Maier Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 2018–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Maier Pond was last stocked August 15, 2025 with Yellow Perch. Maier Pond has 6 stocking records on file, spanning 2018–2025, with about 5,876 fish stocked over that period.
When Maier Pond is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Maier 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 Maier 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 Maier Pond was last stocked August 15, 2025, 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 Maier 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.
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.
Yellow Perch Profile Tips
A favorite ice-fishing target across the states that stock it, as well as an open-water panfish taken on small jigs and bait.
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 Maier 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.
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Maier Pond, freshest activity first.
South Sandstone Reservoir
7 mi7 species · 118 records
Last stocked June 2025
Lake Baker
8 mi12 species · 86 records
Last stocked June 2025
Schweigert Dam
11 mi3 species · 45 records
Last stocked May 2025
Upper Baker Lake
9 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 2022
Maier Reservoir
0 mi4 species · 11 records
Last stocked July 2003
Reiger Reservoir
6 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 1987
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 15, 2025 | Yellow Perch | 275 | 3.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 2.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2022 | Fathead Minnow | 2,500 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 2.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| November 19, 2018 | Yellow Perch | 1,101 | 4.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 3.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Maier Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Maier Pond was last stocked August 15, 2025 with Yellow Perch.
What fish species are stocked in Maier Pond?
Maier Pond is stocked with Yellow Perch, Rainbow Trout, and Fathead Minnow.
How often is Maier Pond stocked?
Maier Pond is stocked intermittently — 6 recorded stockings between 2018 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Maier Pond?
About 5,876 fish have been stocked in Maier Pond across 6 recorded events since 2018, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Maier Pond?
Fish stocked in Maier Pond average about 2.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Maier 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 Maier Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Maier 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.