Payson Reservoir Fish Stocking
UTAH County, Utah · 1980–2026 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Payson Reservoir was last stocked June 29, 2026 with Brook Trout. Payson Reservoir has 531 stocking records on file, spanning 1980–2026, with about 898,203 fish stocked over that period.
When Payson Reservoir is stocked
Payson Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 184 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Payson Reservoir
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in UTAH County, Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Payson 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 Payson Reservoir was last stocked June 29, 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 Payson 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.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Payson 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 Payson Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Mcclellan Reservoir
0 miUTAH County · 2 species · 262 records
Last stocked June 2026
Salem Pond
8 miUTAH County · 10 species · 789 records
Last stocked June 2026
Maple Lake
3 miUTAH County · 4 species · 431 records
Last stocked June 2026
Spring Lake
7 miUTAH County · 8 species · 540 records
Last stocked June 2026
Pole Canyon Park Pond
8 miUTAH County · 5 species · 136 records
Last stocked June 2026
Thistle Creek
5 miUTAH County · 3 species · 170 records
Last stocked May 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 29, 2026 | Brook Trout | 3,511 | 3.26" | Utah DWR |
| June 16, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 999 | 9.75" | Utah DWR |
| May 21, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,998 | 9.75" | Utah DWR |
| May 5, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,000 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| July 23, 2025 | Brook Trout | 3,494 | 3.19" | Utah DWR |
| July 8, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 900 | 9.87" | Utah DWR |
| June 17, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,248 | 9.61" | Utah DWR |
| June 17, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,248 | 9.61" | Utah DWR |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 4, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,260 | 10.32" | Utah DWR |
| June 4, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 1,260 | 10.32" | Utah DWR |
| May 28, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 432 | 9.49" | Utah DWR |
| May 28, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 572 | 12.24" | Utah DWR |
| May 28, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 999 | 9.49" | Utah DWR |
| September 16, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10.77" | Utah DWR |
| July 10, 2024 | Brook Trout | 3,911 | 2.82" | Utah DWR |
| July 3, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10.77" | Utah DWR |
| June 18, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 10.6" | Utah DWR |
| June 12, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10.77" | Utah DWR |
| June 12, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 10.77" | Utah DWR |
| May 28, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,496 | 10.44" | Utah DWR |
| May 28, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,496 | 10.44" | Utah DWR |
| July 19, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 999 | 9.75" | Utah DWR |
| July 19, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 999 | 9.75" | Utah DWR |
| July 17, 2023 | Brook Trout | 3,900 | 2.68" | Utah DWR |
| July 10, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 9.41" | Utah DWR |
| July 10, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 9.41" | Utah DWR |
| June 26, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 2,465 | 9.52" | Utah DWR |
| July 18, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 9.41" | Utah DWR |
| July 18, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 750 | 9.41" | Utah DWR |
| July 6, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 502 | 11.37" | Utah DWR |
| July 6, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 1,003 | 11.37" | Utah DWR |
| June 27, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 999 | 11.16" | Utah DWR |
| June 13, 2022 | Brook Trout | 3,040 | 2.54" | Utah DWR |
| June 7, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 999 | 11.16" | Utah DWR |
| June 7, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 999 | 11.16" | Utah DWR |
| July 7, 2021 | Brook Trout | 2,470 | 2.68" | Utah DWR |
| June 23, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 10.77" | Utah DWR |
| June 1, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 10.77" | Utah DWR |
| July 29, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 11.05" | Utah DWR |
| July 29, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 504 | 11.05" | Utah DWR |
| July 27, 2020 | Brook Trout | 5,022 | 2.49" | Utah DWR |
| July 9, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 10.87" | Utah DWR |
| July 9, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,005 | 10.87" | Utah DWR |
| June 22, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 2,001 | 10.37" | Utah DWR |
| June 10, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 999 | 11.25" | Utah DWR |
| June 9, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 999 | 11.25" | Utah DWR |
| June 2, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 1,130 | 10.87" | Utah DWR |
| June 2, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 880 | 10.87" | Utah DWR |
| May 21, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 776 | 10.22" | Utah DWR |
| May 21, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 776 | 10.22" | Utah DWR |
Showing 50 of 500 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Payson Reservoir last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Payson Reservoir was last stocked June 29, 2026 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Payson Reservoir?
Payson Reservoir is stocked with Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Payson Reservoir stocked?
Payson Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Payson Reservoir stocked?
Payson Reservoir has been stocked about 11 times a year — 531 recorded stockings between 1980 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Payson Reservoir?
About 898,203 fish have been stocked in Payson Reservoir across 531 recorded events since 1980, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Payson Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Payson Reservoir average about 9.2 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Payson 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 Payson Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Payson 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.