Big Sandwash Reservoir Fish Stocking
DUCHESNE County, Utah · 1980–2026 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Big Sandwash Reservoir was last stocked July 16, 2026 with Walleye. Big Sandwash Reservoir has 214 stocking records on file, spanning 1980–2026, with about 8,877,988 fish stocked over that period.
When Big Sandwash Reservoir is stocked
Big Sandwash Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 83 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Big Sandwash Reservoir
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in DUCHESNE County, Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Big Sandwash 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 Sandwash Reservoir was last stocked July 16, 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 Sandwash 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.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
Walleye Profile Tips
Highly regarded as table fare; typically targeted with jigs, live bait rigs, or trolled crankbaits, often after dark.
Rainbow Trout Profile Tips
The most commonly targeted stocked trout in the country, taken on bait, spinners, and flies alike; a common first fish for new anglers.
Recommended Tackle for Big Sandwash 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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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 Sandwash Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Starvation Reservoir
15 miSAN JUAN County · 12 species · 291 records
Last stocked July 2026
Strawberry River
18 miWASATCH County · 4 species · 104 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lake Fork River
15 miDUCHESNE County · 3 species · 137 records
Last stocked June 2026
Uinta Pond
21 miDUCHESNE County · 2 species · 10 records
Last stocked May 2026
Browns Draw Reservoir
10 miDUCHESNE County · 4 species · 94 records
Last stocked May 2026
Bullock Reservoir
22 miUINTAH County · 11 species · 138 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 16, 2026 | Walleye | 425 | 4.58" | Utah DWR |
| May 21, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 13.1" | Utah DWR |
| May 19, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 948 | 11.75" | Utah DWR |
| May 19, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 948 | 11.75" | Utah DWR |
| May 19, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 948 | 11.75" | Utah DWR |
| May 19, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 948 | 11.75" | Utah DWR |
| May 18, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,120 | 11.6" | Utah DWR |
| May 18, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,120 | 11.6" | Utah DWR |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 29, 2025 | CUTBOW CTBL*RTWV | 7,453 | 4.55" | Utah DWR |
| June 1, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 4,913 | 9.6" | Utah DWR |
| May 24, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 4,960 | 9.69" | Utah DWR |
| May 17, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,169 | 9.54" | Utah DWR |
| November 10, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,100 | 10.95" | Utah DWR |
| May 9, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 3,488 | 11.18" | Utah DWR |
| May 2, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 3,648 | 10.68" | Utah DWR |
| May 2, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 3,440 | 10.89" | Utah DWR |
| November 1, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,499 | 11.76" | Utah DWR |
| May 25, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 306 | 11.71" | Utah DWR |
| April 20, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 10,148 | 8.59" | Utah DWR |
| November 2, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,563 | 10.11" | Utah DWR |
| March 23, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 9,900 | 7.89" | Utah DWR |
| October 23, 2020 | Tiger Trout | 1,995 | 5.32" | Utah DWR |
| June 11, 2020 | Walleye | 3,362 | 2.93" | Utah DWR |
| May 4, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 5,136 | 10.97" | Utah DWR |
| May 4, 2020 | Tiger Trout | 1,020 | 10.72" | Utah DWR |
| May 4, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 3,210 | 10.97" | Utah DWR |
| April 26, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 3,772 | 10.71" | Utah DWR |
| April 24, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,840 | 10.71" | Utah DWR |
| April 22, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,249 | 10.53" | Utah DWR |
| May 15, 2019 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | 10.46" | Utah DWR |
| April 23, 2019 | Walleye | 25,000 | 0.32" | Utah DWR |
| April 12, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 3,496 | 10.46" | Utah DWR |
| April 11, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 4,140 | 10.46" | Utah DWR |
| April 11, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 3,680 | 10.46" | Utah DWR |
| April 9, 2019 | Walleye | 69,200 | 0.32" | Utah DWR |
| April 6, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 3,680 | 10.46" | Utah DWR |
| May 18, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 5,700 | 8.89" | Utah DWR |
| May 16, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 6,346 | 8.89" | Utah DWR |
| May 15, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,481 | 7.97" | Utah DWR |
| June 28, 2017 | Brown Trout | 7,997 | 3.31" | Utah DWR |
| May 29, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 3,498 | 7.47" | Utah DWR |
| May 29, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 3,497 | 7" | Utah DWR |
| May 29, 2017 | Brown Trout | 2,500 | 2.36" | Utah DWR |
| May 28, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 2,001 | 11.08" | Utah DWR |
| May 1, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 9,113 | 5.9" | Utah DWR |
| May 1, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 4,678 | 5.9" | Utah DWR |
| April 5, 2017 | Walleye | 174,100 | 0.28" | Utah DWR |
| May 18, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 4,227 | 8" | Utah DWR |
| May 17, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 4,720 | 7.93" | Utah DWR |
| April 20, 2016 | Walleye | 1,517,696 | 0.28" | Utah DWR |
Showing 50 of 214 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Big Sandwash Reservoir last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Big Sandwash Reservoir was last stocked July 16, 2026 with Walleye.
What fish species are stocked in Big Sandwash Reservoir?
Big Sandwash Reservoir is stocked with Walleye, Rainbow Trout, CUTBOW CTBL*RTWV, Tiger Trout, Brown Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Big Sandwash Reservoir stocked?
Big Sandwash Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Big Sandwash Reservoir stocked?
Big Sandwash Reservoir has been stocked about 5 times a year — 214 recorded stockings between 1980 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Big Sandwash Reservoir?
About 8,877,988 fish have been stocked in Big Sandwash Reservoir across 214 recorded events since 1980, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Big Sandwash Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Big Sandwash Reservoir average about 6.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Big Sandwash 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 Sandwash Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Big Sandwash 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.