Red Butte Reservoir Fish Stocking
SALT LAKE County, Utah · 1984–2025 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Red Butte Reservoir was last stocked August 13, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout. Red Butte Reservoir has 38 stocking records on file, spanning 1984–2025, with about 75,888 fish stocked over that period.
When Red Butte Reservoir is stocked
Red Butte Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June — 16 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Red Butte Reservoir
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in SALT LAKE County, Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Red Butte 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 Red Butte Reservoir was last stocked August 13, 2025, 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 Red Butte 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.
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.
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.
Largemouth Bass Profile Tips
The centerpiece of American bass fishing culture, taken on everything from topwater lures to soft plastics and live bait.
Recommended Tackle for Red Butte 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.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
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 Red Butte Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Little Dell Reservoir
6 miSALT LAKE County · 2 species · 87 records
Last stocked June 2026
Camp Kostopaulus
2 miSALT LAKE County · 1 species · 100 records
Last stocked May 2026
Parleys Creek
5 miSALT LAKE County · 1 species · 14 records
Last stocked September 2025
Mt Dell Creek
7 miSALT LAKE County · 2 species · 19 records
Last stocked September 2025
Jordan River
10 miSALT LAKE County · 2 species · 130 records
Last stocked September 2025
Red Butte Creek
1 miSALT LAKE County · 1 species · 17 records
Last stocked August 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 13, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 4,016 | 2.24" | Utah DWR |
| October 7, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,010 | 2.89" | Utah DWR |
| June 11, 2024 | Cutthroat Trout | 101 | 7.25" | Utah DWR |
| October 31, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 3.18" | Utah DWR |
| September 21, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,669 | 2.3" | Utah DWR |
| September 21, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,331 | 2.09" | Utah DWR |
| October 13, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,646 | 2.43" | Utah DWR |
| October 12, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,001 | 2.27" | Utah DWR |
Show 30 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 15, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 102 | 6" | Utah DWR |
| October 2, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,017 | 2.56" | Utah DWR |
| August 22, 2018 | Largemouth Bass | 19 | 13.57" | Utah DWR |
| August 9, 2017 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,700 | 7.25" | Utah DWR |
| June 19, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 1,001 | 6.8" | Utah DWR |
| April 26, 2013 | June Sucker | 100 | 15.75" | Utah DWR |
| August 21, 2012 | June Sucker | 2,569 | 7.36" | Utah DWR |
| June 28, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,165 | 6.39" | Utah DWR |
| June 12, 2012 | June Sucker | 3,864 | 6.97" | Utah DWR |
| October 26, 2011 | June Sucker | 396 | 6.68" | Utah DWR |
| July 7, 2010 | June Sucker | 1,084 | 8.08" | Utah DWR |
| June 2, 2009 | June Sucker | 3,604 | 7.08" | Utah DWR |
| October 30, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,001 | 2.59" | Utah DWR |
| June 17, 2008 | June Sucker | 3,221 | 8.18" | Utah DWR |
| June 17, 2008 | June Sucker | 3,003 | 8" | Utah DWR |
| October 30, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,043 | 2.03" | Utah DWR |
| September 30, 2006 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,000 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| June 13, 1994 | Rainbow Trout | 1,001 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| June 15, 1993 | Rainbow Trout | 999 | 9.68" | Utah DWR |
| December 14, 1992 | June Sucker | 1,102 | 6.29" | Utah DWR |
| December 7, 1992 | June Sucker | 12 | 10.77" | Utah DWR |
| May 29, 1991 | Rainbow Trout | 3,080 | 8.88" | Utah DWR |
| May 31, 1990 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | 10.11" | Utah DWR |
| June 13, 1989 | Rainbow Trout | 3,009 | 9.76" | Utah DWR |
| June 1, 1988 | Rainbow Trout | 3,008 | 9.04" | Utah DWR |
| June 1, 1987 | Rainbow Trout | 3,002 | 10.56" | Utah DWR |
| June 2, 1986 | Rainbow Trout | 3,010 | — | Utah DWR |
| June 4, 1985 | Rainbow Trout | 3,000 | — | Utah DWR |
| August 8, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 1,984 | — | Utah DWR |
| June 11, 1984 | Rainbow Trout | 1,018 | — | Utah DWR |
Frequently asked
When was Red Butte Reservoir last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Red Butte Reservoir was last stocked August 13, 2025 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Red Butte Reservoir?
Red Butte Reservoir is stocked with Cutthroat Trout, Largemouth Bass, June Sucker, and Rainbow Trout.
What time of year is Red Butte Reservoir stocked?
Red Butte Reservoir is typically stocked in summer, most often in June.
How often is Red Butte Reservoir stocked?
Red Butte Reservoir is stocked intermittently — 38 recorded stockings between 1984 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Red Butte Reservoir?
About 75,888 fish have been stocked in Red Butte Reservoir across 38 recorded events since 1984, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Red Butte Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Red Butte Reservoir average about 6.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Red Butte 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 Red Butte Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Red Butte 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.