Stephens Pond #2 Fish Stocking
Montana · 1968–1986 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Stephens Pond #2 was last stocked June 25, 1986 with Rainbow Trout. Stephens Pond #2 has 9 stocking records on file, spanning 1968–1986, with about 6,770 fish stocked over that period.
When Stephens Pond #2 is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Stephens Pond #2
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 Stephens Pond #2, 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 Stephens Pond #2 was last stocked June 25, 1986, 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 Stephens Pond #2:
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 Stephens Pond #2
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 Stephens Pond #2, freshest activity first.
Briggs Pond
6 mi3 species · 53 records
Last stocked May 2026
Bergstrom Reservoir
16 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked July 2019
Van Horn Ranch Reservoir
3 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked June 1998
Loch Pond #1
2 mi1 species · 16 records
Last stocked May 1997
Loch Pond #2
5 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked May 1997
Wigger Pond
17 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked April 1984
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 25, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 792 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 782 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 758 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 768 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 792 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 760 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 1 more stocking record →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 15, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 814 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Stephens Pond #2 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Stephens Pond #2 was last stocked June 25, 1986 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Stephens Pond #2?
Stephens Pond #2 is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Stephens Pond #2 stocked?
Stephens Pond #2 is stocked intermittently — 9 recorded stockings between 1968 and 1986.
How many fish have been stocked in Stephens Pond #2?
About 6,770 fish have been stocked in Stephens Pond #2 across 9 recorded events since 1968, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Stephens Pond #2?
Fish stocked in Stephens Pond #2 average about 3.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Stephens Pond #2?
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 Stephens Pond #2?
Freshly stocked trout in Stephens Pond #2 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.