Bayers Pond Upper Fish Stocking
Montana · 1989–2005 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bayers Pond Upper was last stocked June 2, 2005 with Rainbow Trout. Bayers Pond Upper has 12 stocking records on file, spanning 1989–2005, with about 3,713 fish stocked over that period.
When Bayers Pond Upper is stocked
Bayers Pond Upper is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 5 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Bayers Pond Upper
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 Bayers Pond Upper, 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 Bayers Pond Upper was last stocked June 2, 2005, 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 Bayers Pond Upper:
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.
Recommended Tackle for Bayers Pond Upper
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 Bayers Pond Upper, freshest activity first.
Upper Boulder Lake
9 mi1 species · 10 records
Last stocked September 2024
Gheny Pond
4 mi2 species · 93 records
Last stocked May 2020
Twin Bridges Gravel Pond
5 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 2011
Ruby River
5 mi4 species · 185 records
Last stocked June 2008
Bayers Pond Lower
0 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked June 2005
Big Hole River
2 mi5 species · 893 records
Last stocked August 1993
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 2, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 301 | 6.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 305 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 349 | 7.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 9, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 12, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 304 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 302 | 8.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 4 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 13, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 7.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 202 | 10.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 27, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 5.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Bayers Pond Upper last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Bayers Pond Upper was last stocked June 2, 2005 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Bayers Pond Upper?
Bayers Pond Upper is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Bayers Pond Upper stocked?
Bayers Pond Upper is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Bayers Pond Upper stocked?
Bayers Pond Upper is stocked intermittently — 12 recorded stockings between 1989 and 2005.
How many fish have been stocked in Bayers Pond Upper?
About 3,713 fish have been stocked in Bayers Pond Upper across 12 recorded events since 1989, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Bayers Pond Upper?
Fish stocked in Bayers Pond Upper average about 7.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Bayers Pond Upper?
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 Bayers Pond Upper?
Freshly stocked trout in Bayers Pond Upper 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.