Castle Lake Fish Stocking
Utah · 1981–2024 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Events (1979–2024 archive), Castle Lake was last stocked July 8, 2024 with Tiger Trout. Castle Lake has 13 stocking records on file, spanning 1981–2024, with about 6,933 fish stocked over that period.
When Castle Lake is stocked
Castle Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Castle Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Castle 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 Castle Lake was last stocked July 8, 2024, 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 Castle 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.
Tiger Trout Profile Tips
Known for hitting lures and flies aggressively; a favorite for anglers seeking a distinctive, hard-fighting stocked trout.
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 Castle 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Castle Lake, freshest activity first.
G 13
2 miSUMMIT County · 1 species · 26 records
Last stocked July 2026
Bear Lake
2 miSUMMIT County · 1 species · 27 records
Last stocked July 2026
Cliff Lake
2 miSUMMIT County · 2 species · 19 records
Last stocked September 2025
Smiths Fork Pass Lake G14
2 miSUMMIT County · 3 species · 21 records
Last stocked July 2025
Island Lake
1 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked July 2023
Dollar Lake
2 mi2 species · 10 records
Last stocked July 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 8, 2024 | Tiger Trout | 603 | 2.78" | Utah DWR |
| July 31, 2020 | Tiger Trout | 612 | 2.4" | Utah DWR |
| July 14, 2016 | Tiger Trout | 594 | 3.62" | Utah DWR |
| July 4, 2012 | Tiger Trout | 605 | 3.16" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2010 | Tiger Trout | 0 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2009 | Tiger Trout | 0 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| July 11, 2008 | Tiger Trout | 600 | 2.75" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2008 | Tiger Trout | 600 | 3" | Utah DWR |
Show 5 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 27, 1993 | Brook Trout | 599 | 3.26" | Utah DWR |
| July 11, 1990 | Brook Trout | 605 | 2.34" | Utah DWR |
| June 23, 1987 | Brook Trout | 602 | 2.67" | Utah DWR |
| July 12, 1984 | Brook Trout | 1,210 | — | Utah DWR |
| July 8, 1981 | Brook Trout | 303 | — | Utah DWR |
Frequently asked
When was Castle Lake last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Events (1979–2024 archive), Castle Lake was last stocked July 8, 2024 with Tiger Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Castle Lake?
Castle Lake is stocked with Tiger Trout and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Castle Lake stocked?
Castle Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Castle Lake stocked?
Castle Lake is stocked intermittently — 13 recorded stockings between 1981 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Castle Lake?
About 6,933 fish have been stocked in Castle Lake across 13 recorded events since 1981, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Castle Lake?
Fish stocked in Castle Lake average about 2.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Castle 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 Castle Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Castle 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.