Russif Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1949–1964 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Russif Pond was last stocked June 30, 1964 with Largemouth Bass. Russif Pond has 4 stocking records on file, spanning 1949–1964, with about 2,620 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Russif 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 Russif 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 Russif Pond was last stocked June 30, 1964, 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Russif Pond:
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
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.
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 Russif Pond
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
Catfish Carolina Rig & Egg Sinker Terminal Kit
Delivers cut bait or stink bait right to channel bottoms and deep holes where stocked channel cats scavenge.
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.
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jig & Plastic Kit
Micro-jig heads paired with soft swimbaits mimic tiny baitfish and insects for schooling crappie and bluegill.
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 Russif Pond, freshest activity first.
Stanley Pond
14 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked May 2025
Janssen Reservoir
6 mi2 species · 22 records
Last stocked April 2013
Carter Pond
9 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked April 1984
Emmons Pond
16 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1983
Witcher Reservoir
4 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1964
Little Pumpkin Creek
15 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked October 1957
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 30, 1964 | Largemouth Bass | 2,400 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 9, 1949 | Largemouth Bass | 10 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 9, 1949 | Bullhead | 70 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 9, 1949 | Bullhead | 140 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Russif Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Russif Pond was last stocked June 30, 1964 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Russif Pond?
Russif Pond is stocked with Largemouth Bass and Bullhead.
How often is Russif Pond stocked?
Russif Pond is stocked intermittently — 4 recorded stockings between 1949 and 1964.
How many fish have been stocked in Russif Pond?
About 2,620 fish have been stocked in Russif Pond across 4 recorded events since 1949, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Russif Pond?
Fish stocked in Russif Pond average about 2.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Russif 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.