Overview

Since the construction of the dam in 1922, Strawberry Reservoir has been a place for fishermen to try and land some of the biggest fish around, minus a good number of years when the chub took over the waters.

Active, multi-pronged management techniques have once again restored the Strawberry Reservoir fishing to its rightful throne, with large cutthroats, rainbows and salmon being pulled in regularly.

Fishing Techniques

Shore fishing and wading can be excellent during the early and late season, but fishermen focusing on mornings and evenings can still find excellent opportunities late into the summer. Floats and tubes can help get fishermen into good position in the bays.

During the hot summer months, boaters will have a distinct advantage, with the ability to troll and reach deeper water. 

The areas around the tributary mouths will start to heat up as the Kokanee salmon start their spawning run in September.

Seasons

The reservoir fishes well from April to November, when the lake is free from ice. Early spring and late fall are both particularly good, as the fish are either coming off a long, starving winter, or preparing to survive another. 

Ice fishing is very good from January to March, though always be careful to check ice conditions.

Species

Strawberry Reservoir, Utah is known for a sizable population of Bonneville and Bear Lake cutthroat trout, with Utah's largest at 26 lbs., 12oz. The Bear Lake cutthroat lacks the distinctive crimson slash on the jaw, and is therefore often mistaken for a rainbow.

Rainbow trout are routinely stocked and maintained by the world class fisheries on the shores and tributaries.

Kokanee salmon also swim the waters of the reservoir. This silvery fish turns bright red during spawning season, resembling the Pacific salmon's hooked jaw and hump on the back. Strawberry Reservoir holds the Utah record for Kokanee salmon at 25 inches long.

Areas of Strawberry Reservoir

Strawberry Bay Recreation Complex
This is the main launching point on the reservoir, with a full-service marina, including a cafe, restaurant and hotel rooms. Boat rentals are available, as are storage, slips and other services. The marina is located off US-40 on UT-131, also known as Strawberry Rd.

Soldier Creek Recreation Complex
The second full-service marina is on the other side of the reservoir. Offering boat rentals, cleaning stations, camping facilities for RVs and more, this is another popular place to put in for a day on the lake.

Renegade and Aspen Grove
There are two other boat launches on the reservoir. Renegade is a camping area past Strawberry Bay on US-131, while Aspen Grove is on Forest Road 090 by the dam itself. Both have RV sites, boat ramps and toilets, but not much more.