Fishing Swan Lake

AKA: Swan River Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Swan Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Swan Lake, MT

Popular Fish Species Swan Lake, MT

Kokanee Salmon Fishing

Sockeye salmon which remain landlocked, never migrating to the ocean, are called kokanee salmon. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. As one of the premiere kokanee fishing lakes in Montana, Swan Lake delivers plenty of fish above normal averages.On-going stocking of kokanee salmon by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department helps to maintain a nice population for the fishery. These tasty fish school in lakes at depths which remain at ideal temperatures of between 48 and 58 degrees. Once this depth is identified, use a fish finder to locate schools. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space. In winter, once the ice is safe, try ice fishing for kokanee.

Northern Pike Fishing

Recently big northern pike are being caught in good numbers, along with occasional giants. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. They are extremely active when feeding and they can catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. Summer can be spotty but pike are caught all through the summer. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can also be a big help. Throughout the season, effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey.

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fishing for rainbow trout at Swan Lake can be effective using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic prey. Use the lightest fishing line for the best possible results, based on conditions. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing can still provide some nice fishing. Annual stocking by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout. While fishing from a boat is often the preferred method, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Swan Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout, lake trout, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, kokanee salmon and northern pike at Swan Lake in Montana.

The scenic views alone make a trip to Swan Lake worthwhile. But that's just the beginning of the adventure. Boating, camping and fishing are all great here at this 3,270-acre lake in the northwest part of the state, 25 miles southeast of Kalispell.

Anglers who enjoy fishing from the bank will find plenty of spots along 20 miles of shoreline to wet a line. There are two boat launch ramps. One is a conventional boat landing for motorized boats and the other is a launch area for non-motorized boats for portage of canoes, kayaks and portables. Trophy size northern pike, kokanee salmon and several species of trout get most of the attention here, but yellow perch and sunfish also reside here in good numbers.

Primary fish species residing in Swan Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Swan Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Swan Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off State Route 83, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Swan Lake Public Non-motorized Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Bosworth Lane, this is a portage area with a dock and street parking.