Crater Lake Fish Stocking
DUCHESNE County, Utah · 1994–2026 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Crater Lake was last stocked July 22, 2026 with Splake. Crater Lake has 7 stocking records on file, spanning 1994–2026, with about 6,409 fish stocked over that period.
When Crater Lake is stocked
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Crater 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 Crater 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 Crater Lake was last stocked July 22, 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 Crater 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.
Splake Profile Tips
Managed purely as a put-and-take hatchery fishery — splake do not naturally reproduce.
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 Crater 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 Crater Lake, freshest activity first.
Amoeba Lake
2 miDUCHESNE County · 1 species · 13 records
Last stocked September 2025
Deadhorse Lake
2 miSUMMIT County · 2 species · 20 records
Last stocked September 2025
Fall Creek
3 mi1 species · 2 records
Last stocked October 2024
X 89
2 mi2 species · 13 records
Last stocked September 2023
Ottoson Lake Upper
1 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked September 2022
Continent Lake
3 mi1 species · 11 records
Last stocked September 2021
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 22, 2026 | Splake | 500 | 2.95" | Utah DWR |
| July 11, 2022 | Splake | 701 | 3.54" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2021 | Tiger Trout | 697 | 3.28" | Utah DWR |
| September 26, 2019 | Splake | 700 | 4.57" | Utah DWR |
| July 10, 2018 | Tiger Trout | 714 | 2.35" | Utah DWR |
| July 11, 2017 | Tiger Trout | 718 | 2.63" | Utah DWR |
| July 8, 1994 | Brook Trout | 2,379 | 2.82" | Utah DWR |
Frequently asked
When was Crater Lake last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Crater Lake was last stocked July 22, 2026 with Splake.
What fish species are stocked in Crater Lake?
Crater Lake is stocked with Splake, Tiger Trout, and Brook Trout.
How often is Crater Lake stocked?
Crater Lake is stocked intermittently — 7 recorded stockings between 1994 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Crater Lake?
About 6,409 fish have been stocked in Crater Lake across 7 recorded events since 1994, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Crater Lake?
Fish stocked in Crater Lake average about 3.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Crater 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 Crater Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Crater 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.