Pelican Lake Fish Stocking
UINTAH County, Utah · 1992–2026 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Pelican Lake was last stocked June 24, 2026 with Wiper. Pelican Lake has 42 stocking records on file, spanning 1992–2026, with about 456,695 fish stocked over that period.
When Pelican Lake is stocked
Pelican Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in June — 9 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Pelican Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in UINTAH County, Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Pelican Lake, 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 Pelican Lake was last stocked June 24, 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 Pelican Lake:
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.
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
Wiper Profile Tips
Known for hard, sustained runs; often caught by casting or trolling near baitfish schools, sometimes visible as surface-feeding 'boils.'
Tiger Trout Profile Tips
Known for hitting lures and flies aggressively; a favorite for anglers seeking a distinctive, hard-fighting stocked trout.
Recommended Tackle for Pelican Lake
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.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
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 Pelican Lake, freshest activity first.
Big Sandwash Reservoir
30 miDUCHESNE County · 6 species · 214 records
Last stocked July 2026
Brough Reservoir
5 miUINTAH County · 7 species · 164 records
Last stocked June 2026
Brush Creek
30 miUINTAH County · 2 species · 21 records
Last stocked June 2026
Browns Draw Reservoir
28 miDUCHESNE County · 4 species · 94 records
Last stocked May 2026
Steinaker Reservoir
24 miUINTAH County · 6 species · 352 records
Last stocked May 2026
Cottonwood Reservoir
13 miUINTAH County · 9 species · 87 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 24, 2026 | Wiper | 500 | 8.86" | Utah DWR |
| June 11, 2026 | Tiger Trout | 735 | 6.34" | Utah DWR |
| June 23, 2025 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | 6.3" | Utah DWR |
| April 23, 2025 | Wiper | 235 | 7.37" | Utah DWR |
| April 23, 2025 | Wiper | 180 | 8.11" | Utah DWR |
| July 10, 2024 | Wiper | 748 | 8.55" | Utah DWR |
| May 29, 2024 | Bluegill | 307 | 7.37" | Utah DWR |
| April 16, 2024 | Tiger Trout | 8,970 | 2" | Utah DWR |
Show 34 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 21, 2023 | Largemouth Bass | 3,600 | 2.75" | Utah DWR |
| August 9, 2023 | Tiger Trout | 2,457 | 8.82" | Utah DWR |
| July 11, 2023 | Wiper | 500 | 8.71" | Utah DWR |
| September 27, 2022 | Bluegill | 50 | 8.67" | Utah DWR |
| September 22, 2022 | Bluegill | 770 | 3.57" | Utah DWR |
| July 8, 2022 | Tiger Trout | 2 | 29.24" | Utah DWR |
| May 24, 2022 | Tiger Trout | 12,000 | 1.36" | Utah DWR |
| July 15, 2021 | Tiger Trout | 2,434 | 4.11" | Utah DWR |
| March 25, 2021 | Tiger Trout | 14 | 18.42" | Utah DWR |
| March 22, 2021 | Tiger Trout | 16 | 18.42" | Utah DWR |
| March 18, 2021 | Tiger Trout | 22 | 18.42" | Utah DWR |
| March 17, 2021 | Tiger Trout | 16 | 18.42" | Utah DWR |
| March 16, 2021 | Tiger Trout | 24 | 18.42" | Utah DWR |
| March 15, 2021 | Tiger Trout | 46 | 18.42" | Utah DWR |
| September 23, 2020 | Largemouth Bass | 9,853 | 3.24" | Utah DWR |
| June 30, 2020 | Largemouth Bass | 26 | 11.86" | Utah DWR |
| June 30, 2020 | Bluegill | 146 | 8.67" | Utah DWR |
| April 28, 2020 | Tiger Trout | 12,243 | 1.19" | Utah DWR |
| October 2, 2019 | Largemouth Bass | 105 | 14.22" | Utah DWR |
| May 15, 2019 | Bluegill | 611 | 8.67" | Utah DWR |
| May 15, 2019 | Largemouth Bass | 38 | 14.22" | Utah DWR |
| December 31, 2018 | Largemouth Bass | 5 | 14.22" | Utah DWR |
| December 31, 2018 | Bluegill | 1,505 | 8.67" | Utah DWR |
| December 17, 2018 | Largemouth Bass | 1 | 13.57" | Utah DWR |
| November 20, 2018 | Bluegill | 621 | 7.78" | Utah DWR |
| September 15, 2015 | Channel Catfish | 4,996 | 3.14" | Utah DWR |
| August 10, 2013 | Channel Catfish | 4,999 | 3.88" | Utah DWR |
| September 13, 2011 | Channel Catfish | 2,001 | 3.95" | Utah DWR |
| June 2, 1994 | Largemouth Bass | 155 | 14.44" | Utah DWR |
| June 2, 1994 | Bluegill | 3,296 | 6.25" | Utah DWR |
| August 14, 1992 | Bluegill | 378,788 | 0" | Utah DWR |
| August 14, 1992 | Bluegill | 912 | 0" | Utah DWR |
| June 11, 1992 | Bluegill | 893 | 0" | Utah DWR |
| June 10, 1992 | Bluegill | 875 | 0" | Utah DWR |
Frequently asked
When was Pelican Lake last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Pelican Lake was last stocked June 24, 2026 with Wiper.
What fish species are stocked in Pelican Lake?
Pelican Lake is stocked with Wiper, Tiger Trout, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Channel Catfish.
What time of year is Pelican Lake stocked?
Pelican Lake is typically stocked in spring and summer, most often in June.
How often is Pelican Lake stocked?
Pelican Lake has been stocked about 1 times a year — 42 recorded stockings between 1992 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Pelican Lake?
About 456,695 fish have been stocked in Pelican Lake across 42 recorded events since 1992, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Pelican Lake?
Fish stocked in Pelican Lake average about 8.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Pelican Lake?
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 Pelican Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Pelican Lake 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.