Swofford Pond

Swofford was originally designated to rear juvenile steelhead. When that proved to be unsuccessful, the focus turned towards managing the water for warmwater fish. There is a popular channel catfish and  bass fishery that occurs on the pond as well.   

This lake provides naturally reproducing populations of bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, and brown bullheads.

Channel catfish have been stocked. Swofford also receives plants by Tacoma Power of several thousand catchable-size rainbow. There is an unimproved boat launching area. Internal combustion engines are not allowed. Call Tacoma Power's toll free fishing line at 888-502-8690.    

Two-pole fishing is allowed

Shoreline access: Good - Available.

Species you might catch

Lake information

County: Lewis
Acreage: 216.50 ac.
Elevation: 781 ft.
Center: 46.497908, -122.404393
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Fishing resources

Catchable fish plants
Release Location: SWOFFORD PD (LEWI)
Stock Date Species Number Released Number of Fish Per Pound Facility
Mar 16, 2023 Rainbow 11,200 2.8 MOSSYROCK HATCHERY
May 26, 2022 Rainbow 4,600 2.3 MOSSYROCK HATCHERY
Apr 21, 2022 Rainbow 5,000 2.5 MOSSYROCK HATCHERY
Mar 29, 2022 Rainbow 5,600 2.8 MOSSYROCK HATCHERY
Mar 10, 2022 Rainbow 2,900 2.9 MOSSYROCK HATCHERY
Mar 10, 2022 Rainbow 6,380 2.9 MOSSYROCK HATCHERY
Mar 10, 2022 Rainbow 2,900 2.9 MOSSYROCK HATCHERY
May 19, 2021 Rainbow 4,140 2.3 MOSSYROCK HATCHERY
May 19, 2021 Rainbow 480 2.4 MOSSYROCK HATCHERY
Apr 15, 2021 Rainbow 4,800 2.4 MOSSYROCK HATCHERY
Visit the Catchable Trout Plants page for a more detailed search of trout plants in other bodies of water. To view and download the source data for this table visit the WDFW Fish Plants dataset on data.wa.gov.

Fishing prospects calendar

Rainbow trout

Fishing success for Rainbow Trout is generally best in the spring when thousands of fish are stocked statewide, but they can be caught year-round in most waters with a little patience and persistence. Success remains high into June and gradually declines as water temperatures increase and fish move offshore to stay cool. Fish that escaped the spring harvest return to the nearshore areas in the fall as waters cool off. Some waters may also be stocked again in the fall further boosting catch rates.
Chart showing fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

Smallmouth bass

Fishing improves throughout the spring as waters warm and fish move onshore, peaking during the spawn. Summer is a slight lull though dawn/dusk hours can be very good. Catch improves in Fall as waters cool, vegetation begins to die back, and prey becomes more available. Winter is the hardest time because fish are offshore and slow moving.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

Yellow perch

Yellow Perch can be caught year-round. Fishing is best in the summer after they finish spawning in April-May. Fish can be readily angled through the summer from both the shore and boat. Catch begins to decline in the fall as water temperatures cool and fish move offshore forcing anglers to pursue them in boats. Successful fishing for Yellow Perch in the winter involves either targeting schools in deep water from boats or through the ice.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

Pumpkinseed Sunfish

Pumpkinseed Sunfish are ubiquitous in most lowland lakes and readily caught year-round. Fishing is best in the spring and summer, peaking during the spawn in June. Fish move offshore into deeper waters through the fall as water temperatures cool making it more difficult to target them. Winter is the most difficult season to catch Pumpkinseed, but persistent anglers can find nice-sized schools offshore.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

Channel catfish

Fishing improves throughout the spring, peaking before the spawning period in June and July. Fishing may pick up in early Fall, followed by a decrease in action as waters cool. Winter is a difficult time to target this species.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

Brown bullhead

Fishing improves throughout the spring, peaking before the spawning period in May and June. Fishing may pick up in early Fall, followed by a decrease in action as waters cool. Winter is a difficult time to target this species.
Chart of fishing prospects throughout the calendar year

Photos
Swofford Pond
Photo by WDFW
Swofford Pond
Photo by WDFW