Big Lake Bts Fish Stocking
GARFIELD County, Utah · 1980–2026 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Big Lake Bts was last stocked July 14, 2026 with Brook Trout. Big Lake Bts has 60 stocking records on file, spanning 1980–2026, with about 27,617 fish stocked over that period.
When Big Lake Bts is stocked
Big Lake Bts is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 31 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Big Lake Bts
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in GARFIELD County, Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Big Lake Bts, 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 Lake Bts was last stocked July 14, 2026, 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 Lake Bts:
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.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
Recommended Tackle for Big Lake Bts
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 Lake Bts, freshest activity first.
Pleasant Creek Lake Bts
1 miGARFIELD County · 2 species · 60 records
Last stocked July 2026
Ridge Lake Btn
2 miGARFIELD County · 1 species · 37 records
Last stocked July 2026
Dead Lake Bts
2 miGARFIELD County · 3 species · 47 records
Last stocked July 2026
Crater Lake Bts
2 miGARFIELD County · 3 species · 76 records
Last stocked July 2026
Bess Lake Btn
2 miGARFIELD County · 2 species · 59 records
Last stocked July 2026
Ledge Lake Bts
3 miGARFIELD County · 1 species · 46 records
Last stocked July 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 14, 2026 | Brook Trout | 200 | 2.77" | Utah DWR |
| June 23, 2025 | Brook Trout | 201 | 2.92" | Utah DWR |
| July 10, 2023 | Brook Trout | 193 | 2.63" | Utah DWR |
| July 7, 2022 | Brook Trout | 201 | 2.97" | Utah DWR |
| September 23, 2021 | Arctic Grayling | 494 | 2.65" | Utah DWR |
| July 6, 2021 | Brook Trout | 202 | 2.71" | Utah DWR |
| September 28, 2020 | Arctic Grayling | 504 | 2.81" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2020 | Brook Trout | 211 | 2.55" | Utah DWR |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 24, 2019 | Arctic Grayling | 500 | 2.29" | Utah DWR |
| October 9, 2018 | Arctic Grayling | 510 | 3.25" | Utah DWR |
| June 25, 2018 | Brook Trout | 196 | 2.84" | Utah DWR |
| September 18, 2017 | Arctic Grayling | 500 | 2.79" | Utah DWR |
| June 26, 2017 | Brook Trout | 210 | 2.55" | Utah DWR |
| June 27, 2016 | Brook Trout | 236 | 2.27" | Utah DWR |
| August 24, 2015 | Arctic Grayling | 499 | 2.4" | Utah DWR |
| June 29, 2015 | Brook Trout | 200 | 2.97" | Utah DWR |
| August 27, 2014 | Arctic Grayling | 510 | 2.27" | Utah DWR |
| June 11, 2014 | Brook Trout | 183 | 1.9" | Utah DWR |
| September 16, 2013 | Arctic Grayling | 494 | 3.13" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2013 | Brook Trout | 208 | 2.55" | Utah DWR |
| July 6, 2012 | Brook Trout | 200 | 2.47" | Utah DWR |
| July 28, 2011 | Brook Trout | 207 | 3.27" | Utah DWR |
| July 7, 2010 | Brook Trout | 213 | 2.71" | Utah DWR |
| June 30, 2010 | Brook Trout | 200 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| July 15, 2009 | Brook Trout | 208 | 2.89" | Utah DWR |
| June 30, 2009 | Brook Trout | 200 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| July 7, 2008 | Brook Trout | 213 | 3.2" | Utah DWR |
| June 30, 2008 | Brook Trout | 200 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| July 31, 2007 | Arctic Grayling | 499 | 1.5" | Utah DWR |
| July 12, 2007 | Brook Trout | 203 | 3.22" | Utah DWR |
| June 30, 2007 | Brook Trout | 200 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| July 10, 2006 | Brook Trout | 200 | 2.88" | Utah DWR |
| June 30, 2006 | Brook Trout | 200 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| July 10, 2005 | Brook Trout | 197 | 2.33" | Utah DWR |
| June 30, 2005 | Brook Trout | 200 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| July 12, 2004 | Brook Trout | 195 | 2.34" | Utah DWR |
| July 6, 2003 | Brook Trout | 209 | 2.62" | Utah DWR |
| July 8, 2002 | Brook Trout | 200 | 2.88" | Utah DWR |
| July 11, 2001 | Brook Trout | 201 | 2.65" | Utah DWR |
| July 12, 2000 | Brook Trout | 195 | 2.55" | Utah DWR |
| July 7, 1999 | Brook Trout | 199 | 2.63" | Utah DWR |
| July 21, 1998 | Rainbow Trout | 1,041 | 10.15" | Utah DWR |
| July 10, 1997 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9.87" | Utah DWR |
| July 8, 1996 | Brook Trout | 205 | 2.3" | Utah DWR |
| July 10, 1995 | Brook Trout | 210 | 2.74" | Utah DWR |
| July 12, 1994 | Brook Trout | 195 | 2.82" | Utah DWR |
| July 19, 1993 | Brook Trout | 203 | 2.81" | Utah DWR |
| July 6, 1992 | Brook Trout | 216 | 2.4" | Utah DWR |
| July 9, 1991 | Brook Trout | 758 | 2.96" | Utah DWR |
| June 20, 1990 | Brook Trout | 749 | 2.52" | Utah DWR |
Showing 50 of 60 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Big Lake Bts last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Big Lake Bts was last stocked July 14, 2026 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Big Lake Bts?
Big Lake Bts is stocked with Brook Trout, Arctic Grayling, and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Big Lake Bts stocked?
Big Lake Bts is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Big Lake Bts stocked?
Big Lake Bts has been stocked about 1 times a year — 60 recorded stockings between 1980 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Big Lake Bts?
About 27,617 fish have been stocked in Big Lake Bts across 60 recorded events since 1980, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Big Lake Bts?
Fish stocked in Big Lake Bts average about 3.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Big Lake Bts?
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 Lake Bts?
Freshly stocked trout in Big Lake Bts 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.