Drift Reservoir Fish Stocking
Utah · 1983–2022 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Events (1979–2024 archive), Drift Reservoir was last stocked June 30, 2022 with Brook Trout. Drift Reservoir has 12 stocking records on file, spanning 1983–2022, with about 9,993 fish stocked over that period.
When Drift Reservoir is stocked
Drift Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 10 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Drift Reservoir
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 Drift 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 Drift Reservoir was last stocked June 30, 2022, 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 Drift 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.
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 Drift 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Drift Reservoir, freshest activity first.
X 60
2 miDUCHESNE County · 1 species · 12 records
Last stocked September 2025
X-105
3 miDUCHESNE County · 1 species · 13 records
Last stocked September 2025
Spider Lake
1 miDUCHESNE County · 1 species · 17 records
Last stocked July 2025
Weep Lake Old Lf 30
3 mi2 species · 10 records
Last stocked September 2022
Y-37
1 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked July 2022
Y-36
1 mi1 species · 12 records
Last stocked July 2022
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 30, 2022 | Brook Trout | 740 | 3.7" | Utah DWR |
| July 10, 2018 | Brook Trout | 746 | 2.88" | Utah DWR |
| July 3, 2013 | Brook Trout | 1,016 | 2.61" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2010 | Brook Trout | 0 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2009 | Brook Trout | 0 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| July 10, 2008 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 2.92" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2008 | Brook Trout | 1,000 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| July 3, 2003 | Brook Trout | 997 | 2.48" | Utah DWR |
Show 4 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 14, 1998 | Brook Trout | 1,003 | 2.46" | Utah DWR |
| July 27, 1993 | Brook Trout | 998 | 3.26" | Utah DWR |
| June 24, 1988 | Brook Trout | 1,003 | 1.93" | Utah DWR |
| July 12, 1983 | Brook Trout | 1,490 | — | Utah DWR |
Frequently asked
When was Drift Reservoir last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Events (1979–2024 archive), Drift Reservoir was last stocked June 30, 2022 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Drift Reservoir?
Drift Reservoir is stocked with Brook Trout.
What time of year is Drift Reservoir stocked?
Drift Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Drift Reservoir stocked?
Drift Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 12 recorded stockings between 1983 and 2022.
How many fish have been stocked in Drift Reservoir?
About 9,993 fish have been stocked in Drift Reservoir across 12 recorded events since 1983, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Drift Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Drift Reservoir average about 2.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Drift 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 Drift Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Drift 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.