Winter Harbor Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 1997–2009 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Winter Harbor Pond was last stocked September 9, 2009 with Largemouth Bass. Winter Harbor Pond has 7 stocking records on file, spanning 1997–2009, with about 12,500 fish stocked over that period.
When Winter Harbor Pond is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Winter Harbor 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 Winter Harbor 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 Winter Harbor Pond was last stocked September 9, 2009, 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 Winter Harbor 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.
Bluegill Profile Tips
A staple of family and youth fishing programs; readily takes worms, small jigs, and flies.
Recommended Tackle for Winter Harbor 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 Winter Harbor Pond, freshest activity first.
Fort Peck Trout Pond
3 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked October 2025
Home Run Pond
15 mi4 species · 85 records
Last stocked September 2025
Flat Lake
3 mi5 species · 79 records
Last stocked June 2025
Coe Campsite Pond #1
0 mi1 species · 62 records
Last stocked July 2020
Milk River
6 mi13 species · 325 records
Last stocked May 2014
Fort Peck Dredge Cuts
3 mi9 species · 77 records
Last stocked May 2013
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 9, 2009 | Largemouth Bass | 4,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 19, 2004 | Bluegill | 3,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 23, 2002 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2001 | Largemouth Bass | 2,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 12, 1999 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1998 | Largemouth Bass | 500 | 1.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 1997 | Largemouth Bass | 1,000 | 1.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Winter Harbor Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Winter Harbor Pond was last stocked September 9, 2009 with Largemouth Bass.
What fish species are stocked in Winter Harbor Pond?
Winter Harbor Pond is stocked with Largemouth Bass and Bluegill.
How often is Winter Harbor Pond stocked?
Winter Harbor Pond is stocked intermittently — 7 recorded stockings between 1997 and 2009.
How many fish have been stocked in Winter Harbor Pond?
About 12,500 fish have been stocked in Winter Harbor Pond across 7 recorded events since 1997, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Winter Harbor Pond?
Fish stocked in Winter Harbor Pond average about 1.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Winter Harbor 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.