Swimming Deer Lake Fish Stocking
Chelan County, Washington · 1995–2024 on record
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Swimming Deer Lake was last stocked August 31, 2024 with Rainbow Trout. Swimming Deer Lake has 14 stocking records on file, spanning 1995–2024, with about 1,840 fish stocked over that period.
When Swimming Deer Lake is stocked
Swimming Deer Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 7 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Swimming Deer Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Chelan County, Washington.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Swimming Deer 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 Swimming Deer Lake was last stocked August 31, 2024, 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 Swimming Deer 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 Swimming Deer 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 Swimming Deer Lake, freshest activity first.
Mig Lake
1 miKing County · 1 species · 35 records
Last stocked July 2026
Josephine Lake
1 miChelan County · 1 species · 18 records
Last stocked June 2026
Tye Lake
4 miSnohomish County · 2 species · 106 records
Last stocked April 2026
Swallow Lake
6 miChelan County · 1 species · 5 records
Last stocked September 2025
Milk Lake
5 miChelan County · 2 species · 6 records
Last stocked August 2025
Skyline Lake
4 miKing County · 2 species · 15 records
Last stocked July 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 31, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 6, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| October 1, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 20, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 15, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 31, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 30, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 27, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
Show 6 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 22, 2005 | Rainbow Trout | 120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| August 2, 2003 | Rainbow Trout | 120 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 1, 2001 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 8, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 80 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 19, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 60 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
| September 12, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | Washington fish & wildlife agency |
The reporting agency did not include fish sizes for this water.
Frequently asked
When was Swimming Deer Lake last stocked?
According to Washington fish & wildlife agency, Swimming Deer Lake was last stocked August 31, 2024 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Swimming Deer Lake?
Swimming Deer Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Swimming Deer Lake stocked?
Swimming Deer Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Swimming Deer Lake stocked?
Swimming Deer Lake is stocked intermittently — 14 recorded stockings between 1995 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Swimming Deer Lake?
About 1,840 fish have been stocked in Swimming Deer Lake across 14 recorded events since 1995, per Washington fish & wildlife agency.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Swimming Deer 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 Swimming Deer Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Swimming Deer 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.