Strawberry Reservoir
lake in Utah
Large, productive impoundment east of Heber Valley that consistently produces large rainbows and browns; well known for big-game trout in spring and fall.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Kokanee Salmon are in their fall spawning phase
- 01Kokanee Salmon are in their fall spawning phase, making egg patterns exceptionally effective for all target species.
- 02Subsurface presentations are key, with Mysis Shrimp and leech patterns excelling as trout and salmon key in on protein-rich food sources in the colder water.
- 03Midge and chironomid patterns remain a consistent year-round food source, and are particularly important as other insect activity wanes with cooling temperatures.
- 04Target the deeper sections of bays and along drop-offs where fish will be congregating and foraging.
- 05A slow retrieve or dead drift with nymphs and streamers will be most productive, mimicking the lethargic movement of baitfish and invertebrates in cooler fall water.
Past reports week by week
8 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Blood Dot Egg
Kokanee salmon are actively spawning in the fall at Strawberry Reservoir, making egg patterns highly effective for opportunistic trout and salmon feeding on loose eggs. Fish these dead-drifted near spawning areas or under an indicator.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source in stillwaters year-round. This weighted pattern gets into the strike zone for trout and salmon in cooling fall waters, imitating midge pupae and larvae.
Buy at AmazonMysis Shrimp
As a large reservoir, Mysis shrimp are a consistent, protein-rich food source for trout and salmon in Strawberry Reservoir. Fishing this pattern dead drift near the bottom can be highly effective for subsurface feeders, especially as water temperatures cool.
Buy at AmazonBalanced Leech (Black)
Leeches are a staple forage for predatory fish in stillwaters like Strawberry Reservoir year-round. This pattern is highly effective in colder fall waters, mimicking sluggish leeches. Fish it under an indicator or with a slow strip.
Chironomid Pupa (Black)
While listed as a dry, this pattern effectively mimics abundant midge pupae that Kokanee and various trout species actively feed on subsurface, especially as water temperatures drop in the fall. Focus on subtle takes.
Pine Squirrel Leech (Olive)
Small leech patterns effectively mimic sluggish baitfish and annelids in cold fall water, enticing strikes from larger, lethargic trout and salmon. Fish with a slow retrieve or dead drift.
Muddler Minnow (stillwater)
An excellent baitfish and sculpin imitation, very effective in lakes like Strawberry Reservoir during spring and fall when stripped near the surface or trolled deep for aggressive trout and salmon.
Doc Spratley
A classic stillwater pattern effective year-round on lakes, imitating general invertebrates and small baitfish, particularly good for targeting Kokanee Salmon in Strawberry Reservoir.
Where to fish and who to ask
Soldier Creek Campground Access
Close to deep-water edges and structure; a favorite for anglers fishing from shore and small boats.
Soldier Creek Marina
Primary launch and access with predictable fishing around drop-offs and submerged structure—very popular in spring and fall.
Strawberry Bay
Accessible bank fishing and good staging area for boats targeting schooling trout and streamer water.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Fish Heads Fly Shop
Rocky Mountain Outfitters
Fishwest
Fishwest Fly Shop
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Utah season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Best Budget Fly Fishing Combo Setups for Beginners
Expert guide to affordable fly fishing combos that won't break the bank but deliver quality performance for new anglers.
Quick answers
Common questions about Strawberry Reservoir.
What flies work best on Strawberry Reservoir?
Our top scored fly patterns for Strawberry Reservoir right now are Blood Dot Egg (85% confidence), Zebra Midge (80% confidence), Callibaetis Parachute (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Strawberry Reservoir?
Strawberry Reservoir holds Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Strawberry Reservoir fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Strawberry Reservoir each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.