Swift Reservoir Fish Stocking
Skamania County, Washington · 1995–2026 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Swift Reservoir was last stocked May 20, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Swift Reservoir has 147 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2026, with about 9,971,319 fish stocked over that period.
When Swift Reservoir is stocked
Swift Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 60 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
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 Skamania County, Washington.
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, 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 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 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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
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.
Chinook Salmon Profile Tips
A major sport and tribal fishery in Washington; trolled or jigged in Montana's larger reservoirs.
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.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
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 Swift Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Thomas Lake
14 miSkamania County · 3 species · 31 records
Last stocked July 2026
June Lake
7 miGrant County · 1 species · 24 records
Last stocked May 2026
Soda Peaks Lake
12 miSkamania County · 2 species · 28 records
Last stocked October 2025
Placid Lake
14 miSkamania County · 2 species · 30 records
Last stocked September 2025
Brader Lake
15 miSkamania County · 1 species · 15 records
Last stocked August 2025
Dee Lake
14 miSkamania County · 1 species · 17 records
Last stocked July 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 20, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 37,900 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 1, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,400 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 4, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,100 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 35,710 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 38,460 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 22, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 36,920 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 24, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 36,090 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 24, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 42,500 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 19, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 42,600 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 21, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 38,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 29, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 41,920 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 30, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 51,440 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 31, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 45,350 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 26, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 51,800 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 52,080 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 7, 2013 | Chinook Salmon | 16,200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 22, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 55,261 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,302 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 660 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 615 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 16, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,303 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 69,885 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 598 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 818 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 878 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 18, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 822 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 51,956 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,595 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 610 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,305 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 19, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 650 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 60,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,074 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 15, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 233 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 949 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 21 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 20, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 55,161 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| May 20, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 60,418 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 63,344 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 26, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 940 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| June 1, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 60,780 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 26, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 7,642 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 25, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 31,739 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| April 24, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 19,589 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Showing 50 of 147 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Swift Reservoir last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Swift Reservoir was last stocked May 20, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Swift Reservoir?
Swift Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Swift Reservoir stocked?
Swift Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Swift Reservoir stocked?
Swift Reservoir has been stocked about 5 times a year — 147 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Swift Reservoir?
About 9,971,319 fish have been stocked in Swift Reservoir across 147 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Swift Reservoir?
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 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.