Swisher Lake Fish Stocking
Montana · 1975–2026 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Swisher Lake was last stocked May 8, 2026 with Brook Trout. Swisher Lake has 77 stocking records on file, spanning 1975–2026, with about 80,729 fish stocked over that period.
When Swisher Lake is stocked
Swisher Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 31 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Swisher 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 Swisher 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 Swisher Lake was last stocked May 8, 2026, 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 Swisher 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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Swisher 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Swisher Lake, freshest activity first.
Eureka Pond
6 mi2 species · 105 records
Last stocked June 2026
Moran Lake
2 mi3 species · 117 records
Last stocked May 2026
Sophie Lake
1 mi5 species · 241 records
Last stocked May 2026
Tetrault Lake
2 mi4 species · 307 records
Last stocked May 2026
Bluebird Lake
9 mi1 species · 19 records
Last stocked August 2024
Upper Wolverine Lake
10 mi1 species · 18 records
Last stocked July 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 8, 2026 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 3.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 2025 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 3.43" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 13, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 564 | 7.77" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 10, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 550 | 7.83" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 7.92" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2022 | Brook Trout | 2,001 | 1.88" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 3, 2021 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 2.75" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 550 | 7.54" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 2, 2020 | Brook Trout | 1,500 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 551 | 7.04" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 10, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 551 | 7.14" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 7, 2019 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 2.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 2, 2018 | Brook Trout | 2,000 | 5.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 551 | 7.55" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 29, 2017 | Brook Trout | 2,002 | 2.35" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 23, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 550 | 7.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 11, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 539 | 7.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2016 | Brook Trout | 2,044 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 16, 2015 | Brook Trout | 2,309 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 503 | 7.41" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 4.18" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 15, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 525 | 6.68" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| March 29, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 551 | 8.16" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 4, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 546 | 7.96" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 21, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 515 | 8.23" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 16, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,061 | 6.28" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 14, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 543 | 6.85" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 525 | 6.26" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 18, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 1,003 | 7.58" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 5.72" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 28, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 1,006 | 6.95" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 15, 2004 | Rainbow Trout | 1,017 | 7.46" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 23, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 1,028 | 7.73" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 2002 | Rainbow Trout | 1,012 | 7.7" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 3, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 1,040 | 7.6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 6, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 1,112 | 8.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 22, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 550 | 4.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| June 30, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 217 | 9.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 29, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 291 | 7.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 12, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 252 | 7.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 240 | 2.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 1, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 267 | 7.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 2, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 532 | 6" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 530 | 7.4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| April 11, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 525 | 6.2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 3, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 522 | 6.8" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 533 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 7, 1993 | Brook Trout | 2,100 | 2.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 8, 1992 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 7.1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Showing 50 of 77 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Swisher Lake last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Swisher Lake was last stocked May 8, 2026 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Swisher Lake?
Swisher Lake is stocked with Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Swisher Lake stocked?
Swisher Lake is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Swisher Lake stocked?
Swisher Lake has been stocked about 1 times a year — 77 recorded stockings between 1975 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Swisher Lake?
About 80,729 fish have been stocked in Swisher Lake across 77 recorded events since 1975, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Swisher Lake?
Fish stocked in Swisher Lake average about 6.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Swisher 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 Swisher Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Swisher 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.