Cove Lake Fish Stocking
SANPETE County, Utah · 1980–2025 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Cove Lake was last stocked October 22, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Cove Lake has 102 stocking records on file, spanning 1980–2025, with about 102,650 fish stocked over that period.
When Cove Lake is stocked
Cove Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 61 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Cove Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in SANPETE County, Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Cove 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 Cove Lake was last stocked October 22, 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 Cove 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.
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.
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 Cove 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.
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 Cove Lake, freshest activity first.
Ferron Reservoir
5 miSANPETE County · 4 species · 211 records
Last stocked July 2026
Academy Mill Reservoir
6 miSANPETE County · 2 species · 52 records
Last stocked July 2026
Duck Fork Reservoir
3 miSANPETE County · 3 species · 99 records
Last stocked June 2026
Petes Hole
6 miSANPETE County · 3 species · 265 records
Last stocked June 2026
Snow Lake
3 miSANPETE County · 2 species · 68 records
Last stocked June 2026
Indian Creek
6 miWASATCH County · 5 species · 66 records
Last stocked September 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 22, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,061 | 2.32" | Utah DWR |
| August 12, 2025 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | 3.88" | Utah DWR |
| August 5, 2024 | Tiger Trout | 1,001 | 4.45" | Utah DWR |
| October 19, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,998 | 2.05" | Utah DWR |
| October 19, 2023 | Tiger Trout | 1,518 | 5.92" | Utah DWR |
| September 26, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,100 | 1.68" | Utah DWR |
| July 26, 2022 | Tiger Trout | 990 | 5.06" | Utah DWR |
| July 8, 2021 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | 4.47" | Utah DWR |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 15, 2020 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | 4.15" | Utah DWR |
| October 7, 2019 | Tiger Trout | 1,053 | 6.36" | Utah DWR |
| October 7, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,140 | 1.75" | Utah DWR |
| July 16, 2018 | Tiger Trout | 1,995 | 4.71" | Utah DWR |
| July 16, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 10.94" | Utah DWR |
| August 1, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,010 | 10.5" | Utah DWR |
| July 17, 2017 | Tiger Trout | 1,008 | 4.3" | Utah DWR |
| July 18, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10.81" | Utah DWR |
| July 18, 2016 | Trout (unspecified) | 1,040 | 4.36" | Utah DWR |
| July 30, 2015 | Tiger Trout | 1,050 | 4.46" | Utah DWR |
| July 30, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10.34" | Utah DWR |
| August 6, 2014 | Tiger Trout | 1,035 | 4.83" | Utah DWR |
| August 6, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,008 | 10.84" | Utah DWR |
| July 17, 2013 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | 3.85" | Utah DWR |
| July 17, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 9.67" | Utah DWR |
| June 27, 2013 | Channel Catfish | 335 | 17.07" | Utah DWR |
| July 12, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 9.48" | Utah DWR |
| July 12, 2012 | Tiger Trout | 988 | 4.24" | Utah DWR |
| August 18, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10.33" | Utah DWR |
| August 18, 2011 | Tiger Trout | 1,012 | 4.99" | Utah DWR |
| July 13, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 9.96" | Utah DWR |
| July 13, 2010 | Tiger Trout | 1,026 | 4.1" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2010 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2010 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| May 28, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| May 28, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| August 3, 2009 | Tiger Trout | 1,010 | 4.3" | Utah DWR |
| July 2, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10.46" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2009 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| May 28, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| July 10, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 701 | 8.98" | Utah DWR |
| July 7, 2008 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | 2.74" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2008 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| May 28, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| July 12, 2007 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | 3.68" | Utah DWR |
| July 12, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 630 | 10.18" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2007 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| May 29, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 630 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| July 31, 2006 | Tiger Trout | 998 | 3.98" | Utah DWR |
| July 6, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 630 | 10.77" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2006 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| May 29, 2006 | Rainbow Trout | 630 | 10" | Utah DWR |
Showing 50 of 102 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Cove Lake last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Cove Lake was last stocked October 22, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Cove Lake?
Cove Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Tiger Trout, Rainbow Trout, Trout (unspecified), Channel Catfish, Brook Trout, and Arctic Grayling.
What time of year is Cove Lake stocked?
Cove Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Cove Lake stocked?
Cove Lake has been stocked about 2 times a year — 102 recorded stockings between 1980 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Cove Lake?
About 102,650 fish have been stocked in Cove Lake across 102 recorded events since 1980, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Cove Lake?
Fish stocked in Cove Lake average about 6.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Cove 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 Cove Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Cove 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.