Senef Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1949–2013 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Senef Pond was last stocked June 18, 2013 with Rainbow Trout. Senef Pond has 36 stocking records on file, spanning 1949–2013, with about 19,814 fish stocked over that period.
When Senef Pond is stocked
Senef Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 13 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Senef 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 Senef 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 Senef Pond was last stocked June 18, 2013, 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 Senef 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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Senef 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 Senef Pond, freshest activity first.
Wolf Crk Ranch Pond, Upper
2 mi3 species · 18 records
Last stocked May 2026
Carpenter Reservoir
11 mi2 species · 36 records
Last stocked May 2026
Kingsbury Pond
10 mi4 species · 55 records
Last stocked July 2025
Wolf Crk Ranch Pond, Lower
3 mi2 species · 11 records
Last stocked August 2017
Warm Spring Creek
4 mi6 species · 662 records
Last stocked July 2013
Cow Creek
12 mi5 species · 39 records
Last stocked June 2003
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 18, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 4.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 308 | 3.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 298 | 4.61" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 333 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 299 | 4.15" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 308 | 4.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 302 | 4.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 277 | 3.98" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 28 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 16, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 293 | 4.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 298 | 3.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 176 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 286 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 320 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 301 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 325 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 318 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 304 | 3.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 301 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 4.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 355 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 307 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 303 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 315 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 10, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 285 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 309 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 520 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 722 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 720 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 732 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 1,014 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,015 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 27, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,428 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1949 | Brook Trout | 3,622 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Senef Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Senef Pond was last stocked June 18, 2013 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Senef Pond?
Senef Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Senef Pond stocked?
Senef Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Senef Pond stocked?
Senef Pond is stocked intermittently — 36 recorded stockings between 1949 and 2013.
How many fish have been stocked in Senef Pond?
About 19,814 fish have been stocked in Senef Pond across 36 recorded events since 1949, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Senef Pond?
Fish stocked in Senef Pond average about 4.4 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Senef 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 Senef Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Senef 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.