Sonny Lake Fish Stocking
DUCHESNE County, Utah · 1982–2025 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Sonny Lake was last stocked June 25, 2025 with Brook Trout. Sonny Lake has 22 stocking records on file, spanning 1982–2025, with about 8,981 fish stocked over that period.
When Sonny Lake is stocked
Sonny Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 12 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Sonny Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in DUCHESNE County, Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Sonny 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 Sonny Lake was last stocked June 25, 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 Sonny 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.
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.
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 Sonny 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.
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Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Sonny Lake, freshest activity first.
Betsey Lake
2 miDUCHESNE County · 1 species · 23 records
Last stocked September 2025
Gibby Lake Rc 30
2 miDUCHESNE County · 2 species · 17 records
Last stocked September 2025
Heart Lake
2 miDUCHESNE County · 1 species · 25 records
Last stocked September 2025
Palisade Lake
2 miDUCHESNE County · 3 species · 17 records
Last stocked July 2025
Pine Island Lake
2 mi1 species · 19 records
Last stocked June 2024
Lily Pad Lake
2 mi1 species · 19 records
Last stocked July 2023
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 25, 2025 | Brook Trout | 400 | 3.01" | Utah DWR |
| July 13, 2023 | Brook Trout | 403 | 2.68" | Utah DWR |
| June 29, 2022 | Brook Trout | 408 | 2.75" | Utah DWR |
| June 28, 2021 | Brook Trout | 403 | 2.79" | Utah DWR |
| June 26, 2018 | Brook Trout | 400 | 2.88" | Utah DWR |
| July 26, 2016 | Brook Trout | 430 | 2.44" | Utah DWR |
| June 19, 2014 | Brook Trout | 452 | 2.4" | Utah DWR |
| June 25, 2012 | Brook Trout | 391 | 2.3" | Utah DWR |
Show 14 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 8, 2010 | Brook Trout | 403 | 2.79" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2009 | Brook Trout | 0 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| July 8, 2008 | Brook Trout | 400 | 2.92" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2008 | Brook Trout | 400 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| July 1, 2008 | Brook Trout | 0 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| July 7, 2006 | Brook Trout | 396 | 2.75" | Utah DWR |
| June 30, 2006 | Brook Trout | 400 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| June 24, 2002 | Brook Trout | 398 | 2.54" | Utah DWR |
| July 16, 1998 | Brook Trout | 398 | 2.46" | Utah DWR |
| July 5, 1994 | Brook Trout | 403 | 2.82" | Utah DWR |
| July 9, 1992 | Brook Trout | 598 | 3" | Utah DWR |
| June 27, 1989 | Brook Trout | 600 | 2.77" | Utah DWR |
| July 21, 1986 | Brook Trout | 664 | — | Utah DWR |
| August 17, 1982 | Cutthroat Trout | 634 | — | Utah DWR |
Frequently asked
When was Sonny Lake last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Sonny Lake was last stocked June 25, 2025 with Brook Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Sonny Lake?
Sonny Lake is stocked with Brook Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
What time of year is Sonny Lake stocked?
Sonny Lake is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Sonny Lake stocked?
Sonny Lake is stocked intermittently — 22 recorded stockings between 1982 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Sonny Lake?
About 8,981 fish have been stocked in Sonny Lake across 22 recorded events since 1982, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Sonny Lake?
Fish stocked in Sonny Lake average about 2.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Sonny 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 Sonny Lake?
Freshly stocked trout in Sonny 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.