Things to do nearStrawberry Reservoir

Strawberry Reservoir sits within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest on the Wasatch Plateau in central Utah, roughly ninety miles southeast of Salt Lake City. The reservoir was created in the early twentieth century as part of a water diversion project, and its waters were later developed into one of the most productive fisheries in the Intermountain West. A significant restoration effort in the 1990s removed competing fish species and restocked the lake, transforming it into the trophy trout destination it is today.

Anglers come from across the region to pursue Strawberry Reservoir's robust populations of cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon. The lake covers roughly 17,000 surface acres at full pool, giving boaters, fly fishers wading the shallows, and ice fishers in winter plenty of room to spread out. Ice fishing is a serious pursuit here, drawing hardened enthusiasts onto the frozen surface each January and February.

Beyond fishing, the surrounding landscape invites hiking, wildlife watching, and photography. Trails near the reservoir wind through open meadows and stands of aspen, offering views across the water and into the forested hills beyond. Pronghorn, bald eagles, and great blue herons are regular sights along the shoreline, adding a natural richness to any visit.

Strawberry Reservoir earns its reputation not through spectacle but through a quieter, more enduring appeal: clean mountain air, reliable fishing, and a sense of genuine remoteness that is increasingly rare within easy reach of a major city.