Ross Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1947–2019 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ross Pond was last stocked July 20, 2019 with Rainbow Trout. Ross Pond has 6 stocking records on file, spanning 1947–2019, with about 18,250 fish stocked over that period.
When Ross Pond is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Ross 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 Ross 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 Ross Pond was last stocked July 20, 2019, 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 Ross 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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Recommended Tackle for Ross 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Ross Pond, freshest activity first.
Heitz Pond
5 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 2022
Hagloffs Reservoir
15 mi7 species · 11 records
Last stocked April 2019
Murnion, Fred #1
17 mi1 species · 23 records
Last stocked April 2016
Lisk Creek Reservoir
12 mi5 species · 46 records
Last stocked September 2004
Helm Reservoir
14 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked April 1999
Gary Helm 2
13 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked April 1998
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 20, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.04" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 8,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 1969 | Largemouth Bass | 650 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 15, 1947 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 23, 1947 | Bluegill | 200 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Ross Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ross Pond was last stocked July 20, 2019 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Ross Pond?
Ross Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, and Bluegill.
How often is Ross Pond stocked?
Ross Pond is stocked intermittently — 6 recorded stockings between 1947 and 2019.
How many fish have been stocked in Ross Pond?
About 18,250 fish have been stocked in Ross Pond across 6 recorded events since 1947, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Ross Pond?
Fish stocked in Ross Pond average about 2.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Ross 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 Ross Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Ross 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.