Smith Creek Private Pond License Review FWP-CEA-FSH-R3-25-024

Jun 6, 2025 12:20 PM

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock Rainbow Trout in an unnamed private pond. The Pond is 0.6 surface acres and on 14326 Rocky Mountain Road east of Belgrade about 5 miles north of the East Gallatin River. The East Gallatin River contains Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. The pond is fed from a developed spring located at the site. The outlet consists of a screened vertical pipe control structure. The intermittent discharge of the pond is directed towards a spring which eventually reaches Bill Smith Creek. Rainbow Trout are not native the East Gallatin River but were legally stocked. Rainbow Trout could be removed from the pond via chemical treatments or through senescence.

The project is sponsored by the private landowner, and the license would be active for a period of 10 years from the year of issuance (2025). The license can be renewed for additional 10 year intervals at the end of each term, and the license is transferable.