Short Lake Fish Stocking
GARFIELD County, Utah · 1982–2026 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Short Lake was last stocked July 13, 2026 with Cutthroat Trout. Short Lake has 24 stocking records on file, spanning 1982–2026, with about 9,201 fish stocked over that period.
When Short Lake is stocked
Short Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in September — 20 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Short Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in GARFIELD County, Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Short 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 Short Lake was last stocked July 13, 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 Short 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.
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 Short 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.
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 Short Lake, freshest activity first.
Crater Lake Bts
3 miGARFIELD County · 3 species · 76 records
Last stocked July 2026
Pleasant Creek Lake Bts
3 miGARFIELD County · 2 species · 60 records
Last stocked July 2026
Big Lake Bts
3 miGARFIELD County · 3 species · 60 records
Last stocked July 2026
Ledge Lake Bts
1 miGARFIELD County · 1 species · 46 records
Last stocked July 2026
Half Moon Lake Bts
1 miGARFIELD County · 2 species · 67 records
Last stocked July 2026
East Lake Bts
1 miGARFIELD County · 2 species · 53 records
Last stocked July 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 13, 2026 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | 2.6" | Utah DWR |
| August 20, 2025 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | 2.65" | Utah DWR |
| September 18, 2023 | Cutthroat Trout | 200 | 1.79" | Utah DWR |
| September 26, 2022 | Cutthroat Trout | 320 | 2.07" | Utah DWR |
| September 20, 2021 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | 2.32" | Utah DWR |
| September 23, 2020 | Cutthroat Trout | 299 | 2.12" | Utah DWR |
| September 25, 2019 | Cutthroat Trout | 274 | 1.73" | Utah DWR |
| October 1, 2018 | Cutthroat Trout | 300 | 2.43" | Utah DWR |
Show 16 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 19, 2016 | Cutthroat Trout | 309 | 1.82" | Utah DWR |
| September 18, 2015 | Cutthroat Trout | 305 | 1.92" | Utah DWR |
| September 10, 2014 | Cutthroat Trout | 408 | 1.85" | Utah DWR |
| September 16, 2013 | Cutthroat Trout | 429 | 2.05" | Utah DWR |
| September 19, 2012 | Cutthroat Trout | 301 | 2.14" | Utah DWR |
| September 20, 2011 | Cutthroat Trout | 510 | 1.83" | Utah DWR |
| September 15, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2" | Utah DWR |
| September 13, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 288 | 1.54" | Utah DWR |
| September 13, 2010 | Cutthroat Trout | 212 | 2.1" | Utah DWR |
| September 16, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 498 | 2.09" | Utah DWR |
| September 15, 2009 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2" | Utah DWR |
| September 23, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 502 | 2.13" | Utah DWR |
| September 15, 2008 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2" | Utah DWR |
| September 18, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 497 | 2.2" | Utah DWR |
| September 15, 2007 | Cutthroat Trout | 500 | 2" | Utah DWR |
| August 16, 1982 | Cutthroat Trout | 649 | — | Utah DWR |
Frequently asked
When was Short Lake last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Short Lake was last stocked July 13, 2026 with Cutthroat Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Short Lake?
Short Lake is stocked with Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Short Lake stocked?
Short Lake is typically stocked in fall, most often in September.
How often is Short Lake stocked?
Short Lake is stocked intermittently — 24 recorded stockings between 1982 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Short Lake?
About 9,201 fish have been stocked in Short Lake across 24 recorded events since 1982, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Short Lake?
Fish stocked in Short Lake average about 2.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Short 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 Short Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Short 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.