Swazee Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1954–2025 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Swazee Lake was last stocked May 28, 2025 with Rainbow Trout. Swazee Lake has 66 stocking records on file, spanning 1954–2025, with about 83,225 fish stocked over that period.
When Swazee Lake is stocked
Swazee Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 29 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Swazee Lake
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 Swazee Lake, 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 Swazee Lake was last stocked May 28, 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 Swazee Lake:
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.
Tiger Trout Profile Tips
Known for hitting lures and flies aggressively; a favorite for anglers seeking a distinctive, hard-fighting stocked trout.
Recommended Tackle for Swazee Lake
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 Swazee Lake, freshest activity first.
Nilan Reservoir
5 mi4 species · 224 records
Last stocked May 2026
Tunnel Lake
8 mi6 species · 93 records
Last stocked May 2026
Dickens Lake
5 mi1 species · 37 records
Last stocked June 2024
Clark Creek
7 mi2 species · 6 records
Last stocked June 1993
Pauls Lake
5 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked June 1977
Ford Creek
7 mi3 species · 55 records
Last stocked June 1965
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 28, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 5.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 18, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 26, 2022 | Tiger Trout | 5 | 8.44" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 992 | 4.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 25, 2020 | Tiger Trout | 5 | 10.44" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.49" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 8, 2019 | Tiger Trout | 5 | 4.89" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 4.94" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.64" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,024 | 4.68" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 5.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 15, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 6, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 5.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,250 | 4.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 3.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 25, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 4.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 5.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 8, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 1,013 | 4.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 5, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 1,012 | 5.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 1,025 | 4.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 1,125 | 8.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 1,512 | 4.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 1,524 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 1,509 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 5, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1983 | Rainbow Trout | 1,510 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 22, 1982 | Rainbow Trout | 1,505 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 24, 1981 | Rainbow Trout | 1,512 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1980 | Rainbow Trout | 1,504 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 17, 1979 | Rainbow Trout | 1,507 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1978 | Rainbow Trout | 1,512 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 20, 1977 | Rainbow Trout | 1,505 | 7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 1,512 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 12, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 1,045 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 15, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 1,064 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 16, 1972 | Rainbow Trout | 1,300 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 66 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Swazee Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Swazee Lake was last stocked May 28, 2025 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Swazee Lake?
Swazee Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Tiger Trout.
What time of year is Swazee Lake stocked?
Swazee Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Swazee Lake stocked?
Swazee Lake is stocked intermittently — 66 recorded stockings between 1954 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Swazee Lake?
About 83,225 fish have been stocked in Swazee Lake across 66 recorded events since 1954, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Swazee Lake?
Fish stocked in Swazee Lake average about 5.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Swazee Lake?
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 Swazee Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Swazee Lake 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.