Swift Reservoir Fish Stocking
Montana · 1936–1976 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Swift Reservoir was last stocked May 20, 1976 with Rainbow Trout. Swift Reservoir has 25 stocking records on file, spanning 1936–1976, with about 433,895 fish stocked over that period.
When Swift Reservoir is stocked
Swift Reservoir is typically stocked in summer and fall, most often in May — 7 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Swift Reservoir
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 Swift Reservoir, 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 Swift Reservoir was last stocked May 20, 1976, 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 Swift Reservoir:
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 Swift Reservoir
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 Swift Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Mitten Lake
11 mi2 species · 37 records
Last stocked September 2008
Hope Lake
11 mi5 species · 26 records
Last stocked April 2008
Lindseth Pond
7 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked June 2004
Long Lake
13 mi6 species · 29 records
Last stocked May 1995
Horn Lake
9 mi3 species · 3 records
Last stocked June 1988
South Fork Birch Creek
0 mi1 species · 4 records
Last stocked August 1974
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 20, 1976 | Rainbow Trout | 20,750 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 17, 1975 | Rainbow Trout | 20,475 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 6, 1974 | Rainbow Trout | 24,000 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 1973 | Rainbow Trout | 20,210 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 1971 | Rainbow Trout | 20,140 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 1969 | Rainbow Trout | 25,080 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 7,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 30, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 6,000 | 8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 17 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 1968 | Rainbow Trout | 28,140 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 2, 1960 | Rainbow Trout | 38,144 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 24, 1959 | Rainbow Trout | 20,300 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 18, 1958 | Rainbow Trout | 25,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 1957 | Rainbow Trout | 26,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1956 | Rainbow Trout | 22,600 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1953 | Cutthroat Trout | 17,180 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1951 | Cutthroat Trout | 41,100 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1948 | Rainbow Trout | 1,920 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 2,880 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 11, 1946 | Rainbow Trout | 2,880 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 13, 1944 | Rainbow Trout | 4,596 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 11, 1941 | Rainbow Trout | 4,500 | 5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1940 | Rainbow Trout | 12,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| October 13, 1937 | Rainbow Trout | 18,000 | 0 | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 3, 1936 | Rainbow Trout | 20,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Swift Reservoir last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Swift Reservoir was last stocked May 20, 1976 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Swift Reservoir?
Swift Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Swift Reservoir stocked?
Swift Reservoir is typically stocked in summer and fall, most often in May.
How often is Swift Reservoir stocked?
Swift Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 25 recorded stockings between 1936 and 1976.
How many fish have been stocked in Swift Reservoir?
About 433,895 fish have been stocked in Swift Reservoir across 25 recorded events since 1936, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Swift Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Swift Reservoir average about 4.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Swift Reservoir?
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 Swift Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Swift Reservoir 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.