Rainbow Reservoir Fish Stocking
TOOELE County, Utah · 2001–2026 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Rainbow Reservoir was last stocked June 29, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Rainbow Reservoir has 148 stocking records on file, spanning 2001–2026, with about 118,652 fish stocked over that period.
When Rainbow Reservoir is stocked
Rainbow Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 61 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Rainbow Reservoir
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in TOOELE County, Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Rainbow 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 Rainbow 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 Rainbow 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.
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 Rainbow 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 Rainbow Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Willow Creek Pond
22 miUTAH County · 5 species · 67 records
Last stocked July 2026
Settlement Canyon Reservoir
13 miTOOELE County · 3 species · 614 records
Last stocked June 2026
Grantsville Reservoir
18 miTOOELE County · 2 species · 478 records
Last stocked June 2026
Vernon Creek Reservoir
24 miTOOELE County · 3 species · 294 records
Last stocked June 2026
Cove Pond
17 miSALT LAKE County · 7 species · 371 records
Last stocked June 2026
Riverton Pond
21 miSALT LAKE County · 5 species · 245 records
Last stocked June 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 29, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 806 | 10.7" | Utah DWR |
| June 17, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 11.49" | Utah DWR |
| May 14, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 702 | 10.33" | Utah DWR |
| April 28, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 10.09" | Utah DWR |
| November 6, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,024 | 3.45" | Utah DWR |
| June 30, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 10.3" | Utah DWR |
| June 19, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 702 | 9.97" | Utah DWR |
| May 20, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 701 | 9.78" | Utah DWR |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 13, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 802 | 9.73" | Utah DWR |
| July 2, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,500 | 10.15" | Utah DWR |
| May 21, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 701 | 9.76" | Utah DWR |
| May 3, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 801 | 9.83" | Utah DWR |
| July 3, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,501 | 10.38" | Utah DWR |
| June 2, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 1,502 | 9.95" | Utah DWR |
| July 6, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 800 | 9.36" | Utah DWR |
| June 22, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 10.43" | Utah DWR |
| May 17, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 701 | 10.14" | Utah DWR |
| May 5, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 801 | 10.22" | Utah DWR |
| June 29, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 802 | 10.37" | Utah DWR |
| June 22, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 702 | 10.13" | Utah DWR |
| May 26, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 846 | 9.71" | Utah DWR |
| May 4, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 803 | 9.37" | Utah DWR |
| July 13, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 701 | 9.31" | Utah DWR |
| June 30, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 704 | 9.21" | Utah DWR |
| June 19, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| May 27, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| April 7, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 701 | 9.31" | Utah DWR |
| July 3, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 9.63" | Utah DWR |
| June 17, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 698 | 9.5" | Utah DWR |
| May 13, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 699 | 9.22" | Utah DWR |
| May 1, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 701 | 9.31" | Utah DWR |
| April 16, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 9.12" | Utah DWR |
| July 31, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10.55" | Utah DWR |
| June 26, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 1,000 | 9.79" | Utah DWR |
| June 4, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 759 | 10.07" | Utah DWR |
| May 16, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 759 | 10.02" | Utah DWR |
| May 2, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 506 | 10.37" | Utah DWR |
| August 3, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 601 | 10.2" | Utah DWR |
| July 10, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 754 | 9.51" | Utah DWR |
| June 13, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 952 | 8.94" | Utah DWR |
| May 18, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 700 | 8.9" | Utah DWR |
| May 16, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 100 | 15.83" | Utah DWR |
| May 9, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 22.66" | Utah DWR |
| May 3, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 501 | 8.9" | Utah DWR |
| July 27, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 9.87" | Utah DWR |
| July 18, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 801 | 9.87" | Utah DWR |
| June 7, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 1,200 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| June 2, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 500 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| June 2, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 0 | 9.13" | Utah DWR |
| May 17, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 502 | 9.73" | Utah DWR |
Showing 50 of 148 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Rainbow Reservoir last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Rainbow Reservoir was last stocked June 29, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Rainbow Reservoir?
Rainbow Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Trout (unspecified).
What time of year is Rainbow Reservoir stocked?
Rainbow Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Rainbow Reservoir stocked?
Rainbow Reservoir has been stocked about 6 times a year — 148 recorded stockings between 2001 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Rainbow Reservoir?
About 118,652 fish have been stocked in Rainbow Reservoir across 148 recorded events since 2001, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Rainbow Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Rainbow Reservoir average about 9.9 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Rainbow 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 Rainbow Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Rainbow 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.