Vigilante Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1961–2017 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Vigilante Pond was last stocked July 5, 2017 with Rainbow Trout. Vigilante Pond has 253 stocking records on file, spanning 1961–2017, with about 67,251 fish stocked over that period.
When Vigilante Pond is stocked
Vigilante Pond is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 74 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Vigilante 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 Vigilante 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 Vigilante Pond was last stocked July 5, 2017, 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 Vigilante 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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Recommended Tackle for Vigilante 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 Vigilante Pond, freshest activity first.
Ruby River Reservoir
11 mi2 species · 189 records
Last stocked June 2026
Elk Lake
5 mi3 species · 198 records
Last stocked May 2026
Twin Lake (Upper)
6 mi2 species · 24 records
Last stocked July 2025
Reservoir Lake
6 mi2 species · 9 records
Last stocked July 2022
Axolotl Lake
6 mi3 species · 30 records
Last stocked July 2022
Ennis Kids Pond
12 mi1 species · 199 records
Last stocked June 2008
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 5, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 90 | 16.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 17.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 20 | 26.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 13, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 20 | 16.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 25, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 75 | 23.97" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 25, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 75 | 20.94" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 75 | 22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 75 | 19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 18.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 75 | 20.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 85 | 17.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 65 | 20.31" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 55 | 21.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 95 | 21.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 12.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 4, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 232 | 18.68" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 25 | 23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 20" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 59 | 23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 20" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 28 | 23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 65 | 23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 65 | 26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 89 | 17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 95 | 24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 55 | 17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| January 11, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 380 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| January 11, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 60 | 20" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 240 | 19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 110 | 20" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 40 | 24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 90 | 23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 18 | 27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 130 | 22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 20 | 26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 99 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 21 | 24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 41 | 24" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 54 | 22" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 184 | 18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 30 | 22.31" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 170 | 20.56" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 30 | 23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 70 | 20" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 40 | 25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 60 | 21" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 253 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Vigilante Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Vigilante Pond was last stocked July 5, 2017 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Vigilante Pond?
Vigilante Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Vigilante Pond stocked?
Vigilante Pond is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Vigilante Pond stocked?
Vigilante Pond has been stocked about 4 times a year — 253 recorded stockings between 1961 and 2017.
How many fish have been stocked in Vigilante Pond?
About 67,251 fish have been stocked in Vigilante Pond across 253 recorded events since 1961, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Vigilante Pond?
Fish stocked in Vigilante Pond average about 18.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Vigilante 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 Vigilante Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Vigilante 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.