Big Creek Fish Stocking
Utah · 1980–2022 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Events (1979–2024 archive), Big Creek was last stocked September 26, 2022 with Cutthroat Trout. Big Creek has 121 stocking records on file, spanning 1980–2022, with about 238,694 fish stocked over that period.
When Big Creek is stocked
Big Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 35 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Big Creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Big Creek, 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 Big Creek was last stocked September 26, 2022, 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 Utah freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase Utah license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by Utah fish & wildlife agency.Official Utah 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 Big Creek:
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.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Tiger Trout Profile Tips
Known for hitting lures and flies aggressively; a favorite for anglers seeking a distinctive, hard-fighting stocked trout.
Recommended Tackle for Big Creek
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 Big Creek, freshest activity first.
Laketown Reservoir
15 miRICH County · 3 species · 54 records
Last stocked July 2026
Birch Creek Reservoir
5 miRICH County · 2 species · 85 records
Last stocked June 2026
Blacksmith Fork
17 miCACHE County · 1 species · 250 records
Last stocked June 2026
Little Creek Reservoir
8 miRICH County · 1 species · 198 records
Last stocked April 2026
Randolph Creek
3 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked May 2021
Otter Creek S Branch
9 mi2 species · 2 records
Last stocked June 2018
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 26, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,992 | 3.21" | Utah DWR |
| June 7, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,024 | 7.58" | Utah DWR |
| September 14, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,360 | 3.24" | Utah DWR |
| September 3, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 499 | 9.8" | Utah DWR |
| July 20, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | 13.35" | Utah DWR |
| September 30, 2019 | Tiger Trout | 2,019 | 10.84" | Utah DWR |
| October 12, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,118 | 3.13" | Utah DWR |
| August 1, 2005 | Brown Trout | 5,008 | 5.68" | Utah DWR |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 29, 2005 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| August 18, 2004 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | 3.34" | Utah DWR |
| August 15, 2003 | Brown Trout | 5,040 | 3.03" | Utah DWR |
| August 13, 2002 | Brown Trout | 5,044 | 2.96" | Utah DWR |
| August 10, 2001 | Brown Trout | 5,070 | 3.19" | Utah DWR |
| November 30, 2000 | Cutthroat Trout | 23,957 | 3.15" | Utah DWR |
| August 2, 2000 | Brown Trout | 5,056 | 3.16" | Utah DWR |
| July 17, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| July 6, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9.87" | Utah DWR |
| June 12, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9.32" | Utah DWR |
| May 22, 2000 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 8.94" | Utah DWR |
| August 2, 1999 | Brown Trout | 4,998 | 3.55" | Utah DWR |
| June 21, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 998 | 9.76" | Utah DWR |
| June 9, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,524 | 9.85" | Utah DWR |
| May 26, 1999 | Rainbow Trout | 1,680 | 9.3" | Utah DWR |
| July 27, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,231 | 10.25" | Utah DWR |
| June 24, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,189 | 9.32" | Utah DWR |
| June 1, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,073 | 9.64" | Utah DWR |
| July 30, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,375 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| July 14, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,069 | 9.87" | Utah DWR |
| July 7, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 979 | 9.86" | Utah DWR |
| June 23, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,043 | 9.89" | Utah DWR |
| July 29, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 705 | 9.94" | Utah DWR |
| July 15, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 953 | 9.95" | Utah DWR |
| June 24, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,081 | 9.73" | Utah DWR |
| June 3, 1996 | Rainbow Trout | 1,301 | 9.55" | Utah DWR |
| August 10, 1995 | Brown Trout | 3,612 | 3.2" | Utah DWR |
| July 17, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 483 | 9.85" | Utah DWR |
| June 19, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 9.99" | Utah DWR |
| June 15, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,084 | 9.76" | Utah DWR |
| May 30, 1995 | Rainbow Trout | 1,343 | 9.68" | Utah DWR |
| July 18, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,318 | 9.98" | Utah DWR |
| June 27, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 885 | 10.35" | Utah DWR |
| June 14, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 784 | 10.78" | Utah DWR |
| May 18, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 981 | 10.03" | Utah DWR |
| August 18, 1993 | Brown Trout | 5,220 | 3.08" | Utah DWR |
| July 19, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,010 | 10.1" | Utah DWR |
| July 15, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 711 | 10.28" | Utah DWR |
| June 28, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 894 | 9.68" | Utah DWR |
| June 16, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 911 | 10.02" | Utah DWR |
| June 9, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 1,142 | 9.43" | Utah DWR |
| May 18, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 954 | 9.46" | Utah DWR |
Showing 50 of 121 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Big Creek last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Events (1979–2024 archive), Big Creek was last stocked September 26, 2022 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Big Creek?
Big Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Tiger Trout, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Big Creek stocked?
Big Creek is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Big Creek stocked?
Big Creek has been stocked about 3 times a year — 121 recorded stockings between 1980 and 2022.
How many fish have been stocked in Big Creek?
About 238,694 fish have been stocked in Big Creek across 121 recorded events since 1980, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Big Creek?
Fish stocked in Big Creek average about 8.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Big Creek?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid Utah freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from Utah fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.
How do you catch stocked trout in Big Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Big Creek 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.