Dean Lake Fish Stocking
Utah · 1981–2024 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Events (1979–2024 archive), Dean Lake was last stocked September 25, 2024 with Arctic Grayling. Dean Lake has 14 stocking records on file, spanning 1981–2024, with about 21,929 fish stocked over that period.
When Dean Lake is stocked
Dean Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 5 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Dean Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Dean 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 Dean Lake was last stocked September 25, 2024, 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 Dean 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.
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
Brook Trout Profile Tips
A favorite of high-country and small-stream anglers; often more willing to strike than brown or rainbow trout in the same water.
Recommended Tackle for Dean 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 Dean Lake, freshest activity first.
Lilly Lake
1 miSUMMIT County · 4 species · 515 records
Last stocked July 2026
Teapot Lake
2 miSUMMIT County · 5 species · 613 records
Last stocked July 2026
Wall Lake
2 miSUMMIT County · 3 species · 27 records
Last stocked July 2025
Notch Lake
0 miSUMMIT County · 1 species · 30 records
Last stocked June 2025
Clegg Lake
0 miSUMMIT County · 1 species · 35 records
Last stocked June 2025
Reids Lake
0 miSUMMIT County · 1 species · 30 records
Last stocked June 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 25, 2024 | Arctic Grayling | 448 | 2.47" | Utah DWR |
| July 13, 2023 | Brook Trout | 650 | 2.68" | Utah DWR |
| July 30, 2020 | Brook Trout | 908 | 2.47" | Utah DWR |
| October 15, 2018 | Arctic Grayling | 902 | 3.31" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2015 | Brook Trout | 912 | 2.5" | Utah DWR |
| September 20, 2013 | Arctic Grayling | 897 | 3.13" | Utah DWR |
| June 25, 2012 | Brook Trout | 1,497 | 2.3" | Utah DWR |
| July 9, 2007 | Brook Trout | 600 | 3.22" | Utah DWR |
Show 6 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 10, 1992 | Brook Trout | 1,196 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| August 25, 1989 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,998 | 1.86" | Utah DWR |
| August 17, 1987 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,023 | 2.03" | Utah DWR |
| August 7, 1985 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,038 | — | Utah DWR |
| September 7, 1983 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,060 | — | Utah DWR |
| August 14, 1981 | Brook Trout | 1,800 | — | Utah DWR |
Frequently asked
When was Dean Lake last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Events (1979–2024 archive), Dean Lake was last stocked September 25, 2024 with Arctic Grayling.
What fish species are stocked in Dean Lake?
Dean Lake is stocked with Arctic Grayling, Brook Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Dean Lake stocked?
Dean Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Dean Lake stocked?
Dean Lake is stocked intermittently — 14 recorded stockings between 1981 and 2024.
How many fish have been stocked in Dean Lake?
About 21,929 fish have been stocked in Dean Lake across 14 recorded events since 1981, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Dean Lake?
Fish stocked in Dean Lake average about 2.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Dean 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 Dean Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Dean 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.