Expert Guided Fly Fishing at Strawberry Reservoir Utah
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Eighthour guided fishing adventure at Strawberry ReservoirTarget large cutthroat and rainbow trout in pristine watersSmall group experience accommodates up to two guests
Picture yourself casting into some of Utah's most productive trout waters, where every drift could bring a trophy cutthroat or chunky rainbow to your net. At Strawberry Reservoir, we're talking about a world-class fishery that consistently delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. This top-rated 8-hour guided trip puts you right in the heart of the Uinta National Forest, where the scenery is just as impressive as the fishing. With crystal-clear water stretching for miles and fish that have plenty of room to grow fat and strong, you're in for a day that'll remind you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place.
We'll meet up early and get you rigged with everything you need for a successful day chasing trout. This isn't your typical pond fishing – Strawberry Reservoir spans over 17,000 acres, giving us plenty of water to explore and find where the fish are holding. The reservoir sits at 7,600 feet elevation, so the water stays cool and oxygenated, creating perfect conditions for healthy trout populations. You'll be fishing with a maximum of one other angler, which means personalized attention and plenty of elbow room. We focus on the most productive areas based on current conditions, water temperature, and what the fish have been hitting lately. The scenery alone is worth the trip – massive mountain peaks surrounding clear blue water – but when you add in consistent action from quality fish, you've got something special. Don't worry about bringing lunch; we recommend packing your own since we'll be on the water for the full 8 hours and you'll want to maximize fishing time.
Strawberry Reservoir responds well to a variety of approaches, and we'll adjust our tactics based on what's working that day. Trolling with downriggers is a customer favorite here, especially when targeting the deeper-holding cutthroats and rainbows during warmer months. We'll set you up with proven lures and spinners that have been producing consistently. Still fishing with bait works great too, particularly with PowerBait, worms, or salmon eggs near structure and drop-offs. The key is reading the water and understanding where these fish like to hang out. Early morning and evening tend to be prime time, but Strawberry's depth and clarity mean good fishing throughout the day. We provide all the gear you'll need, including rods, reels, tackle, and net. The reservoir has excellent boat access, so we can cover water efficiently and put you on fish. Ice fishing is also popular here during winter months, but this trip focuses on the open water season when you can really cover ground and target multiple species.
Rainbow Trout are the bread and butter of Strawberry Reservoir, and these aren't your typical stockers. We're talking about fish that average 16-18 inches with plenty of 20+ inch specimens swimming around. They're aggressive feeders and put up a solid fight, especially in the cool, oxygen-rich water. Spring through fall offers the best action, with rainbows often found in schools near points and drop-offs. What makes them so fun here is their willingness to hit a variety of presentations – from trolled lures to still-fished bait.
Cutthroat Trout are the real prize at Strawberry, with the reservoir famous for producing some genuine trophies. These native Utah fish can reach impressive sizes – we're talking 24+ inches for the lucky angler. They tend to be a bit more selective than rainbows but are absolutely worth targeting. Cutthroats often hold deeper during midday but can be found in shallower water during low-light periods. Their distinctive red slash under the jaw makes them easy to identify, and their fight is legendary.
Brown Trout are the ghosts of Strawberry – harder to find but absolutely worth the effort. These fish are known for their wariness and size potential. Browns often prefer structure like submerged trees or rocky areas and tend to be most active during dawn and dusk. Landing a quality brown trout here is something you'll remember for years. They're ambush predators with a reputation for testing your drag system.
Brook Trout add some variety to the mix, though they're less common than the other species. These beautiful fish with their distinctive markings prefer cooler water and can be found in deeper areas of the reservoir. Brookies are typically smaller than the other trout species here but make up for it with their stunning colors and willingness to fight.
Arctic Grayling represent something truly special at Strawberry Reservoir. This is one of the few places in the lower 48 where you can target these unique fish. Grayling are known for their distinctive dorsal fin and are considered a bucket-list species for many anglers. They're typically found in deeper, cooler areas and respond well to small lures and flies. Catching a grayling here is like finding a hidden gem – not guaranteed, but always possible.
Strawberry Reservoir consistently ranks as one of Utah's premier fishing destinations, and there's a good reason guides like us keep coming back. With multiple species to target, stunning mountain scenery, and the kind of fishing stories that never get old, this 8-hour adventure delivers real value for serious anglers. Whether you're after your personal best cutthroat or just want to spend a day on some of the clearest water you'll ever fish, we've got you covered. The two-angler maximum ensures you get the attention and instruction you deserve, plus plenty of space to work. Book now and secure your spot for what could be your best fishing day of the season. The fish are there, the scenery never disappoints, and we'll make sure you have everything you need for success on the water.
Thymallus ArcticusArctic grayling are unique fish with a massive sail-like dorsal fin covered in colorful spots and stripes. They're part of the salmon family and typically run 10-18 inches at Strawberry. These fish prefer cold, highly oxygenated water and you'll find them in open areas away from heavy structure, usually in 10-25 feet. Summer months from June through September offer the best fishing when they're actively feeding on surface insects. What makes grayling special is their beauty - they're probably the most striking freshwater fish we have. They fight well for their size and have a unique thyme-like smell when fresh. The meat is excellent eating. Here's my tip: use small presentations since they have tiny mouths. Size 1-1.5 inch spinners or small dry flies work perfect, especially during evening insect hatches.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout aren't actually true trout - they're char - but they're absolutely beautiful with olive-green backs, yellow spots, and red spots circled in blue. They're smaller than other trout here, typically 8-15 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in spirit. These fish need the coldest, cleanest water and are extremely sensitive to temperature changes. Find them in shallow areas near cover like fallen logs and boulders in water below 68°F. Fall spawning season brings the best action. Anglers target them for the challenge - they're tough to locate and spook easily. The meat is sweet and delicate. My local secret: use tiny presentations on light tackle. Small spinners, dry flies, or even live worms work best, but keep everything miniature since brookies have small mouths.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the most challenging trout we target - they're smart, spooky, and can live up to 20 years, making the older ones extremely wary. They typically run 8-24 inches but can get much larger in our deeper waters. These fish prefer cover like fallen timber, undercut banks, and rocky structure in 20-30 feet of water. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, though they're catchable year-round. What guests love is the fight - browns are powerful and stubborn once hooked. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. Originally from Europe, they've adapted perfectly to our western waters. Here's my local trick: fish browns at night or during overcast conditions when they're less cautious. Use crawfish patterns or streamers near structure.
Oncorhynchus ClarkiiCutthroat trout are Utah natives with that distinctive red slash under their jaw that gives them their name. At Strawberry, they typically range 10-20 inches, though some trophy fish push 24+ inches. They're less spooky than browns but more selective than rainbows. Look for them in clear, cold water around rocky structure and drop-offs, usually 15-35 feet deep. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're most active. Anglers love cutthroats because they fight hard and have beautiful coloring - gold, green, and silver with those red gill marks. The meat is top-notch eating. These fish prefer well-oxygenated water and love feeding on insects. Pro tip: match the hatch with local bug patterns, especially during caddis and mayfly emergences in late spring and early summer.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout run 8-24 inches here at Strawberry, with that signature pink stripe running down their silver sides. They love the cooler water temps, especially early morning and evening when they're actively feeding near the surface. You'll find them cruising the drop-offs and around structure in 15-25 feet of water. What makes them special is their fight - they'll jump and run hard when hooked. The meat is excellent eating too, with that light pink flesh. These fish are strong indicators of clean water, so when you're catching rainbows, you know you're fishing quality habitat. My go-to tip: watch for rising fish during mayfly hatches around dusk. Cast just upstream of the rise and let your lure drift naturally into their feeding zone.
Kamas, UT