Swamp Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1928–1979 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Swamp Creek was last stocked August 7, 1979 with Cutthroat Trout. Swamp Creek has 104 stocking records on file, spanning 1928–1979, with about 1,816,927 fish stocked over that period.
When Swamp Creek is stocked
Swamp Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August — 28 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Swamp Creek
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 Swamp Creek, 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 Swamp Creek was last stocked August 7, 1979, 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 Swamp Creek:
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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
Recommended Tackle for Swamp Creek
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.
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 Swamp Creek, freshest activity first.
Browns Lake
3 mi5 species · 286 records
Last stocked June 2026
Diamond Lake
2 mi2 species · 33 records
Last stocked August 2024
Geary Pond
7 mi2 species · 23 records
Last stocked June 2019
Big Creek
7 mi6 species · 237 records
Last stocked August 1995
North Fork Blackfoot River
5 mi2 species · 71 records
Last stocked June 1992
Nevada Creek
3 mi3 species · 56 records
Last stocked August 1990
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 7, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 74,050 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 74,050 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1978 | Cutthroat Trout | 68,789 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 70,288 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 70,288 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,750 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,750 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 13, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,400 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 13, 1952 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,400 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 6, 1952 | Arctic Grayling | 5,646 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 14, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,200 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 11, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,600 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 785 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 785 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1950 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 18, 1950 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1950 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,076 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 1949 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1949 | Brook Trout | 2,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1949 | Brook Trout | 2,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1949 | Brook Trout | 13,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1949 | Brook Trout | 13,500 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 1948 | Brook Trout | 150 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 21, 1948 | Brook Trout | 150 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1948 | Brook Trout | 5,425 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1948 | Brook Trout | 5,425 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1948 | Brown Trout | 9,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1948 | Brown Trout | 9,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1948 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1948 | Brook Trout | 15,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1948 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1948 | Brook Trout | 10,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1948 | Brook Trout | 324 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1948 | Brook Trout | 324 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 1948 | Brook Trout | 6,750 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1947 | Brook Trout | 1,400 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 31, 1947 | Brook Trout | 1,400 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1947 | Brook Trout | 1,400 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 30, 1947 | Brook Trout | 1,400 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1947 | Brook Trout | 1,260 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1947 | Brook Trout | 1,260 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1947 | Brook Trout | 2,240 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 21, 1947 | Brook Trout | 2,240 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1947 | Brook Trout | 12,880 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1947 | Brook Trout | 12,880 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1947 | Brook Trout | 16,100 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 5, 1947 | Brook Trout | 16,100 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 28, 1946 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,100 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 104 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Swamp Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Swamp Creek was last stocked August 7, 1979 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Swamp Creek?
Swamp Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Arctic Grayling, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Swamp Creek stocked?
Swamp Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in August.
How often is Swamp Creek stocked?
Swamp Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 104 recorded stockings between 1928 and 1979.
How many fish have been stocked in Swamp Creek?
About 1,816,927 fish have been stocked in Swamp Creek across 104 recorded events since 1928, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Swamp Creek?
Fish stocked in Swamp Creek average about 3.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Swamp Creek?
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 Swamp Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Swamp Creek 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.