Swan Pond Fish Stocking
Montana · 2006–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Swan Pond was last stocked June 12, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Swan Pond has 23 stocking records on file, spanning 2006–2025, with about 9,991 fish stocked over that period.
When Swan Pond is stocked
Swan Pond is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Swan 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 Swan 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 Swan Pond was last stocked June 12, 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 Swan 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.
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 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.
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 Swan Pond, freshest activity first.
Van Lake
7 mi2 species · 134 records
Last stocked June 2026
Shay Lake
7 mi3 species · 77 records
Last stocked June 2025
South Woodward Cr Lake 3
6 mi1 species · 13 records
Last stocked July 2022
South Woodward Cr Lake 1
7 mi1 species · 14 records
Last stocked August 2012
Metcalf Lake
2 mi2 species · 18 records
Last stocked September 2002
Whitney Creek
1 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked August 1991
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 12, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 7.81" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 13.57" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 750 | 8.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 10.45" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 9.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 405 | 10.19" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 250 | 8.79" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 15 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 26, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 507 | 9.01" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 9.56" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 9.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 9.17" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 526 | 9.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | 15.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 350 | 10.05" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 350 | 11.29" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 150 | 5.06" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 27, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 9.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 17, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 5.37" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 50 | 14.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 19, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 5.34" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 503 | 7.87" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Swan Pond last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Swan Pond was last stocked June 12, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Swan Pond?
Swan Pond is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Swan Pond stocked?
Swan Pond is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Swan Pond stocked?
Swan Pond is stocked intermittently — 23 recorded stockings between 2006 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Swan Pond?
About 9,991 fish have been stocked in Swan Pond across 23 recorded events since 2006, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Swan Pond?
Fish stocked in Swan Pond average about 9.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Swan 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 Swan Pond?
Freshly stocked trout in Swan 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.