Tailings Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1956–1959 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Tailings Pond was last stocked August 17, 1959 with Rainbow Trout. Tailings Pond has 7 stocking records on file, spanning 1956–1959, with about 2,173 fish stocked over that period.
When Tailings Pond is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Tailings 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 Tailings 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 Tailings Pond was last stocked August 17, 1959, 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 Tailings 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 Tailings 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 Tailings Pond, freshest activity first.
AMC Settling Pond #3
3 mi3 species · 90 records
Last stocked June 2026
Warm Springs Gravel Pit
3 mi2 species · 77 records
Last stocked June 2026
Warm Springs Kids Pond
4 mi3 species · 129 records
Last stocked May 2026
Philman Pond
4 mi2 species · 45 records
Last stocked April 2026
Job Corps Pond #4
5 mi2 species · 17 records
Last stocked April 2026
Job Corps Pond 3
5 mi1 species · 17 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 17, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 325 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 20, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 690 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 263 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 80 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 80 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 135 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Tailings Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Tailings Pond was last stocked August 17, 1959 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Tailings Pond?
Tailings Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Tailings Pond stocked?
Tailings Pond has been stocked about 2 times a year — 7 recorded stockings between 1956 and 1959.
How many fish have been stocked in Tailings Pond?
About 2,173 fish have been stocked in Tailings Pond across 7 recorded events since 1956, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Tailings 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 Tailings Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Tailings 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.