Thomas Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 2014–2014 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Thomas Pond was last stocked August 26, 2014 with Rainbow Trout. Thomas Pond has 1 stocking record on file, spanning 2014–2014, with about 50 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Thomas 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 Thomas 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 Thomas Pond was last stocked August 26, 2014, 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 Thomas 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 Thomas 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 Thomas Pond, freshest activity first.
Stafford Kid's Pond
11 mi1 species · 29 records
Last stocked May 2026
Heironymous Pond
5 mi1 species · 38 records
Last stocked May 2026
Fred Burr Lake
9 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked July 2023
Hauf Lake
9 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked August 1990
Skalkaho Creek
7 mi2 species · 119 records
Last stocked July 1971
Kenck Lake
7 mi2 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 1956
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 26, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Thomas Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Thomas Pond was last stocked August 26, 2014 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Thomas Pond?
Thomas Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Thomas Pond stocked?
Thomas Pond is stocked intermittently — 1 recorded stockings between 2014 and 2014.
How many fish have been stocked in Thomas Pond?
About 50 fish have been stocked in Thomas Pond across 1 recorded events since 2014, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Thomas Pond?
Fish stocked in Thomas Pond average about 12.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Thomas 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 Thomas Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Thomas 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.