Dark Canyon Lake Fish Stocking
SAN JUAN County, Utah · 1980–2026 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Dark Canyon Lake was last stocked July 6, 2026 with Tiger Trout. Dark Canyon Lake has 156 stocking records on file, spanning 1980–2026, with about 146,252 fish stocked over that period.
When Dark Canyon Lake is stocked
Dark Canyon Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 76 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Dark Canyon Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in SAN JUAN County, Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Dark Canyon 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 Dark Canyon Lake was last stocked July 6, 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 Dark Canyon 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.
Rainbow Trout Profile Tips
The most commonly targeted stocked trout in the country, taken on bait, spinners, and flies alike; a common first fish for new anglers.
Recommended Tackle for Dark Canyon 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.
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 Dark Canyon Lake, freshest activity first.
Medicine Lake
4 miSAN JUAN County · 2 species · 73 records
Last stocked July 2026
Oowah Lake
5 miGRAND County · 2 species · 131 records
Last stocked July 2026
Warner Lake
6 miGRAND County · 1 species · 102 records
Last stocked July 2026
Dons Lake
7 miGRAND County · 3 species · 140 records
Last stocked June 2026
Hidden Lake
43 miGRAND County · 2 species · 171 records
Last stocked June 2026
Monticello Lake
42 miSAN JUAN County · 3 species · 208 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 6, 2026 | Tiger Trout | 400 | 2.75" | Utah DWR |
| July 6, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 506 | 10.54" | Utah DWR |
| June 1, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,007 | 10.44" | Utah DWR |
| July 28, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 683 | 10.67" | Utah DWR |
| July 17, 2025 | Tiger Trout | 503 | 3.03" | Utah DWR |
| June 18, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 823 | 10.28" | Utah DWR |
| July 18, 2023 | Tiger Trout | 501 | 2.98" | Utah DWR |
| July 7, 2022 | Tiger Trout | 502 | 2.82" | Utah DWR |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 6, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 9.64" | Utah DWR |
| June 28, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,507 | 10.15" | Utah DWR |
| September 23, 2021 | Arctic Grayling | 1,011 | 2.65" | Utah DWR |
| July 20, 2021 | Tiger Trout | 499 | 4.47" | Utah DWR |
| July 8, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 756 | 10.5" | Utah DWR |
| July 16, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10.06" | Utah DWR |
| July 2, 2020 | Tiger Trout | 505 | 2.84" | Utah DWR |
| June 8, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 10.07" | Utah DWR |
| August 13, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 906 | 10.54" | Utah DWR |
| July 15, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 1,017 | 10.33" | Utah DWR |
| July 10, 2019 | Tiger Trout | 497 | 2.99" | Utah DWR |
| August 6, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 980 | 9.41" | Utah DWR |
| June 27, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10.7" | Utah DWR |
| June 25, 2018 | Tiger Trout | 501 | 2.71" | Utah DWR |
| July 25, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 754 | 9.76" | Utah DWR |
| June 28, 2017 | Tiger Trout | 500 | 2.71" | Utah DWR |
| June 21, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,144 | 10.06" | Utah DWR |
| July 12, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 446 | 10.1" | Utah DWR |
| June 29, 2016 | Tiger Trout | 497 | 3.55" | Utah DWR |
| June 15, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,464 | 9.88" | Utah DWR |
| July 20, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 900 | 9.71" | Utah DWR |
| June 30, 2015 | Tiger Trout | 511 | 3.5" | Utah DWR |
| June 8, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 1,025 | 8.59" | Utah DWR |
| July 14, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 524 | 8.9" | Utah DWR |
| June 12, 2014 | Tiger Trout | 495 | 2.75" | Utah DWR |
| June 3, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 1,504 | 8.32" | Utah DWR |
| July 10, 2013 | Tiger Trout | 486 | 3.08" | Utah DWR |
| July 2, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 527 | 8.92" | Utah DWR |
| June 12, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 1,342 | 8.42" | Utah DWR |
| July 3, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 770 | 10.91" | Utah DWR |
| May 15, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,130 | 10.15" | Utah DWR |
| August 8, 2011 | Tiger Trout | 495 | 3.81" | Utah DWR |
| July 7, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 545 | 10.93" | Utah DWR |
| June 28, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 1,355 | 10.45" | Utah DWR |
| July 20, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 586 | 10.79" | Utah DWR |
| July 19, 2010 | Tiger Trout | 494 | 2.36" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2010 | Tiger Trout | 500 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2010 | Tiger Trout | 500 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| June 30, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 502 | 10.13" | Utah DWR |
| June 14, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 824 | 10.36" | Utah DWR |
| May 28, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,900 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| May 28, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,900 | 10" | Utah DWR |
Showing 50 of 156 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Dark Canyon Lake last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Dark Canyon Lake was last stocked July 6, 2026 with Tiger Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Dark Canyon Lake?
Dark Canyon Lake is stocked with Tiger Trout, Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Dark Canyon Lake stocked?
Dark Canyon Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Dark Canyon Lake stocked?
Dark Canyon Lake has been stocked about 3 times a year — 156 recorded stockings between 1980 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Dark Canyon Lake?
About 146,252 fish have been stocked in Dark Canyon Lake across 156 recorded events since 1980, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Dark Canyon Lake?
Fish stocked in Dark Canyon Lake average about 7.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Dark Canyon 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 Dark Canyon Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Dark Canyon 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.