Swamp Lake Fish Stocking
Yakima County, Washington · 1998–2023 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Swamp Lake was last stocked July 5, 2023 with Rainbow Trout. Swamp Lake has 7 stocking records on file, spanning 1998–2023, with about 13,940 fish stocked over that period.
When Swamp Lake is stocked
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Swamp Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Yakima County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Swamp 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 Swamp Lake was last stocked July 5, 2023, 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 Washington freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase Washington license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by Washington fish & wildlife agency.Official Washington 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 Swamp 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.
Recommended Tackle for Swamp 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 Swamp Lake, freshest activity first.
Bill Lake
8 miLewis County · 2 species · 18 records
Last stocked July 2026
Wildcat Lake
1 miYakima County · 1 species · 11 records
Last stocked June 2026
Bumping Lake
5 miYakima County · 2 species · 78 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Basin
8 miYakima County · 1 species · 27 records
Last stocked August 2025
Buck Lake
4 miYakima County · 1 species · 10 records
Last stocked August 2023
Cedar Lake
1 miYakima County · 1 species · 12 records
Last stocked August 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 5, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,804 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,792 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,760 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 15, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 810 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 25, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 2,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 1, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 2,610 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 8, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 2,564 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Swamp Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Swamp Lake was last stocked July 5, 2023 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Swamp Lake?
Swamp Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
How often is Swamp Lake stocked?
Swamp Lake is stocked intermittently — 7 recorded stockings between 1998 and 2023.
How many fish have been stocked in Swamp Lake?
About 13,940 fish have been stocked in Swamp Lake across 7 recorded events since 1998, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Swamp Lake?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid Washington freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from Washington fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.
How do you catch stocked trout in Swamp Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Swamp 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.