi5 species · 34 records
Last stocked May 2025
Jarden Reservoir 1
6 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked July 2020
Meckle Reservoir 1
14 mi2 species · 36 records
Last stocked April 2020
Engdahl Reservoir 2
13 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked May 1995
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 17, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 7, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 14, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 15 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 23, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 12, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 28, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 4,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 10,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Phipps Trout Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Phipps Trout Pond was last stocked April 17, 2009 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Phipps Trout Pond?
Phipps Trout Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Phipps Trout Pond stocked?
Phipps Trout Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Phipps Trout Pond stocked?
Phipps Trout Pond is stocked intermittently — 23 recorded stockings between 1982 and 2009.
How many fish have been stocked in Phipps Trout Pond?
About 97,000 fish have been stocked in Phipps Trout Pond across 23 recorded events since 1982, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Phipps Trout Pond?
Fish stocked in Phipps Trout Pond average about 2.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Phipps Trout 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 Phipps Trout Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Phipps Trout 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.