The Strawberry Reservoir Day Trip in April will be held sometime between April 8th and April 22nd. This is so we can scout the reservoir to find the exact moment to be out there when the ice has pulled back from the bank about 15’. Once the ice starts pulling back, we have about a 3-to-4-day window to get out there for optimal ice conditions. This is, of course, dependent on Strawberry actually icing over this year. If it doesn’t … well, this trip will be a bust. ☹
Target Species: Cutthroat and rainbow trout.
Drive time: 1.25 hrs., 65 miles.
Level of fishing difficulty: Moderate. Goal is to catch cutthroat trout in the 18-25" range on dry flies, though other methods are welcome and might work as well or better depending on the mood of the fish!. 9' 7 wt. fast action rod may be best, but other weights work as well. The wind always blows at Strawberry. It's not a question of if, it's more a question of when. If you do choose a heavier rod, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much easier it is to cast in the wind. Especially with a big or weighty rig at the end of the line.
Use a large opening long handled rubber measure net.
Slot limits are posted: 2 cutthroats under 16" and 1 cutt over 22". Check regs if you want to catch/kill.
Access: Some areas are accessible by two-wheel drive (e.g. Strawberry Marina). Many of the access areas involve driving on dirt roads and dirt parking lots. All-wheel or four-wheel drive are helpful to access some areas and\or if dirt portions of roads are muddy. Lots of parking along pullouts and campgrounds on the reservoir. A map of the lake would be helpful. Maps of several of our local lakes are available online and at the local fly shops and Sportsman's Warehouse www.fishnmap.com. Cell phone coverage is better than it used to be but there are still places where cell phones don't work. It for sure works at the USFS Visitor Center. Parking passes are required (a Utah State Parks Pass will not work). A National Parks Pass (America the Beautiful pass) displayed on the vehicle dash will work. If you do not have one, a day pass can be purchased at the Marina. They patrol the parking lots on a very regular basis. Be sure you have a current Utah fishing license and can access it.
Weather: Strawberry is a high elevation reservoir with significantly cooler weather than SLC. Please dress warmly and plan for windy weather.
Terrian: Normal public access with some limited hiking. Wading is moderate with locally muddy and silty bottom and wet\muddy shoreline. Rocky areas and steep banks in some of the areas.
Wading difficulty: Moderately easy. Waders are highly recommended as you will be standing in ice water. Most wear long johns, wool socks, hats, warm gloves, rain jacket, fleece, etc. Dress to keep yourself comfortable per the weather forecast.
License: Utah fishing license. A park pass required in most areas.
