Swamp Lake Fishing near Big Timber, Montana

• Overview

  Swamp Lake belongs to Sweet Grass County, Montana. The surface lies 8,760 feet up. At roughly 23 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Supplies mean a trip to Big Timber, 18 miles off. The big place round here is Billings, 86 miles distant. Within easy reach: Smeller Lake out at 2.9 miles, Crazy Lake within 3 miles, Pear Lake out at 4.2 miles, Blue Lake within 4.7 miles and Druckmiller Lake out at 4.8 miles. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Swamp Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Open biodiversity records for Sweet Grass County list rainbow trout, california golden trout, brown trout and brook trout. The county list is broader than any single water. The shape of Swamp Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 54°F and January at 19°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Count the season from break-up, usually mid May. The open-water window runs from around mid May to about mid November in an average year. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. On Swamp Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. The nearest alternative is Smeller Lake, 2.9 miles out. Check the current arrangement for Swamp Lake.