Stafford Kid's Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 2002–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Stafford Kid's Pond was last stocked May 27, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Stafford Kid's Pond has 29 stocking records on file, spanning 2002–2026, with about 3,393 fish stocked over that period.
When Stafford Kid's Pond is stocked
Stafford Kid's Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 19 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Stafford Kid's 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 Stafford Kid's 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 Stafford Kid's Pond was last stocked May 27, 2026, 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 Stafford Kid's 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.
Recommended Tackle for Stafford Kid's 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.
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 Stafford Kid's Pond, freshest activity first.
Heironymous Pond
7 mi1 species · 38 records
Last stocked May 2026
Upper Twin Lake
4 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked September 2025
Thomas Pond
11 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 2014
Upper Camas Lake
11 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 1977
Skalkaho Creek
5 mi2 species · 119 records
Last stocked July 1971
Daly Creek
8 mi2 species · 41 records
Last stocked July 1968
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 8.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 98 | 7.99" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 7.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 8.04" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 8.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 8.07" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 9.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 21 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 13, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 8.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 9.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 8.59" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 10.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 9.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 12, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 9.38" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 120 | 9.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 9.98" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 9.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 120 | 9.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 132 | 9.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 9.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 157 | 11.39" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 182 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 137 | 9.91" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 110 | 10.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 111 | 11.56" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 103 | 10.91" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 103 | 11.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 120 | 10.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 11.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Stafford Kid's Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Stafford Kid's Pond was last stocked May 27, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Stafford Kid's Pond?
Stafford Kid's Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Stafford Kid's Pond stocked?
Stafford Kid's Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Stafford Kid's Pond stocked?
Stafford Kid's Pond is stocked intermittently — 29 recorded stockings between 2002 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Stafford Kid's Pond?
About 3,393 fish have been stocked in Stafford Kid's Pond across 29 recorded events since 2002, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Stafford Kid's Pond?
Fish stocked in Stafford Kid's Pond average about 9.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Stafford Kid's 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 Stafford Kid's Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Stafford Kid's 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.