Woods Ranch Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1987–2017 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Woods Ranch Pond was last stocked May 18, 2017 with Rainbow Trout. Woods Ranch Pond has 63 stocking records on file, spanning 1987–2017, with about 29,236 fish stocked over that period.
When Woods Ranch Pond is stocked
Woods Ranch Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 25 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Woods Ranch 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 Woods Ranch 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 Woods Ranch Pond was last stocked May 18, 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 Woods Ranch 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 Woods Ranch 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 Woods Ranch Pond, freshest activity first.
Eureka Pond
7 mi2 species · 105 records
Last stocked June 2026
Moran Lake
5 mi3 species · 117 records
Last stocked May 2026
Swisher Lake
5 mi3 species · 77 records
Last stocked May 2026
Sophie Lake
5 mi5 species · 241 records
Last stocked May 2026
Tetrault Lake
5 mi4 species · 307 records
Last stocked May 2026
Little Therriault Lake
7 mi1 species · 35 records
Last stocked August 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 18, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,650 | 7.48" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,499 | 7.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 751 | 7.84" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 766 | 7.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 702 | 5.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 9, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 798 | 4.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 14, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 498 | 10.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 505 | 11.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 18, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 508 | 9.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 195 | 12.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 477 | 12.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 456 | 12.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 405 | 12.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 23, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 538 | 8.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 511 | 8.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 576 | 8.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 8.94" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 507 | 8.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 544 | 9.82" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 7, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 385 | 10.12" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 678 | 9.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 325 | 9.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 550 | 8.62" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 9, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 283 | 8.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 283 | 7.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 251 | 7.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 251 | 7.69" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 254 | 8.02" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 261 | 8.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 384 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 28, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 223 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 205 | 4.25" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2004 | Cutthroat Trout | 325 | 8.67" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 529 | 4.78" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 307 | 9.13" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 6, 2003 | Cutthroat Trout | 509 | 3.32" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 518 | 5.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 199 | 9.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 186 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2002 | Cutthroat Trout | 316 | 8.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 284 | 8.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 2001 | Cutthroat Trout | 274 | 3.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 506 | 5.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 510 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 21, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 183 | 8.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 212 | 3.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1999 | Cutthroat Trout | 319 | 7.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,030 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 215 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 399 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 63 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Woods Ranch Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Woods Ranch Pond was last stocked May 18, 2017 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Woods Ranch Pond?
Woods Ranch Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Woods Ranch Pond stocked?
Woods Ranch Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Woods Ranch Pond stocked?
Woods Ranch Pond has been stocked about 2 times a year — 63 recorded stockings between 1987 and 2017.
How many fish have been stocked in Woods Ranch Pond?
About 29,236 fish have been stocked in Woods Ranch Pond across 63 recorded events since 1987, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Woods Ranch Pond?
Fish stocked in Woods Ranch Pond average about 7.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Woods Ranch 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 Woods Ranch Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Woods Ranch 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.