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
- Brown bullhead
- Brown trout
- Channel catfish
- Pumpkinseed Sunfish
- Rainbow trout
- Smallmouth bass
- Warmouth
- Yellow perch
Lake information
County: Lewis
Acreage: 216.50 ac.
Elevation: 781 ft.
Center: 46.497908, -122.404393
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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