Willard Bay Reservoir Fish Stocking
BOX ELDER County, Utah · 1981–2026 on record
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Willard Bay Reservoir was last stocked July 7, 2026 with Wiper. Willard Bay Reservoir has 205 stocking records on file, spanning 1981–2026, with about 44,012,932 fish stocked over that period.
When Willard Bay Reservoir is stocked
Willard Bay Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April — 85 stocking events in that peak month.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Willard Bay Reservoir
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in BOX ELDER County, Utah.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Willard Bay 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 Willard Bay Reservoir was last stocked July 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.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Willard Bay Reservoir:
Catfish Rigging
Fish a Carolina slip-sinker bottom rig with a 1/2 to 1 oz egg sinker, swivel, and 1/0–3/0 circle hook. Baits such as chicken liver, cut baitfish (shad), nightcrawlers, and stink baits produce best during early morning, dusk, or night in deeper holes.
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.
Wiper Profile Tips
Known for hard, sustained runs; often caught by casting or trolling near baitfish schools, sometimes visible as surface-feeding 'boils.'
Walleye Profile Tips
Highly regarded as table fare; typically targeted with jigs, live bait rigs, or trolled crankbaits, often after dark.
Recommended Tackle for Willard Bay Reservoir
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Heavy Duty Offset Circle Hooks (1/0–3/0)
Circle hooks naturally turn into the corner of a catfish's jaw as it turns, preventing gut-hooking and improving hookup rates.
Catfish Carolina Rig & Egg Sinker Terminal Kit
Delivers cut bait or stink bait right to channel bottoms and deep holes where stocked channel cats scavenge.
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.
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jig & Plastic Kit
Micro-jig heads paired with soft swimbaits mimic tiny baitfish and insects for schooling crappie and bluegill.
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 Willard Bay Reservoir, freshest activity first.
Ogden River
12 miWEBER County · 4 species · 581 records
Last stocked June 2026
Pioneer Park P
10 miBOX ELDER County · 10 species · 349 records
Last stocked June 2026
Smith Family Park Pond
4 miWEBER County · 9 species · 163 records
Last stocked June 2026
Harrisville City Pond
8 miWEBER County · 1 species · 6 records
Last stocked June 2026
Good Ski Lake
11 miWEBER County · 5 species · 311 records
Last stocked May 2026
Mayor's Pond
10 miBOX ELDER County · 5 species · 182 records
Last stocked April 2026
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 7, 2026 | Wiper | 3,480 | 0.33" | Utah DWR |
| June 18, 2026 | Wiper | 2,612 | 9.98" | Utah DWR |
| June 9, 2026 | Wiper | 219,200 | 0.3" | Utah DWR |
| May 11, 2026 | Wiper | 700 | 7.63" | Utah DWR |
| May 11, 2026 | Wiper | 1,058 | 7.79" | Utah DWR |
| May 11, 2026 | Wiper | 1,060 | 7.48" | Utah DWR |
| April 7, 2026 | Walleye | 95,701 | 0.31" | Utah DWR |
| April 6, 2026 | Walleye | 950,405 | 0.31" | Utah DWR |
Show 42 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 5, 2026 | Walleye | 237,542 | 0.31" | Utah DWR |
| March 30, 2026 | Walleye | 178,868 | 0.19" | Utah DWR |
| March 30, 2026 | Walleye | 215,654 | 0.19" | Utah DWR |
| March 30, 2026 | Walleye | 72,027 | 0.19" | Utah DWR |
| March 30, 2026 | Walleye | 221,151 | 0.19" | Utah DWR |
| June 19, 2025 | Channel Catfish | 2,275 | 7.27" | Utah DWR |
| May 27, 2025 | Wiper | 191,000 | 0.46" | Utah DWR |
| May 8, 2025 | Wiper | 906 | 7.98" | Utah DWR |
| May 7, 2025 | Wiper | 2,415 | 8.03" | Utah DWR |
| May 5, 2025 | Wiper | 1,680 | 8.53" | Utah DWR |
| April 14, 2025 | Walleye | 311,250 | 0.69" | Utah DWR |
| April 10, 2025 | Walleye | 587,175 | 0.69" | Utah DWR |
| April 8, 2025 | Walleye | 857,189 | 0.69" | Utah DWR |
| April 7, 2025 | Walleye | 744,861 | 0.69" | Utah DWR |
| June 13, 2024 | Wiper | 1,000,000 | 0.22" | Utah DWR |
| May 28, 2024 | Wiper | 14,700 | 0.31" | Utah DWR |
| May 23, 2024 | Wiper | 2,625 | 8.55" | Utah DWR |
| May 23, 2024 | Wiper | 2,125 | 8.55" | Utah DWR |
| April 25, 2024 | Walleye | 153,000 | 0.41" | Utah DWR |
| April 23, 2024 | Walleye | 206,500 | 0.41" | Utah DWR |
| April 23, 2024 | Walleye | 181,000 | 0.41" | Utah DWR |
| April 23, 2024 | Walleye | 193,000 | 0.41" | Utah DWR |
| April 18, 2024 | Walleye | 203,000 | 0.41" | Utah DWR |
| April 18, 2024 | Walleye | 153,000 | 0.41" | Utah DWR |
| April 18, 2024 | Walleye | 116,000 | 0.41" | Utah DWR |
| April 17, 2024 | Walleye | 206,000 | 0.41" | Utah DWR |
| April 17, 2024 | Walleye | 119,000 | 0.41" | Utah DWR |
| April 17, 2024 | Walleye | 108,500 | 0.41" | Utah DWR |
| April 17, 2024 | Walleye | 143,500 | 0.41" | Utah DWR |
| April 15, 2024 | Walleye | 120,000 | 0.41" | Utah DWR |
| April 10, 2024 | Walleye | 136,000 | 0.41" | Utah DWR |
| April 4, 2024 | Walleye | 230,500 | 0.41" | Utah DWR |
| April 4, 2024 | Walleye | 14,500 | 0.41" | Utah DWR |
| April 1, 2024 | Walleye | 225,000 | 0.41" | Utah DWR |
| November 20, 2023 | Wiper | 12,700 | 4.51" | Utah DWR |
| November 16, 2023 | Wiper | 6,775 | 4.41" | Utah DWR |
| June 8, 2023 | Wiper | 4,498 | 7.83" | Utah DWR |
| June 8, 2023 | Wiper | 4,498 | 7.83" | Utah DWR |
| June 8, 2023 | Wiper | 4,498 | 7.83" | Utah DWR |
| June 6, 2023 | Wiper | 30,000 | 0.36" | Utah DWR |
| June 6, 2023 | Wiper | 1,000,002 | 0.24" | Utah DWR |
| April 25, 2023 | Walleye | 792,500 | 0.41" | Utah DWR |
Showing 50 of 205 stocking records.
Frequently asked
When was Willard Bay Reservoir last stocked?
According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Willard Bay Reservoir was last stocked July 7, 2026 with Wiper.
What fish species are stocked in Willard Bay Reservoir?
Willard Bay Reservoir is stocked with Wiper, Walleye, Channel Catfish, Gizzard Shad, Spottail Shiner, Crayfish, and Delta Smelt.
What time of year is Willard Bay Reservoir stocked?
Willard Bay Reservoir is typically stocked in spring, most often in April.
How often is Willard Bay Reservoir stocked?
Willard Bay Reservoir has been stocked about 4 times a year — 205 recorded stockings between 1981 and 2026.
How many fish have been stocked in Willard Bay Reservoir?
About 44,012,932 fish have been stocked in Willard Bay Reservoir across 205 recorded events since 1981, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Willard Bay Reservoir?
Fish stocked in Willard Bay Reservoir average about 1.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Willard Bay 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.