Castle Lake Fish Stocking
SUMMIT County, Utah · 1981–2025 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Castle Lake was last stocked September 17, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Castle Lake has 23 stocking records on file, spanning 1981–2025, with about 31,203 fish stocked over that period.
When Castle Lake is stocked
Castle Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
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 SUMMIT County, 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 September 17, 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 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.
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.
Tiger Trout Profile Tips
Known for hitting lures and flies aggressively; a favorite for anglers seeking a distinctive, hard-fighting stocked trout.
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.
Big Elk Reservoir
4 miSUMMIT County · 2 species · 24 records
Last stocked July 2025
Erickson Lake North W26
3 miSUMMIT County · 1 species · 23 records
Last stocked June 2025
Shingle Creek East
2 mi3 species · 23 records
Last stocked July 2024
Shingle Creek West
2 mi1 species · 20 records
Last stocked July 2024
Beaver Lake
5 mi1 species · 28 records
Last stocked July 2024
Yellowpine Upper W65
2 mi1 species · 27 records
Last stocked July 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 17, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 804 | 2.5" | Utah DWR |
| September 24, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 823 | 2.4" | Utah DWR |
| September 19, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 399 | 2.28" | Utah DWR |
| September 19, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 159 | 2.43" | Utah DWR |
| September 19, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 653 | 2.51" | Utah DWR |
| July 9, 2019 | Tiger Trout | 1,202 | 2.65" | Utah DWR |
| August 1, 2011 | Tiger Trout | 1,352 | 2.94" | Utah DWR |
| September 15, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 0 | 2" | Utah DWR |
Show 15 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 15, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,463 | 1.55" | Utah DWR |
| September 15, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 0 | 2" | Utah DWR |
| September 15, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,200 | 2" | Utah DWR |
| October 9, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,262 | 1.53" | Utah DWR |
| September 30, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,200 | 2" | Utah DWR |
| September 30, 2005 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,200 | 2" | Utah DWR |
| October 9, 1998 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,214 | 2.44" | Utah DWR |
| September 10, 1996 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,203 | 2.38" | Utah DWR |
| August 24, 1994 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,208 | 1.9" | Utah DWR |
| July 9, 1992 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,204 | 1.93" | Utah DWR |
| July 31, 1990 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,206 | 1.67" | Utah DWR |
| July 18, 1988 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,332 | 0" | Utah DWR |
| August 14, 1986 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,218 | — | Utah DWR |
| July 11, 1983 | Brook Trout | 451 | — | Utah DWR |
| July 6, 1981 | Brook Trout | 450 | — | Utah DWR |
Frequently asked
When was Castle Lake last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Castle Lake was last stocked September 17, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Castle Lake?
Castle Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Tiger Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Castle Lake stocked?
Castle Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Castle Lake stocked?
Castle Lake is stocked intermittently — 23 recorded stockings between 1981 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Castle Lake?
About 31,203 fish have been stocked in Castle Lake across 23 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 2.1 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.