Smith Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1946–1966 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Smith Pond was last stocked May 19, 1966 with Rainbow Trout. Smith Pond has 14 stocking records on file, spanning 1946–1966, with about 20,783 fish stocked over that period.
When Smith Pond is stocked
Smith Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 4 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Smith 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 Smith 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 Smith Pond was last stocked May 19, 1966, 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 Smith 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.
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.
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.
Bluegill Profile Tips
A staple of family and youth fishing programs; readily takes worms, small jigs, and flies.
Recommended Tackle for Smith 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.
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Smith Pond, freshest activity first.
Laurel Pond
18 mi4 species · 200 records
Last stocked June 2026
Cooney Reservoir
9 mi7 species · 638 records
Last stocked May 2026
Keyser Creek
14 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 2011
Belston Pond
10 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1993
Red Lodge Creek
2 mi3 species · 76 records
Last stocked July 1983
West Red Lodge Creek
17 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked October 1982
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 523 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 499 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 509 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1958 | Bluegill | 9,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 6 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 22, 1958 | Largemouth Bass | 1,400 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1953 | Brook Trout | 5,850 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 10, 1946 | Bullhead | 250 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 10, 1946 | Bluegill | 250 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 10, 1946 | Crappie | 250 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 10, 1946 | Largemouth Bass | 250 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Smith Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Smith Pond was last stocked May 19, 1966 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Smith Pond?
Smith Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Brook Trout, Bullhead, and Crappie.
What time of year is Smith Pond stocked?
Smith Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Smith Pond stocked?
Smith Pond is stocked intermittently — 14 recorded stockings between 1946 and 1966.
How many fish have been stocked in Smith Pond?
About 20,783 fish have been stocked in Smith Pond across 14 recorded events since 1946, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Smith Pond?
Fish stocked in Smith Pond average about 5.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Smith 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 Smith Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Smith 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.