Hofer Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1964–1969 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hofer Pond was last stocked August 10, 1969 with Largemouth Bass. Hofer Pond has 6 stocking records on file, spanning 1964–1969, with about 3,100 fish stocked over that period.
When Hofer Pond is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Hofer 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 Hofer 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 Hofer Pond was last stocked August 10, 1969, 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 Hofer Pond:
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Channel Catfish Profile Tips
Popular with bait anglers using cut bait, worms, or prepared 'stink bait'; often stocked specifically for summer evening fishing.
Recommended Tackle for Hofer Pond
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
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.
Catfish Carolina Rig & Egg Sinker Terminal Kit
Delivers cut bait or stink bait right to channel bottoms and deep holes where stocked channel cats scavenge.
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Hofer Pond, freshest activity first.
Br 028 Reservoir
2 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked June 2025
Br 043 Reservoir
16 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 2011
Bus Reservoir
9 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 1994
Golden Rearing Pond
7 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 1991
Cronk Reservoir
12 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 1990
Horseman Reservoir
7 mi2 species · 4 records
Last stocked April 1989
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 10, 1969 | Largemouth Bass | 500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1965 | Bass | 300 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1965 | Bass | 300 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1964 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1964 | Largemouth Bass | 800 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 22, 1964 | Channel Catfish | 800 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Hofer Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Hofer Pond was last stocked August 10, 1969 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Hofer Pond?
Hofer Pond is stocked with Largemouth Bass, Bass, and Channel Catfish.
How often is Hofer Pond stocked?
Hofer Pond is stocked intermittently — 6 recorded stockings between 1964 and 1969.
How many fish have been stocked in Hofer Pond?
About 3,100 fish have been stocked in Hofer Pond across 6 recorded events since 1964, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Hofer Pond?
Fish stocked in Hofer Pond average about 1.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Hofer 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.