Lake Fork River Fish Stocking
DUCHESNE County, Utah · 1980–2026 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Lake Fork River was last stocked June 11, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Lake Fork River has 137 stocking records on file, spanning 1980–2026, with about 170,331 fish stocked over that period.
When Lake Fork River is stocked
Lake Fork River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 43 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Lake Fork 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 Lake Fork 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 Lake Fork River was last stocked June 11, 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 Lake Fork 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 Lake Fork 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.
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 Lake Fork River, freshest activity first.
Lily Lake
10 miDUCHESNE County · 1 species · 16 records
Last stocked July 2026
Moon Lake
10 miDUCHESNE County · 7 species · 298 records
Last stocked July 2026
Yellowstone River
11 miDUCHESNE County · 2 species · 130 records
Last stocked July 2026
North Pond
11 miWASHINGTON County · 1 species · 8 records
Last stocked June 2026
Ghost Pond
11 miUINTAH County · 2 species · 8 records
Last stocked June 2025
Toquer Lake Lf 25
12 mi1 species · 1 records
Last stocked September 2024
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 11, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 803 | 10.93" | Utah DWR |
| July 3, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 10.37" | Utah DWR |
| June 16, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 402 | 10.07" | Utah DWR |
| October 1, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 716 | 1.59" | Utah DWR |
| October 1, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 212 | 6.06" | Utah DWR |
| June 26, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 10.12" | Utah DWR |
| June 25, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 401 | 10.14" | Utah DWR |
| June 21, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 10.08" | Utah DWR |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 29, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 802 | 9.43" | Utah DWR |
| November 15, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,775 | 2.16" | Utah DWR |
| October 6, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 10,004 | 1.77" | Utah DWR |
| July 27, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 403 | 10.18" | Utah DWR |
| June 14, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 401 | 9.53" | Utah DWR |
| June 29, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 601 | 10.04" | Utah DWR |
| November 1, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 8,840 | 1.98" | Utah DWR |
| June 15, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,750 | 9.63" | Utah DWR |
| October 21, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 14,175 | 1.81" | Utah DWR |
| July 15, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 496 | 10.96" | Utah DWR |
| July 15, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 496 | 10.96" | Utah DWR |
| May 31, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 476 | 9.63" | Utah DWR |
| May 31, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 473 | 9.63" | Utah DWR |
| September 19, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 643 | 11.37" | Utah DWR |
| July 5, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 430 | 10.36" | Utah DWR |
| June 8, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 425 | 9.22" | Utah DWR |
| October 4, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,996 | 1.61" | Utah DWR |
| August 22, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 375 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| October 19, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 27,972 | 1.96" | Utah DWR |
| September 4, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 185 | 11.13" | Utah DWR |
| July 2, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 198 | 9.72" | Utah DWR |
| May 13, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 187 | 9.29" | Utah DWR |
| May 13, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 187 | 9.29" | Utah DWR |
| June 30, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 368 | 8.16" | Utah DWR |
| May 21, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 370 | 8.35" | Utah DWR |
| June 18, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 740 | 10.44" | Utah DWR |
| August 27, 2012 | Brook Trout | 5,394 | 3.05" | Utah DWR |
| August 27, 2012 | Brook Trout | 5,301 | 3.05" | Utah DWR |
| August 8, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 306 | 10.77" | Utah DWR |
| July 13, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 433 | 10.44" | Utah DWR |
| August 11, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 248 | 10.77" | Utah DWR |
| July 27, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 499 | 10.28" | Utah DWR |
| July 22, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 455 | 9.84" | Utah DWR |
| June 30, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 451 | 9.47" | Utah DWR |
| May 28, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 900 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| July 21, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 450 | 9.76" | Utah DWR |
| June 30, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 451 | 9.51" | Utah DWR |
| May 28, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 900 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| July 9, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 450 | 9.44" | Utah DWR |
| June 2, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 448 | 8.87" | Utah DWR |
| May 28, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 900 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| July 3, 2007 | Rainbow Trout | 468 | 10.14" | Utah DWR |
Showing 50 of 137 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Lake Fork River last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Lake Fork River was last stocked June 11, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Lake Fork River?
Lake Fork River is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout.
What time of year is Lake Fork River stocked?
Lake Fork River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Lake Fork River stocked?
Lake Fork River has been stocked about 3 times a year — 137 recorded stockings between 1980 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Lake Fork River?
About 170,331 fish have been stocked in Lake Fork River across 137 recorded events since 1980, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Lake Fork River?
Fish stocked in Lake Fork River average about 9.0 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Lake Fork 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 Lake Fork River?
Freshly stocked trout in Lake Fork 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.