Bridger Lake Fish Stocking
SUMMIT County, Utah · 1983–2026 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Bridger Lake was last stocked July 14, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Bridger Lake has 265 stocking records on file, spanning 1983–2026, with about 509,949 fish stocked over that period.
When Bridger Lake is stocked
Bridger Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 94 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Bridger Lake
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 Bridger Lake, 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 Bridger Lake 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 Bridger Lake:
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.
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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Bridger Lake
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 Bridger Lake, freshest activity first.
China Lake
2 miSUMMIT County · 3 species · 61 records
Last stocked July 2026
Smiths Fork W Fork
6 miSUMMIT County · 1 species · 4 records
Last stocked July 2026
Marsh Lake
1 miSUMMIT County · 2 species · 114 records
Last stocked June 2026
Stateline Reservoir
1 miSUMMIT County · 6 species · 137 records
Last stocked June 2026
Quarter Corner Lg103
4 miSUMMIT County · 3 species · 49 records
Last stocked June 2026
Steel Creek
6 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked July 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 14, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 10.77" | Utah DWR |
| July 6, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,502 | 10.5" | Utah DWR |
| June 20, 2026 | Brook Trout | 2,091 | 3.53" | Utah DWR |
| June 18, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 3,749 | 9.82" | Utah DWR |
| August 13, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 12.77" | Utah DWR |
| August 13, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 12.77" | Utah DWR |
| July 24, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 748 | 10.77" | Utah DWR |
| July 24, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 10.77" | Utah DWR |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 30, 2025 | Brook Trout | 2,101 | 3.01" | Utah DWR |
| June 30, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 10.14" | Utah DWR |
| June 3, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 10.77" | Utah DWR |
| July 17, 2024 | Brook Trout | 2,091 | 3.71" | Utah DWR |
| July 11, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,300 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| June 24, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,544 | 11.16" | Utah DWR |
| May 29, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,800 | 10.77" | Utah DWR |
| August 9, 2023 | Brook Trout | 2,100 | 3.72" | Utah DWR |
| July 31, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,650 | 11.99" | Utah DWR |
| July 11, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 998 | 11.26" | Utah DWR |
| June 26, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,532 | 10.96" | Utah DWR |
| June 7, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,569 | 10.6" | Utah DWR |
| June 6, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 903 | 10.6" | Utah DWR |
| July 28, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| July 12, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,502 | 10.07" | Utah DWR |
| June 30, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 9.41" | Utah DWR |
| May 23, 2022 | Brook Trout | 2,108 | 2.33" | Utah DWR |
| May 23, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,218 | 9.52" | Utah DWR |
| July 26, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 10.14" | Utah DWR |
| July 13, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,502 | 9.32" | Utah DWR |
| July 13, 2021 | Brook Trout | 2,106 | 2.68" | Utah DWR |
| June 22, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,502 | 9.32" | Utah DWR |
| May 25, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,496 | 9.03" | Utah DWR |
| August 17, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 9.12" | Utah DWR |
| August 3, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,505 | 8.94" | Utah DWR |
| July 24, 2020 | Brook Trout | 2,106 | 2.49" | Utah DWR |
| July 24, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,617 | 8.66" | Utah DWR |
| July 9, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 999 | 9.75" | Utah DWR |
| June 23, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,002 | 9.83" | Utah DWR |
| May 15, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 991 | 9.09" | Utah DWR |
| August 5, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,400 | 10.52" | Utah DWR |
| July 22, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,501 | 9.63" | Utah DWR |
| July 9, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,499 | 10.12" | Utah DWR |
| July 9, 2019 | Brook Trout | 1,690 | 2.68" | Utah DWR |
| June 24, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,593 | 9.55" | Utah DWR |
| June 10, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 2,108 | 9.03" | Utah DWR |
| August 8, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,509 | 9.61" | Utah DWR |
| July 16, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 9.57" | Utah DWR |
| July 3, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 9.57" | Utah DWR |
| June 18, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,502 | 9.65" | Utah DWR |
| May 30, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,989 | 9.17" | Utah DWR |
| May 30, 2018 | Brook Trout | 2,156 | 2.65" | Utah DWR |
Showing 50 of 265 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Bridger Lake last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Bridger Lake was last stocked July 14, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Bridger Lake?
Bridger Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Tiger Trout.
What time of year is Bridger Lake stocked?
Bridger Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Bridger Lake stocked?
Bridger Lake has been stocked about 6 times a year — 265 recorded stockings between 1983 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Bridger Lake?
About 509,949 fish have been stocked in Bridger Lake across 265 recorded events since 1983, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Bridger Lake?
Fish stocked in Bridger Lake average about 8.3 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Bridger Lake?
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 Bridger Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Bridger Lake 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.