Swan Creek Fish Stocking
Montana · 1936–1978 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Swan Creek was last stocked June 28, 1978 with Rainbow Trout. Swan Creek has 69 stocking records on file, spanning 1936–1978, with about 170,988 fish stocked over that period.
When Swan Creek is stocked
Swan Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 34 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Swan 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 Swan 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 Swan Creek was last stocked June 28, 1978, 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 Swan 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.
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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Swan 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Swan Creek, freshest activity first.
Pioneer Lakes 2
2 mi1 species · 8 records
Last stocked August 1997
Hidden Lake 1
7 mi1 species · 6 records
Last stocked July 1991
Hidden Lakes 2
8 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked July 1991
Rat Lake
3 mi2 species · 29 records
Last stocked August 1989
Hidden Lake 4
7 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 1984
Hellroaring Lakes 3
7 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 1953
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 28, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 28, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 29, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 10, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 160 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 10, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 160 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 175 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 175 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 172 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1970 | Rainbow Trout | 172 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 11" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,980 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 1,980 | 10" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 1967 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 1966 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,018 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1965 | Rainbow Trout | 2,018 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 1964 | Rainbow Trout | 2,078 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,066 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 7, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,066 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,011 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 8, 1963 | Rainbow Trout | 1,011 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 2,010 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 10, 1962 | Rainbow Trout | 2,010 | 9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 2,038 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 1961 | Rainbow Trout | 2,038 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,078 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 2,078 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 30, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 2,626 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 2,703 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 4, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 2,703 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 2,528 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 2,037 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 2,037 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 69 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Swan Creek last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Swan Creek was last stocked June 28, 1978 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Swan Creek?
Swan Creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Swan Creek stocked?
Swan Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Swan Creek stocked?
Swan Creek has been stocked about 2 times a year — 69 recorded stockings between 1936 and 1978.
How many fish have been stocked in Swan Creek?
About 170,988 fish have been stocked in Swan Creek across 69 recorded events since 1936, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Swan Creek?
Fish stocked in Swan Creek average about 8.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Swan 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 Swan Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Swan 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.