Duchesne River Fish Stocking
DUCHESNE County, Utah · 1983–2026 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Duchesne River was last stocked July 1, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Duchesne River has 28 stocking records on file, spanning 1983–2026, with about 106,430 fish stocked over that period.
When Duchesne River is stocked
Duchesne River is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Duchesne River
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 Duchesne River, 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 Duchesne River was last stocked July 1, 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 Duchesne River:
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.
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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Duchesne River
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 Duchesne River, freshest activity first.
Duchesne River N Fork
9 miDUCHESNE County · 1 species · 245 records
Last stocked July 2026
Upper Stillwater Reservoir
12 miDUCHESNE County · 3 species · 34 records
Last stocked July 2026
North Pond
11 miWASHINGTON County · 1 species · 8 records
Last stocked June 2026
Rock Creek S Fork
11 miDUCHESNE County · 1 species · 4 records
Last stocked September 2025
Wolf Creek
12 miDUCHESNE County · 2 species · 7 records
Last stocked September 2025
Ghost Pond
11 miUINTAH County · 2 species · 8 records
Last stocked June 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 11.4" | Utah DWR |
| June 11, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 11.38" | Utah DWR |
| July 2, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 10.35" | Utah DWR |
| June 16, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 399 | 10.07" | Utah DWR |
| July 22, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 10.56" | Utah DWR |
| June 26, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 10.12" | Utah DWR |
| July 18, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 398 | 9.95" | Utah DWR |
| June 29, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 399 | 9.43" | Utah DWR |
Show 20 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 13, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 399 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| June 15, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 401 | 9.53" | Utah DWR |
| July 20, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 10.31" | Utah DWR |
| June 16, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 248 | 9.47" | Utah DWR |
| June 30, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 249 | 9.72" | Utah DWR |
| June 17, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 252 | 9.63" | Utah DWR |
| August 21, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9.87" | Utah DWR |
| July 24, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 270 | 10.36" | Utah DWR |
| July 3, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 249 | 9.52" | Utah DWR |
| July 19, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 10.08" | Utah DWR |
| June 21, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 497 | 10.29" | Utah DWR |
| June 5, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 252 | 9.22" | Utah DWR |
| July 22, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 248 | 8.71" | Utah DWR |
| June 27, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 251 | 8.56" | Utah DWR |
| July 22, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 216 | 10.63" | Utah DWR |
| June 30, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 267 | 9.82" | Utah DWR |
| December 13, 1984 | Cutthroat Trout | 50,000 | — | Utah DWR |
| August 23, 1984 | Brown Trout | 11,130 | — | Utah DWR |
| September 7, 1983 | Brown Trout | 16,443 | — | Utah DWR |
| September 6, 1983 | Brown Trout | 21,112 | — | Utah DWR |
Frequently asked
When was Duchesne River last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Duchesne River was last stocked July 1, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Duchesne River?
Duchesne River is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Duchesne River stocked?
Duchesne River is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Duchesne River stocked?
Duchesne River is stocked intermittently — 28 recorded stockings between 1983 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Duchesne River?
About 106,430 fish have been stocked in Duchesne River across 28 recorded events since 1983, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Duchesne River?
Fish stocked in Duchesne River average about 10.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Duchesne River?
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 Duchesne River?
Freshly stocked trout in Duchesne River 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.