What's the best time to fish Strawberry Reservoir?
Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are peak for cutthroat and rainbow trout. Summer evenings near deeper structure also produce well.
Last updated: June 13, 2026. Verify current DWR stocking rows, regulations, and access before keeping fish.
Current Fishing Snapshot: Mixed-tactic strategy works best. Shore anglers often find value in protected bays first, while kokanee-focused anglers move deeper and run controlled downrigger lines during mid-morning windows.
Strawberry Reservoir is Utah's best-known trophy trout destination, with an established slot-limit system and active summer/kokanee windows for anglers who can plan deeply.
Named areas matter here. Shore visitors use Chicken Creek Bay, Mud Creek Bay, Strawberry Bay, and Renegade Point as practical windows, while wind and afternoon thermal shifts change which side of the basin is fishable.
For anglers targeting kokanee, downrigger depth discipline, lure color, and wind-window discipline are the practical edges that separate good and average trips.
Use the DWR report for recent release timing and species emphasis before you launch. Slot-limit waters benefit most from pre-trip regulation confirmation.
Use 25-40 ft trolling depth with small pink or red hoochies behind a dodger or UV flasher. Start at 1.2-1.8 mph. Focus in June through August when fish occupy stable summer layers.
Chicken Creek Bay is a top general shore option; Mud Creek Bay is often less crowded; Strawberry Bay gives access and family-friendly shoreline; Soldier Creek gives a different angle in changing winds.
Target ice windows when measured depth is safe. Afternoon winds and US-40 advisories can change launch timing quickly in shoulder and storm seasons.
Strawberry is a Blue Ribbon system with a species-specific cutthroat slot approach for Bear Lake cutthroat. Verify current limits and possession rules before each trip.
High summer pressure is common in morning and near-family anchor points. On windy afternoons, switch to protected bays and sheltered launch points quickly.
Road closures and wind advisories can change quickly on US-40. Check DOT and USGS updates before departing.
Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are peak for cutthroat and rainbow trout. Summer evenings near deeper structure also produce well.
Strawberry holds Bear Lake cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon. It is Utah's only Blue Ribbon reservoir — catch-and-release for cutthroat over 15 inches applies.
Yes — ice fishing is popular January through February. Check DWR for current cutthroat slot limits and any tributary closures before going.