StockedWaters

Yellowstone River Fish Stocking

DUCHESNE County, Utah · 1980–2026 on record

Source: Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report· updated 2026-07-13

According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Yellowstone River was last stocked July 13, 2026 with Rainbow Trout. Yellowstone River has 130 stocking records on file, spanning 1980–2026, with about 134,283 fish stocked over that period.

July 13, 2026
Last stocked
134,283
Fish stocked
2
Species
130
Stocking records

When Yellowstone River is stocked

Yellowstone River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 55 stocking events in that peak month.

How Yellowstone River's stockings spread across the calendar year.

Angler's Field Guide

Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Yellowstone River

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 Yellowstone River, 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 Yellowstone River 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 Yellowstone River:

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.

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.

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.

Recommended Tackle for Yellowstone River

Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.

Hatchery Trout FavoriteBerkley

Berkley PowerBait Floating Trout Dough

Hatchery-raised trout are conditioned to pelleted scents; scented dough floated 12–18 inches off bottom consistently triggers strikes.

Top Casting LurePanther Martin

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.

Essential RiggingEagle Claw

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 Yellowstone River, freshest activity first.

Stocking history

Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.

DateSpeciesNumberSizeSource
July 13, 2026Rainbow Trout48412.26"Utah DWR
July 2, 2026Rainbow Trout76511.91"Utah DWR
June 8, 2026Rainbow Trout75011.05"Utah DWR
July 23, 2025Rainbow Trout25010.77"Utah DWR
July 21, 2025Rainbow Trout53710.85"Utah DWR
July 3, 2025Rainbow Trout72110.37"Utah DWR
June 13, 2025Rainbow Trout49810.09"Utah DWR
August 6, 2024Rainbow Trout50210.94"Utah DWR
Show 42 more stocking records →
DateSpeciesNumberSizeSource
July 23, 2024Rainbow Trout1,00010.51"Utah DWR
June 25, 2024Rainbow Trout49810.14"Utah DWR
July 19, 2023Rainbow Trout99910.2"Utah DWR
June 29, 2023Rainbow Trout1,0019.43"Utah DWR
July 19, 2022Rainbow Trout1,00110.18"Utah DWR
June 14, 2022Rainbow Trout9979.53"Utah DWR
July 19, 2021Rainbow Trout82810.31"Utah DWR
June 29, 2021Rainbow Trout1,00110.04"Utah DWR
July 8, 2020Rainbow Trout9999.83"Utah DWR
June 26, 2020Rainbow Trout9979.72"Utah DWR
August 7, 2019Rainbow Trout1,00810.6"Utah DWR
July 24, 2019Rainbow Trout1,01310.36"Utah DWR
July 15, 2019Rainbow Trout1,01010.14"Utah DWR
August 16, 2018Rainbow Trout51910.18"Utah DWR
July 5, 2018Rainbow Trout52810.36"Utah DWR
June 8, 2018Rainbow Trout7899.22"Utah DWR
August 30, 2016Rainbow Trout38910.14"Utah DWR
June 27, 2016Rainbow Trout5218.56"Utah DWR
July 2, 2015Rainbow Trout9679.72"Utah DWR
August 1, 2014Rainbow Trout40010"Utah DWR
June 11, 2014Rainbow Trout5217.39"Utah DWR
June 26, 2013Rainbow Trout91110.28"Utah DWR
July 13, 2012Rainbow Trout45510.44"Utah DWR
May 24, 2012Rainbow Trout4569.55"Utah DWR
August 11, 2011Rainbow Trout30410.77"Utah DWR
July 27, 2011Rainbow Trout60510.28"Utah DWR
July 22, 2010Rainbow Trout4559.84"Utah DWR
June 30, 2010Rainbow Trout3589.47"Utah DWR
June 3, 2010Rainbow Trout3819.41"Utah DWR
May 28, 2010Rainbow Trout1,10010"Utah DWR
September 24, 2009Rainbow Trout40011.31"Utah DWR
July 21, 2009Rainbow Trout3509.76"Utah DWR
June 30, 2009Rainbow Trout3519.51"Utah DWR
May 28, 2009Rainbow Trout1,10010"Utah DWR
September 30, 2008Rainbow Trout35010.68"Utah DWR
July 9, 2008Rainbow Trout3519.44"Utah DWR
June 2, 2008Rainbow Trout3508.87"Utah DWR
May 28, 2008Rainbow Trout1,04210"Utah DWR
September 18, 2007Rainbow Trout34810.77"Utah DWR
July 9, 2007Rainbow Trout34810.14"Utah DWR
May 29, 2007Rainbow Trout1,04210"Utah DWR
May 23, 2007Rainbow Trout3479.93"Utah DWR

Showing 50 of 130 stocking records.

Frequently asked

When was Yellowstone River last stocked?

According to Utah DWR — Fish Stocking Report, Yellowstone River was last stocked July 13, 2026 with Rainbow Trout.

What fish species are stocked in Yellowstone River?

Yellowstone River is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.

What time of year is Yellowstone River stocked?

Yellowstone River is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.

How often is Yellowstone River stocked?

Yellowstone River has been stocked about 3 times a year — 130 recorded stockings between 1980 and 2026.

How many fish have been stocked in Yellowstone River?

About 134,283 fish have been stocked in Yellowstone River across 130 recorded events since 1980, per Utah fish & wildlife agency.

What size are the fish stocked in Yellowstone River?

Fish stocked in Yellowstone River average about 9.8 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.

Do you need a fishing license to fish Yellowstone River?

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 Yellowstone River?

Freshly stocked trout in Yellowstone River 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.