Unnamed Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1958–1990 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Unnamed Pond was last stocked September 20, 1990 with Channel Catfish. Unnamed Pond has 12 stocking records on file, spanning 1958–1990, with about 16,770 fish stocked over that period.
When Unnamed Pond is stocked
Unnamed Pond is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in August — 3 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Unnamed 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 Unnamed 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 Unnamed Pond was last stocked September 20, 1990, 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 Unnamed 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.
Channel Catfish Profile Tips
Popular with bait anglers using cut bait, worms, or prepared 'stink bait'; often stocked specifically for summer evening fishing.
Black Crappie Profile Tips
Often caught around structure with small jigs or minnows, especially in spring when crappie move shallow to spawn.
Recommended Tackle for Unnamed 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 Unnamed Pond, freshest activity first.
Douchette Lake
14 mi6 species · 48 records
Last stocked September 2025
Reservoir Number 161
6 mi7 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 2024
Ester Lake
11 mi3 species · 41 records
Last stocked July 2023
Doll Pond
8 mi3 species · 5 records
Last stocked June 2017
Little Warm Reservoir
12 mi3 species · 29 records
Last stocked June 2016
Empire Reservoir
10 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked June 2012
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 20, 1990 | Channel Catfish | 1,300 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1989 | Black Crappie | 95 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1989 | Black Crappie | 95 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1975 | Black Bullhead | 900 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 22, 1975 | Black Bullhead | 900 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1975 | Black Crappie | 550 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 6, 1971 | Largemouth Bass | 630 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 19, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 4 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 28, 1969 | Largemouth Bass | 500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 17, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1958 | Largemouth Bass | 1,600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 29, 1958 | Bluegill | 8,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Unnamed Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Unnamed Pond was last stocked September 20, 1990 with Channel Catfish.
What fish species are stocked in Unnamed Pond?
Unnamed Pond is stocked with Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, Black Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Bluegill.
What time of year is Unnamed Pond stocked?
Unnamed Pond is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in August.
How often is Unnamed Pond stocked?
Unnamed Pond is stocked intermittently — 12 recorded stockings between 1958 and 1990.
How many fish have been stocked in Unnamed Pond?
About 16,770 fish have been stocked in Unnamed Pond across 12 recorded events since 1958, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Unnamed Pond?
Fish stocked in Unnamed Pond average about 3.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Unnamed 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 Unnamed Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Unnamed 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.