Gary Helm 2 Fish Stocking
Montana · 1996–1998 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Gary Helm 2 was last stocked April 21, 1998 with Rainbow Trout. Gary Helm 2 has 3 stocking records on file, spanning 1996–1998, with about 1,592 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Gary Helm 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 Gary Helm 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 Gary Helm 2 was last stocked April 21, 1998, 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 Gary Helm 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.
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 Gary Helm 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Gary Helm 2, freshest activity first.
McRae Reservoir 1, Jack
15 mi1 species · 34 records
Last stocked May 2025
Heitz Pond
11 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 2022
Ross Pond
13 mi3 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2019
Murnion, Fred #1
15 mi1 species · 23 records
Last stocked April 2016
Helm Reservoir
2 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked April 1999
Hafla Reservoir
5 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked August 1994
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 21, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 3.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 25, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 592 | 9.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Gary Helm 2 last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Gary Helm 2 was last stocked April 21, 1998 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Gary Helm 2?
Gary Helm 2 is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Gary Helm 2 stocked?
Gary Helm 2 is stocked intermittently — 3 recorded stockings between 1996 and 1998.
How many fish have been stocked in Gary Helm 2?
About 1,592 fish have been stocked in Gary Helm 2 across 3 recorded events since 1996, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Gary Helm 2?
Fish stocked in Gary Helm 2 average about 5.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Gary Helm 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 Gary Helm 2?
Freshly stocked trout in Gary Helm 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.