Bunker Creek Fish Stocking
IRON County, Utah · 2007–2025 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Bunker Creek was last stocked September 16, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Bunker Creek has 4 stocking records on file, spanning 2007–2025, with about 10,594 fish stocked over that period.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Bunker Creek
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in IRON County, Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Bunker 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 Bunker Creek was last stocked September 16, 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 Bunker 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.
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 Bunker 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Bunker Creek, freshest activity first.
Yankee Meadow Reservoir
6 miIRON County · 3 species · 247 records
Last stocked July 2026
Louder Ranger Sta
6 miIRON County · 3 species · 19 records
Last stocked June 2026
Panguitch Lake
3 miGARFIELD County · 8 species · 1109 records
Last stocked May 2026
Scout Lake
4 miIRON County · 3 species · 51 records
Last stocked May 2026
Deer Creek
1 miIRON County · 1 species · 2 records
Last stocked September 2025
Reed Valley Creek
5 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked September 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 16, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 5,040 | 2.09" | Utah DWR |
| September 23, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,500 | 1.85" | Utah DWR |
| June 5, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 554 | 9.29" | Utah DWR |
| June 1, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10" | Utah DWR |
Frequently asked
When was Bunker Creek last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Bunker Creek was last stocked September 16, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Bunker Creek?
Bunker Creek is stocked with Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout.
How often is Bunker Creek stocked?
Bunker Creek is stocked intermittently — 4 recorded stockings between 2007 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Bunker Creek?
About 10,594 fish have been stocked in Bunker Creek across 4 recorded events since 2007, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Bunker Creek?
Fish stocked in Bunker Creek average about 5.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Bunker 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 Bunker Creek?
Freshly stocked trout in Bunker 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.