Butterfly Lake Fish Stocking
DUCHESNE County, Utah · 1970–2026 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Butterfly Lake was last stocked July 16, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Butterfly Lake has 745 stocking records on file, spanning 1970–2026, with about 366,978 fish stocked over that period.
When Butterfly Lake is stocked
Butterfly Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 182 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Butterfly Lake
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 Butterfly 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 Butterfly Lake 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 Butterfly 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 Butterfly 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 Butterfly Lake, freshest activity first.
Pass Lake
2 miDUCHESNE County · 4 species · 759 records
Last stocked July 2026
Mirror Lake
2 miDUCHESNE County · 4 species · 890 records
Last stocked July 2026
Scout Lake
1 miDUCHESNE County · 4 species · 235 records
Last stocked July 2026
Lofty Lake
2 miSUMMIT County · 2 species · 25 records
Last stocked September 2025
Kamas Reservoir
2 miSUMMIT County · 2 species · 26 records
Last stocked July 2025
Bud Lake
0 miDUCHESNE County · 2 species · 47 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 16, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 10.77" | Utah DWR |
| July 8, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 149 | 10.98" | Utah DWR |
| July 8, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 149 | 10.98" | Utah DWR |
| June 29, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 10.5" | Utah DWR |
| June 24, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 602 | 9.82" | Utah DWR |
| June 24, 2026 | Brook Trout | 496 | 2.99" | Utah DWR |
| June 10, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 302 | 10.14" | Utah DWR |
| June 8, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 10.14" | Utah DWR |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 3, 2026 | Tiger Trout | 298 | 9.89" | Utah DWR |
| September 4, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 301 | 10.96" | Utah DWR |
| September 2, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 12.77" | Utah DWR |
| August 14, 2025 | Tiger Trout | 250 | 11.26" | Utah DWR |
| August 11, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 312 | 12.44" | Utah DWR |
| August 4, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 12.95" | Utah DWR |
| August 4, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 150 | 12.95" | Utah DWR |
| July 29, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 351 | 12.44" | Utah DWR |
| July 21, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 350 | 10.77" | Utah DWR |
| July 14, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 352 | 10.44" | Utah DWR |
| July 11, 2025 | Brook Trout | 1,359 | 3.6" | Utah DWR |
| July 10, 2025 | Tiger Trout | 300 | 11.08" | Utah DWR |
| July 9, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 350 | 10.77" | Utah DWR |
| July 7, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 350 | 10.77" | Utah DWR |
| June 25, 2025 | Tiger Trout | 298 | 11.08" | Utah DWR |
| June 24, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 348 | 10.14" | Utah DWR |
| June 17, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 277 | 10.6" | Utah DWR |
| June 17, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 78 | 10.6" | Utah DWR |
| August 28, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 12.13" | Utah DWR |
| August 22, 2023 | Tiger Trout | 300 | 9.41" | Utah DWR |
| August 21, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 12.13" | Utah DWR |
| August 14, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 11.65" | Utah DWR |
| August 14, 2023 | Tiger Trout | 201 | 9.41" | Utah DWR |
| August 7, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 315 | 12.13" | Utah DWR |
| August 2, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 301 | 12.13" | Utah DWR |
| August 1, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 302 | 9.52" | Utah DWR |
| July 25, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 305 | 11.99" | Utah DWR |
| July 18, 2023 | Tiger Trout | 304 | 9.21" | Utah DWR |
| July 18, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 301 | 11.26" | Utah DWR |
| July 17, 2023 | Brook Trout | 494 | 2.68" | Utah DWR |
| July 11, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 298 | 11.26" | Utah DWR |
| July 5, 2023 | Tiger Trout | 304 | 9.21" | Utah DWR |
| July 3, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 306 | 11.26" | Utah DWR |
| June 29, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 296 | 11.6" | Utah DWR |
| June 29, 2023 | Tiger Trout | 300 | 9.41" | Utah DWR |
| August 29, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 10.28" | Utah DWR |
| August 23, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 200 | 10.28" | Utah DWR |
| August 16, 2022 | Tiger Trout | 302 | 9.63" | Utah DWR |
| August 15, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| August 8, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| August 2, 2022 | Tiger Trout | 300 | 9.41" | Utah DWR |
| August 1, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 10" | Utah DWR |
Showing 50 of 500 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Butterfly Lake last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Butterfly Lake was last stocked July 16, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Butterfly Lake?
Butterfly Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Tiger Trout, and Arctic Grayling.
What time of year is Butterfly Lake stocked?
Butterfly Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Butterfly Lake stocked?
Butterfly Lake has been stocked about 13 times a year — 745 recorded stockings between 1970 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Butterfly Lake?
About 366,978 fish have been stocked in Butterfly Lake across 745 recorded events since 1970, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Butterfly Lake?
Fish stocked in Butterfly Lake average about 9.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Butterfly 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 Butterfly Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Butterfly 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.