Kelly Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1967–1967 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kelly Pond was last stocked July 18, 1967 with Brook Trout. Kelly Pond has 1 stocking record on file, spanning 1967–1967, with about 495 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Kelly 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 Kelly 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 Kelly Pond was last stocked July 18, 1967, 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 Kelly 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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Kelly 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Kelly Pond, freshest activity first.
Willow Creek Reservoir
6 mi5 species · 460 records
Last stocked June 2026
Spring Meadow Lake
7 mi2 species · 120 records
Last stocked May 2026
Margaret Lake
6 mi1 species · 26 records
Last stocked August 2024
Fairgrounds Pond
6 mi1 species · 105 records
Last stocked May 2024
Deep Creek
7 mi5 species · 307 records
Last stocked October 2008
Johnson Pond
10 mi2 species · 39 records
Last stocked June 1999
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 18, 1967 | Brook Trout | 495 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Kelly Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kelly Pond was last stocked July 18, 1967 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Kelly Pond?
Kelly Pond is stocked with Brook Trout.
How often is Kelly Pond stocked?
Kelly Pond is stocked intermittently — 1 recorded stockings between 1967 and 1967.
How many fish have been stocked in Kelly Pond?
About 495 fish have been stocked in Kelly Pond across 1 recorded events since 1967, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Kelly Pond?
Fish stocked in Kelly Pond average about 4.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Kelly 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 Kelly Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Kelly 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.