Merchant Valley Reservoir Fish Stocking
BEAVER County, Utah · 1998–2026 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Merchant Valley Reservoir was last stocked June 17, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Merchant Valley Reservoir has 93 stocking records on file, spanning 1998–2026, with about 35,317 fish stocked over that period.
When Merchant Valley Reservoir is stocked
Merchant Valley Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 37 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Merchant Valley Reservoir
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in BEAVER County, Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Merchant Valley 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 Merchant Valley Reservoir was last stocked June 17, 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 Merchant Valley 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.
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.
Brown Trout Profile Tips
Known for being wary and selective, brown trout are a prized target for fly anglers, especially larger, nocturnal-feeding fish.
Recommended Tackle for Merchant Valley 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.
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 Merchant Valley Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Kents Lake Middle
4 miBEAVER County · 5 species · 334 records
Last stocked June 2026
Kents Lake Lower
4 miBEAVER County · 4 species · 119 records
Last stocked June 2026
Little Reservoir
3 miBEAVER County · 3 species · 313 records
Last stocked April 2026
Kents Lake Upper
4 miBEAVER County · 3 species · 53 records
Last stocked October 2025
North Creek S Fork
5 miBEAVER County · 1 species · 5 records
Last stocked September 2025
Puffer Lake
5 miBEAVER County · 4 species · 220 records
Last stocked July 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 17, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 252 | 9.59" | Utah DWR |
| May 4, 2026 | Brown Trout | 223 | 3.28" | Utah DWR |
| May 4, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9.95" | Utah DWR |
| July 17, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 252 | 9.73" | Utah DWR |
| June 4, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 250 | 9.9" | Utah DWR |
| June 4, 2025 | Brown Trout | 350 | 4.22" | Utah DWR |
| July 8, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 520 | 9.83" | Utah DWR |
| July 8, 2024 | Brown Trout | 206 | 5.2" | Utah DWR |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 10, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 253 | 10.61" | Utah DWR |
| June 8, 2023 | Brown Trout | 250 | 3.75" | Utah DWR |
| June 8, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 252 | 9.94" | Utah DWR |
| July 5, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 275 | 10.52" | Utah DWR |
| May 19, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 262 | 10.84" | Utah DWR |
| May 19, 2022 | Brown Trout | 207 | 3.99" | Utah DWR |
| July 13, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 288 | 10.09" | Utah DWR |
| May 12, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 260 | 12.2" | Utah DWR |
| May 12, 2021 | Brown Trout | 290 | 4.17" | Utah DWR |
| July 23, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 507 | 10.49" | Utah DWR |
| May 19, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 505 | 10.5" | Utah DWR |
| May 19, 2020 | Brown Trout | 250 | 3.75" | Utah DWR |
| July 31, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10.58" | Utah DWR |
| June 19, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 517 | 10.02" | Utah DWR |
| June 28, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 515 | 10.67" | Utah DWR |
| May 21, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 10.22" | Utah DWR |
| July 19, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 503 | 9.63" | Utah DWR |
| June 27, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 499 | 9.96" | Utah DWR |
| July 13, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 10.32" | Utah DWR |
| June 22, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 510 | 9.91" | Utah DWR |
| July 13, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 507 | 9.53" | Utah DWR |
| June 22, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 9.43" | Utah DWR |
| August 4, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 239 | 9.35" | Utah DWR |
| July 14, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 277 | 8.9" | Utah DWR |
| June 17, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 8.71" | Utah DWR |
| July 22, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 348 | 9.46" | Utah DWR |
| July 8, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 315 | 9.31" | Utah DWR |
| June 3, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 336 | 8.38" | Utah DWR |
| July 17, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 309 | 10.7" | Utah DWR |
| June 21, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 300 | 10.57" | Utah DWR |
| June 6, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 400 | 10.22" | Utah DWR |
| July 18, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 11.28" | Utah DWR |
| June 16, 2011 | Rainbow Trout | 508 | 10.22" | Utah DWR |
| July 19, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 586 | 9.27" | Utah DWR |
| June 21, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 446 | 8.78" | Utah DWR |
| June 4, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 445 | 9.72" | Utah DWR |
| May 29, 2010 | Rainbow Trout | 1,300 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| July 13, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 435 | 10.95" | Utah DWR |
| June 23, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 437 | 10.37" | Utah DWR |
| June 4, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 397 | 10.6" | Utah DWR |
| May 29, 2009 | Rainbow Trout | 1,300 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| July 22, 2008 | Rainbow Trout | 398 | 9.74" | Utah DWR |
Showing 50 of 93 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Merchant Valley Reservoir last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Merchant Valley Reservoir was last stocked June 17, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Merchant Valley Reservoir?
Merchant Valley Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Merchant Valley Reservoir stocked?
Merchant Valley Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Merchant Valley Reservoir stocked?
Merchant Valley Reservoir has been stocked about 3 times a year — 93 recorded stockings between 1998 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Merchant Valley Reservoir?
About 35,317 fish have been stocked in Merchant Valley Reservoir across 93 recorded events since 1998, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Merchant Valley Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Merchant Valley Reservoir average about 9.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Merchant Valley 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 Merchant Valley Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Merchant Valley 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.