Big Elk Reservoir Fish Stocking
SUMMIT County, Utah · 1980–2025 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Big Elk Reservoir was last stocked July 2, 2025 with Tiger Trout. Big Elk Reservoir has 24 stocking records on file, spanning 1980–2025, with about 120,512 fish stocked over that period.
When Big Elk Reservoir is stocked
Big Elk Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in September — 8 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Big Elk Reservoir
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in SUMMIT County, Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Big Elk Reservoir, 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 Elk Reservoir was last stocked July 2, 2025, 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 Elk Reservoir:
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.
Tiger Trout Profile Tips
Known for hitting lures and flies aggressively; a favorite for anglers seeking a distinctive, hard-fighting stocked trout.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Big Elk Reservoir
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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Big Elk Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Junior Lake
2 miSUMMIT County · 2 species · 28 records
Last stocked September 2025
Fire Lake
2 miSUMMIT County · 2 species · 21 records
Last stocked September 2025
Island Lake
2 miSUMMIT County · 2 species · 26 records
Last stocked September 2025
Erickson Lake North W26
1 miSUMMIT County · 1 species · 23 records
Last stocked June 2025
W-62
2 miSUMMIT County · 1 species · 19 records
Last stocked June 2025
P-11
2 miSUMMIT County · 1 species · 12 records
Last stocked June 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2, 2025 | Tiger Trout | 650 | 3.8" | Utah DWR |
| July 8, 2024 | Tiger Trout | 650 | 2.78" | Utah DWR |
| July 14, 2023 | Tiger Trout | 649 | 2.83" | Utah DWR |
| June 28, 2022 | Tiger Trout | 662 | 2.65" | Utah DWR |
| July 9, 2019 | Tiger Trout | 203 | 2.65" | Utah DWR |
| June 29, 2016 | Tiger Trout | 2,002 | 3.55" | Utah DWR |
| August 1, 2011 | Tiger Trout | 4,430 | 2.94" | Utah DWR |
| September 15, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 0 | 2" | Utah DWR |
Show 16 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 15, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,392 | 1.55" | Utah DWR |
| September 15, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 0 | 2" | Utah DWR |
| September 15, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,400 | 2" | Utah DWR |
| October 9, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,422 | 1.44" | Utah DWR |
| September 30, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,400 | 2" | Utah DWR |
| September 30, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,400 | 2" | Utah DWR |
| October 8, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,416 | 2.44" | Utah DWR |
| September 10, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,395 | 2.38" | Utah DWR |
| August 24, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,431 | 1.9" | Utah DWR |
| July 9, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,413 | 1.93" | Utah DWR |
| July 31, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,415 | 1.67" | Utah DWR |
| July 18, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 9,326 | 0" | Utah DWR |
| August 14, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,459 | — | Utah DWR |
| September 13, 1984 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,406 | — | Utah DWR |
| August 17, 1982 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,454 | — | Utah DWR |
| August 20, 1980 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,537 | — | Utah DWR |
Frequently asked
When was Big Elk Reservoir last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Big Elk Reservoir was last stocked July 2, 2025 with Tiger Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Big Elk Reservoir?
Big Elk Reservoir is stocked with Tiger Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Big Elk Reservoir stocked?
Big Elk Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in September.
How often is Big Elk Reservoir stocked?
Big Elk Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 24 recorded stockings between 1980 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Big Elk Reservoir?
About 120,512 fish have been stocked in Big Elk Reservoir across 24 recorded events since 1980, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Big Elk Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Big Elk Reservoir average about 2.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Big Elk Reservoir?
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 Elk Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Big Elk Reservoir 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.