Starvation Reservoir Fish Stocking
SAN JUAN County, Utah · 1980–2026 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Starvation Reservoir was last stocked July 21, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Starvation Reservoir has 291 stocking records on file, spanning 1980–2026, with about 10,211,240 fish stocked over that period.
When Starvation Reservoir is stocked
Starvation Reservoir is typically stocked in fall, most often in November — 109 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Starvation Reservoir
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in SAN JUAN County, Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Starvation 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 Starvation Reservoir was last stocked July 21, 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 Starvation 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.
Kokanee & Salmon Tactics
Troll small dodgers followed by micro-hoochies or wedding ring spinners tipped with shoepeg corn. Use downriggers or lead-core line to reach cooler thermocline depths (typically 20–50 ft in summer).
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.
Bluegill Profile Tips
A staple of family and youth fishing programs; readily takes worms, small jigs, and flies.
Recommended Tackle for Starvation 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 Starvation Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Big Sandwash Reservoir
15 miDUCHESNE County · 6 species · 214 records
Last stocked July 2026
Duchesne River
21 miDUCHESNE County · 3 species · 28 records
Last stocked July 2026
Strawberry River
3 miWASATCH County · 4 species · 104 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lake Canyon
12 miDUCHESNE County · 3 species · 13 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lake Fork River
20 miDUCHESNE County · 3 species · 137 records
Last stocked June 2026
Lake Canyon Lake
12 miDUCHESNE County · 3 species · 49 records
Last stocked May 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 21, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 46,720 | 3.5" | Utah DWR |
| July 21, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 26,280 | 3.5" | Utah DWR |
| July 20, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 46,720 | 3.5" | Utah DWR |
| July 7, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,331 | 4.3" | Utah DWR |
| July 7, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 603 | 11.42" | Utah DWR |
| July 7, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,683 | 10.98" | Utah DWR |
| July 6, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 7,560 | 10.6" | Utah DWR |
| June 11, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 49,468 | 2.28" | Utah DWR |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 3, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 60,030 | 2.66" | Utah DWR |
| June 3, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 129,030 | 2.54" | Utah DWR |
| May 29, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,288 | 2.85" | Utah DWR |
| May 14, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,253 | 10.41" | Utah DWR |
| May 12, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 3,505 | 10.66" | Utah DWR |
| April 20, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 3,818 | 1.87" | Utah DWR |
| April 20, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 6,722 | 1.55" | Utah DWR |
| April 20, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 75,537 | 1.85" | Utah DWR |
| March 26, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,125 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| March 26, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,125 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| March 26, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,125 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| March 26, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,125 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| March 26, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,125 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| March 26, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,125 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| March 26, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,125 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| March 26, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,125 | 10" | Utah DWR |
| March 25, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,341 | 8.4" | Utah DWR |
| March 25, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 3,129 | 8.4" | Utah DWR |
| March 25, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 3,136 | 8.4" | Utah DWR |
| March 25, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 3.58" | Utah DWR |
| March 25, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 5,000 | 3.75" | Utah DWR |
| March 25, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 1,398 | 8.4" | Utah DWR |
| January 28, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 25,369 | 2.79" | Utah DWR |
| January 28, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 25,369 | 2.79" | Utah DWR |
| November 25, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 4,439 | 9.53" | Utah DWR |
| November 15, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 781 | 9.75" | Utah DWR |
| November 14, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 9,900 | 9.85" | Utah DWR |
| November 14, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 4,350 | 9.57" | Utah DWR |
| November 14, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 4,191 | 9.69" | Utah DWR |
| November 14, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 10,152 | 9.77" | Utah DWR |
| November 3, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,633 | 10.13" | Utah DWR |
| October 30, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,765 | 10.17" | Utah DWR |
| October 30, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,804 | 10.09" | Utah DWR |
| January 11, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 2,016 | 6.15" | Utah DWR |
| November 15, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,057 | 9.66" | Utah DWR |
| November 15, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,183 | 9.37" | Utah DWR |
| November 15, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 1,352 | 10.14" | Utah DWR |
| November 14, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 17 | 13.42" | Utah DWR |
| November 14, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 50 | 10.11" | Utah DWR |
| November 14, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 2,200 | 9.79" | Utah DWR |
| November 13, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 9,560 | 10.26" | Utah DWR |
| November 13, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,800 | 10.31" | Utah DWR |
Showing 50 of 291 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Starvation Reservoir last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Starvation Reservoir was last stocked July 21, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Starvation Reservoir?
Starvation Reservoir is stocked with Rainbow Trout, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Kokanee, Trout (unspecified), Yellow Perch, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Cutthroat Trout, and Walleye.
What time of year is Starvation Reservoir stocked?
Starvation Reservoir is typically stocked in fall, most often in November.
How often is Starvation Reservoir stocked?
Starvation Reservoir has been stocked about 6 times a year — 291 recorded stockings between 1980 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Starvation Reservoir?
About 10,211,240 fish have been stocked in Starvation Reservoir across 291 recorded events since 1980, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Starvation Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Starvation Reservoir average about 8.1 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Starvation 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 Starvation Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Starvation 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.