Cottonwood Reservoir Fish Stocking
UINTAH County, Utah · 1983–2026 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Cottonwood Reservoir was last stocked April 27, 2026 with Tiger Trout. Cottonwood Reservoir has 87 stocking records on file, spanning 1983–2026, with about 1,027,214 fish stocked over that period.
When Cottonwood Reservoir is stocked
Cottonwood Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 24 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Cottonwood Reservoir
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in UINTAH County, Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Cottonwood Reservoir, 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 Cottonwood Reservoir was last stocked April 27, 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 Cottonwood Reservoir:
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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
Tiger Trout Profile Tips
Known for hitting lures and flies aggressively; a favorite for anglers seeking a distinctive, hard-fighting stocked trout.
Wiper Profile Tips
Known for hard, sustained runs; often caught by casting or trolling near baitfish schools, sometimes visible as surface-feeding 'boils.'
Recommended Tackle for Cottonwood Reservoir
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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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 Cottonwood Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Brough Reservoir
8 miUINTAH County · 7 species · 164 records
Last stocked June 2026
Pelican Lake
13 miUINTAH County · 5 species · 42 records
Last stocked June 2026
Browns Draw Reservoir
18 miDUCHESNE County · 4 species · 94 records
Last stocked May 2026
Steinaker Reservoir
17 miUINTAH County · 6 species · 352 records
Last stocked May 2026
Bullock Reservoir
2 miUINTAH County · 11 species · 138 records
Last stocked April 2026
Old Fort Pond North
14 miUINTAH County · 10 species · 49 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 27, 2026 | Tiger Trout | 1,250 | 2.6" | Utah DWR |
| July 30, 2025 | Wiper | 3,000 | 1.99" | Utah DWR |
| May 12, 2025 | Tiger Trout | 1,283 | 2.8" | Utah DWR |
| July 18, 2024 | Wiper | 2,970 | 2.04" | Utah DWR |
| April 16, 2024 | Tiger Trout | 1,248 | 2" | Utah DWR |
| August 2, 2023 | Wiper | 3,495 | 2.55" | Utah DWR |
| May 9, 2023 | Tiger Trout | 1,244 | 2.09" | Utah DWR |
| November 9, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 2,997 | 10.48" | Utah DWR |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 22, 2022 | Bluegill | 30,030 | 2.6" | Utah DWR |
| September 15, 2022 | Channel Catfish | 700 | 13.57" | Utah DWR |
| August 1, 2022 | Wiper | 3,018 | 1.85" | Utah DWR |
| May 24, 2022 | Tiger Trout | 1,250 | 1.36" | Utah DWR |
| March 16, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 690 | 10.28" | Utah DWR |
| November 2, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,125 | 10.11" | Utah DWR |
| October 7, 2021 | Bluehead Sucker | 27,214 | 2.21" | Utah DWR |
| August 12, 2021 | Wiper | 3,489 | 2.19" | Utah DWR |
| July 15, 2021 | Tiger Trout | 1,332 | 4.11" | Utah DWR |
| May 19, 2021 | Brown Trout | 1,995 | 2.67" | Utah DWR |
| May 12, 2021 | Bluegill | 10,395 | 2.67" | Utah DWR |
| April 20, 2021 | Tiger Trout | 1,278 | 1.04" | Utah DWR |
| September 23, 2020 | Bluegill | 26,994 | 2.62" | Utah DWR |
| July 15, 2020 | Wiper | 3,200 | 2.19" | Utah DWR |
| May 5, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,598 | 8.9" | Utah DWR |
| April 28, 2020 | Tiger Trout | 3,157 | 1.19" | Utah DWR |
| June 27, 2019 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | 6.77" | Utah DWR |
| June 12, 2019 | Tiger Trout | 3,200 | 2.23" | Utah DWR |
| May 17, 2019 | Brown Trout | 2,499 | 2.29" | Utah DWR |
| May 8, 2019 | Tiger Trout | 3,200 | 1.93" | Utah DWR |
| April 15, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,659 | 10.78" | Utah DWR |
| May 17, 2018 | Wiper | 50,000 | 0.58" | Utah DWR |
| April 25, 2018 | Tiger Trout | 3,197 | 1.51" | Utah DWR |
| April 12, 2018 | Brown Trout | 2,525 | 2.99" | Utah DWR |
| September 20, 2017 | Channel Catfish | 8,394 | 3.89" | Utah DWR |
| July 12, 2017 | Wiper | 8,400 | 2.05" | Utah DWR |
| May 29, 2017 | Brown Trout | 5,000 | 2.36" | Utah DWR |
| April 25, 2017 | Tiger Trout | 3,149 | 1.72" | Utah DWR |
| September 14, 2016 | Channel Catfish | 8,222 | 3.47" | Utah DWR |
| July 6, 2016 | Wiper | 18,317 | 1.54" | Utah DWR |
| May 12, 2016 | Brown Trout | 4,992 | 3.02" | Utah DWR |
| April 26, 2016 | Tiger Trout | 3,144 | 1.61" | Utah DWR |
| April 20, 2016 | Tiger Trout | 3,300 | 1.31" | Utah DWR |
| February 10, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 324 | 17.71" | Utah DWR |
| September 15, 2015 | Channel Catfish | 8,406 | 3.14" | Utah DWR |
| May 14, 2015 | Wiper | 50,000 | 0.46" | Utah DWR |
| April 29, 2015 | Tiger Trout | 5,890 | 1.02" | Utah DWR |
| April 24, 2015 | Brown Trout | 5,712 | 2.9" | Utah DWR |
| June 19, 2014 | Wiper | 122,000 | 1" | Utah DWR |
| May 20, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,174 | 8.35" | Utah DWR |
| May 16, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 22,980 | 3.2" | Utah DWR |
| May 16, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 22,980 | 3.2" | Utah DWR |
Showing 50 of 87 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Cottonwood Reservoir last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Cottonwood Reservoir was last stocked April 27, 2026 with Tiger Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Cottonwood Reservoir?
Cottonwood Reservoir is stocked with Tiger Trout, Wiper, Rainbow Trout, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Bluehead Sucker, Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Largemouth Bass.
What time of year is Cottonwood Reservoir stocked?
Cottonwood Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Cottonwood Reservoir stocked?
Cottonwood Reservoir has been stocked about 2 times a year — 87 recorded stockings between 1983 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Cottonwood Reservoir?
About 1,027,214 fish have been stocked in Cottonwood Reservoir across 87 recorded events since 1983, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Cottonwood Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Cottonwood Reservoir average about 4.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Cottonwood Reservoir?
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 Cottonwood Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Cottonwood Reservoir 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.