Popelka Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1986–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Popelka Pond was last stocked August 6, 2025 with Largemouth Bass. Popelka Pond has 13 stocking records on file, spanning 1986–2025, with about 11,011 fish stocked over that period.
When Popelka Pond is stocked
Popelka Pond is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Popelka 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 Popelka 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 Popelka Pond was last stocked August 6, 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Popelka 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 Popelka 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 Popelka Pond, freshest activity first.
Shiloh Conservation Pond 1
12 mi3 species · 57 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lake Elmo
15 mi15 species · 263 records
Last stocked June 2026
Laurel Pond
15 mi4 species · 200 records
Last stocked June 2026
Canyon Creek Pond
12 mi3 species · 30 records
Last stocked May 2026
Shiloh Conservation Pond 2
12 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 2024
Joels Pond
13 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked August 2022
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 6, 2025 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 1.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 9, 2024 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 1.36" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2023 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 1.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 27, 2020 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 1.65" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 2020 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 0.94" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 24, 2019 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 1.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 3, 2018 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 2.42" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2017 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 1.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 5 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 7, 2015 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 20, 2014 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1989 | Largemouth Bass | 400 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 11, 1987 | Largemouth Bass | 6,300 | 0.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1986 | Largemouth Bass | 311 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Popelka Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Popelka Pond was last stocked August 6, 2025 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Popelka Pond?
Popelka Pond is stocked with Largemouth Bass.
What time of year is Popelka Pond stocked?
Popelka Pond is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Popelka Pond stocked?
Popelka Pond is stocked intermittently — 13 recorded stockings between 1986 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Popelka Pond?
About 11,011 fish have been stocked in Popelka Pond across 13 recorded events since 1986, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Popelka Pond?
Fish stocked in Popelka Pond average about 1.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Popelka 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.