Hanley Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1946–2001 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hanley Pond was last stocked April 5, 2001 with Rainbow Trout. Hanley Pond has 15 stocking records on file, spanning 1946–2001, with about 20,750 fish stocked over that period.
When Hanley Pond is stocked
Hanley Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 7 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Hanley 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 Hanley 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 Hanley Pond was last stocked April 5, 2001, 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 Hanley 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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
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.
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Recommended Tackle for Hanley 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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Hanley Pond, freshest activity first.
Rath Pond
3 mi3 species · 10 records
Last stocked May 2025
Rost Pond
11 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked May 2025
Lander Dam
9 mi5 species · 7 records
Last stocked May 2024
Camp Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 21 records
Last stocked May 1987
Westrope Pond
9 mi4 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 1982
McKay Ranch Reservoir #1
12 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1982
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 5, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 31, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 27, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 7 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 16, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 2.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 3.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1963 | Largemouth Bass | 600 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1963 | Bluegill | 1,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 21, 1951 | Largemouth Bass | 150 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 4, 1946 | Bullhead | 2,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Hanley Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hanley Pond was last stocked April 5, 2001 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Hanley Pond?
Hanley Pond is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Bullhead.
What time of year is Hanley Pond stocked?
Hanley Pond is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Hanley Pond stocked?
Hanley Pond is stocked intermittently — 15 recorded stockings between 1946 and 2001.
How many fish have been stocked in Hanley Pond?
About 20,750 fish have been stocked in Hanley Pond across 15 recorded events since 1946, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Hanley Pond?
Fish stocked in Hanley Pond average about 2.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Hanley 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 Hanley Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Hanley 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.