Strawberry Reservoir

Location and description

Strawberry Reservoir is the most popular fishery in Utah. Although the reservoir receives more than 1.5 million angling hours annually, it sustains a healthy population of fish. Strawberry is located 30 miles east of Heber City, along US-40. It's a large reservoir of 1,106,500 acre feet, or 17,164 surface acres. That allows anglers to distance themselves from other anglers on the reservoir and enjoy a quiet day of fishing in the picturesque setting of the Strawberry Valley. Strawberry is situated at 7,550 feet in elevation in a valley surrounded by pine and aspen-covered mountains, sage, wetland and grassy meadow areas. It's in the middle of the Uinta National Forest, providing easy access to the reservoir. The reservoir and Strawberry Valley are also a migration magnet for many species of wildlife.

Game fish species and methods

The main species include rainbow trout, Bear Lake cutthroat trout and kokanee salmon. This water is heavily stocked with trout and is also becoming a favorite fishery for catching buckets-full of crayfish (there's no limit on crayfish but remember it's illegal to transport live fish or crayfish). New fish regulations have been put in place at the reservoir to protect the larger, predacious Bear Lake cutthroat trout. Larger cutthroats are important in controlling the chub population in the reservoir. Regulations include: Limit 4 trout or kokanee salmon in the aggregate. No more than 2 may be cutthroat trout 22 inches or larger. All cutthroat trout between 15 and 22 inches must be immediately released. Anglers are encouraged to voluntarily release cutthroat and rainbow trout. Tributaries to the reservoir have special regulations (see the Fishing Proclamation). Fish in Strawberry are famous for rapid growth rates related to the abundant food supply in the reservoir.

Common angling methods include trolling, flies, lures, bait, casting jigs (from boats, kick-boats, float tubes, shore and ice fishing). Dark-colored wooly-buggers or leech patterns, tube jigs, minnow-imitating lures, and standard baits are most effective. Kokanee are generally found in deeper water (often in large schools). Jigging or down riggers are best for catching kokanee. A fish finder is very useful for locating schools of kokanee.

Access and facilities

There are four boat ramps around the reservoir at Strawberry Bay Marina, Soldier Creek, Renegade and Aspen Grove. Boat rentals are available at Strawberry Marina, Soldier Creek Bay and Renegade. Accommodations include numerous motels and restaurants in Heber City; the Daniels Summit Lodge and Restaurant (800) 519-9969; and the Strawberry Marina and Lodge (435) 548-2261. There are many U.S. Forest Service campgrounds around the reservoir as well. For more camping information, contact the Heber Ranger District at (435) 654-0470.

More information

Strawberry Reservoir Web pages