Tropic Reservoir Fish Stocking
GARFIELD County, Utah · 1980–2026 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Tropic Reservoir was last stocked May 7, 2026 with Tiger Trout. Tropic Reservoir has 166 stocking records on file, spanning 1980–2026, with about 452,682 fish stocked over that period.
When Tropic Reservoir is stocked
Tropic Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May — 64 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Tropic Reservoir
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 Tropic 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 Tropic Reservoir was last stocked May 7, 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 Tropic 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.
Tiger Trout Profile Tips
Known for hitting lures and flies aggressively; a favorite for anglers seeking a distinctive, hard-fighting stocked trout.
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.
Recommended Tackle for Tropic 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 Tropic Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Mammoth Creek
18 miIRON County · 5 species · 410 records
Last stocked June 2026
Asay Creek
12 miGARFIELD County · 3 species · 236 records
Last stocked June 2026
Pine Lake
19 miGARFIELD County · 4 species · 249 records
Last stocked June 2026
Panguitch Creek
20 miGARFIELD County · 6 species · 341 records
Last stocked May 2026
Big Hollow Upper
9 miGARFIELD County · 4 species · 34 records
Last stocked May 2025
Blubber Creek
5 mi1 species · 3 records
Last stocked December 2018
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 7, 2026 | Tiger Trout | 1,999 | 9.34" | Utah DWR |
| April 20, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 2,016 | 9.59" | Utah DWR |
| April 30, 2025 | Rainbow Trout | 3,504 | 10.21" | Utah DWR |
| April 29, 2025 | Tiger Trout | 1,697 | 9.38" | Utah DWR |
| April 29, 2025 | Tiger Trout | 1,818 | 9.38" | Utah DWR |
| June 20, 2024 | Tiger Trout | 499 | 5.81" | Utah DWR |
| May 29, 2024 | Tiger Trout | 3,507 | 9.07" | Utah DWR |
| April 25, 2024 | Rainbow Trout | 3,520 | 10.39" | Utah DWR |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 21, 2023 | Tiger Trout | 1,000 | 11.26" | Utah DWR |
| August 10, 2023 | Tiger Trout | 1,250 | 11.26" | Utah DWR |
| August 10, 2023 | Tiger Trout | 1,250 | 11.26" | Utah DWR |
| May 11, 2023 | Rainbow Trout | 3,508 | 10.04" | Utah DWR |
| June 17, 2022 | Tiger Trout | 512 | 8.74" | Utah DWR |
| June 6, 2022 | Tiger Trout | 1,363 | 8.56" | Utah DWR |
| June 3, 2022 | Tiger Trout | 754 | 9.01" | Utah DWR |
| April 20, 2022 | Rainbow Trout | 3,506 | 10.01" | Utah DWR |
| May 20, 2021 | Tiger Trout | 1,032 | 9.23" | Utah DWR |
| April 15, 2021 | Rainbow Trout | 1,840 | 10.09" | Utah DWR |
| May 11, 2020 | Rainbow Trout | 3,540 | 10.19" | Utah DWR |
| May 7, 2020 | Tiger Trout | 1,771 | 10.16" | Utah DWR |
| May 7, 2020 | Tiger Trout | 1,771 | 10.16" | Utah DWR |
| May 15, 2019 | Tiger Trout | 3,500 | 8.55" | Utah DWR |
| April 30, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 2,912 | 9.86" | Utah DWR |
| April 30, 2019 | Rainbow Trout | 588 | 10.13" | Utah DWR |
| May 22, 2018 | Tiger Trout | 2,502 | 3.76" | Utah DWR |
| April 10, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 2,827 | 10.12" | Utah DWR |
| April 9, 2018 | Rainbow Trout | 3,178 | 10.12" | Utah DWR |
| June 13, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 1,712 | 10.41" | Utah DWR |
| April 25, 2017 | Tiger Trout | 2,507 | 3.55" | Utah DWR |
| April 24, 2017 | Rainbow Trout | 4,288 | 9.42" | Utah DWR |
| July 5, 2016 | Tiger Trout | 2,580 | 3.95" | Utah DWR |
| May 24, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 2,093 | 9.6" | Utah DWR |
| April 26, 2016 | Rainbow Trout | 3,905 | 8.74" | Utah DWR |
| August 24, 2015 | Tiger Trout | 2,520 | 5.29" | Utah DWR |
| April 27, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 3,007 | 8.09" | Utah DWR |
| April 27, 2015 | Rainbow Trout | 3,003 | 8.26" | Utah DWR |
| August 13, 2014 | Tiger Trout | 2,520 | 5.25" | Utah DWR |
| June 13, 2014 | Brook Trout | 2,527 | 2.28" | Utah DWR |
| April 21, 2014 | Rainbow Trout | 6,003 | 8.25" | Utah DWR |
| September 5, 2013 | Tiger Trout | 2,520 | 4.84" | Utah DWR |
| July 29, 2013 | Brook Trout | 3,049 | 2.74" | Utah DWR |
| May 8, 2013 | Rainbow Trout | 6,012 | 7.93" | Utah DWR |
| June 7, 2012 | Brook Trout | 5,064 | 2.56" | Utah DWR |
| April 13, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 67 | 9.85" | Utah DWR |
| April 13, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,188 | 10.69" | Utah DWR |
| April 13, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,040 | 10.69" | Utah DWR |
| April 11, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 377 | 10.69" | Utah DWR |
| April 11, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 978 | 11.41" | Utah DWR |
| April 11, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 669 | 11.41" | Utah DWR |
| April 11, 2012 | Rainbow Trout | 1,683 | 10.69" | Utah DWR |
Showing 50 of 166 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Tropic Reservoir last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Tropic Reservoir was last stocked May 7, 2026 with Tiger Trout.
What fish species are stocked in Tropic Reservoir?
Tropic Reservoir is stocked with Tiger Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Brown Trout.
What time of year is Tropic Reservoir stocked?
Tropic Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in May.
How often is Tropic Reservoir stocked?
Tropic Reservoir has been stocked about 4 times a year — 166 recorded stockings between 1980 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Tropic Reservoir?
About 452,682 fish have been stocked in Tropic Reservoir across 166 recorded events since 1980, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Tropic Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Tropic Reservoir average about 8.5 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Tropic 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 Tropic Reservoir?
Freshly stocked trout in Tropic 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.