Rost Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 2020–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Rost Pond was last stocked May 13, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Rost Pond has 6 stocking records on file, spanning 2020–2025, with about 3,058 fish stocked over that period.
When Rost Pond is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Rost 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 Rost 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 Rost Pond was last stocked May 13, 2025, 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 Rost 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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Recommended Tackle for Rost 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 Rost Pond, freshest activity first.
South Sandstone Reservoir
10 mi7 species · 118 records
Last stocked June 2025
Pinnow Reservoir 2
9 mi3 species · 27 records
Last stocked May 2025
Pinnow Reservoir
9 mi3 species · 62 records
Last stocked May 2025
Rath Pond
10 mi3 species · 10 records
Last stocked May 2025
Lander Dam
4 mi5 species · 7 records
Last stocked May 2024
Pinnow Reservoir 3
11 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1994
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 13, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| December 2, 2024 | Brown Trout | 0 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| December 2, 2024 | Brown Trout | 0 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,028 | 4.68" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2022 | Brown Trout | 968 | 3.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 2020 | Brown Trout | 562 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Rost Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Rost Pond was last stocked May 13, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Rost Pond?
Rost Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout.
How often is Rost Pond stocked?
Rost Pond is stocked intermittently — 6 recorded stockings between 2020 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Rost Pond?
About 3,058 fish have been stocked in Rost Pond across 6 recorded events since 2020, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Rost Pond?
Fish stocked in Rost Pond average about 3.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Rost 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 Rost Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Rost 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.