Ayers Pond #2 Fish Stocking
Montana · 1994–2011 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ayers Pond #2 was last stocked August 10, 2011 with Largemouth Bass. Ayers Pond #2 has 11 stocking records on file, spanning 1994–2011, with about 15,500 fish stocked over that period.
When Ayers Pond #2 is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Ayers Pond #2
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 Ayers Pond #2, 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 Ayers Pond #2 was last stocked August 10, 2011, 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 Ayers Pond #2:
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.
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
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 Ayers Pond #2
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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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 Ayers Pond #2, freshest activity first.
Marshall Reservoir
6 mi3 species · 13 records
Last stocked August 2025
Ayers Pond
1 mi2 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 2025
Reiger Bros Reservoir
14 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked June 2024
Ayers Pond #1
1 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked April 2013
Beardsley Jim #2 (Hough)
12 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked July 1989
Sieler Dam
13 mi2 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1983
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 10, 2011 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 2005 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 13, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 3 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 28, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1994 | Largemouth Bass | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Ayers Pond #2 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Ayers Pond #2 was last stocked August 10, 2011 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Ayers Pond #2?
Ayers Pond #2 is stocked with Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Ayers Pond #2 stocked?
Ayers Pond #2 is stocked intermittently — 11 recorded stockings between 1994 and 2011.
How many fish have been stocked in Ayers Pond #2?
About 15,500 fish have been stocked in Ayers Pond #2 across 11 recorded events since 1994, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Ayers Pond #2?
Fish stocked in Ayers Pond #2 average about 2.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Ayers Pond #2?
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 Ayers Pond #2?
Freshly stocked trout in Ayers Pond #2 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.