Hay Corral Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1986–2023 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hay Corral Pond was last stocked August 2, 2023 with Largemouth Bass. Hay Corral Pond has 12 stocking records on file, spanning 1986–2023, with about 19,000 fish stocked over that period.
When Hay Corral Pond is stocked
Hay Corral Pond is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 5 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Hay Corral 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 Hay Corral 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 Hay Corral Pond was last stocked August 2, 2023, 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Hay Corral Pond:
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.
Recommended Tackle for Hay Corral Pond
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
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.
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jig & Plastic Kit
Micro-jig heads paired with soft swimbaits mimic tiny baitfish and insects for schooling crappie and bluegill.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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 Hay Corral Pond, freshest activity first.
Arapooish Pond
9 mi3 species · 24 records
Last stocked September 2023
East Fork Pond
10 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 2023
Reno Creek Pond
14 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 2023
Blue Creek Pond
16 mi1 species · 9 records
Last stocked August 2023
Conley Pond
14 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked August 1995
Rocky Ranch Hardin Pond
16 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 1995
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 2, 2023 | Largemouth Bass | 800 | 3.27" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2019 | Largemouth Bass | 800 | 1.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 2016 | Largemouth Bass | 800 | 2.33" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 26, 2015 | Largemouth Bass | 800 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 2014 | Largemouth Bass | 800 | 2.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 9, 1999 | Largemouth Bass | 800 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1995 | Largemouth Bass | 750 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 1991 | Largemouth Bass | 800 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 4 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 11, 1990 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1989 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1987 | Largemouth Bass | 10,000 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1986 | Largemouth Bass | 650 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Hay Corral Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hay Corral Pond was last stocked August 2, 2023 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Hay Corral Pond?
Hay Corral Pond is stocked with Largemouth Bass.
What time of year is Hay Corral Pond stocked?
Hay Corral Pond is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Hay Corral Pond stocked?
Hay Corral Pond is stocked intermittently — 12 recorded stockings between 1986 and 2023.
How many fish have been stocked in Hay Corral Pond?
About 19,000 fish have been stocked in Hay Corral Pond across 12 recorded events since 1986, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Hay Corral Pond?
Fish stocked in Hay Corral Pond average about 2.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Hay Corral 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.