Strawberry River, Utah
Below Strawberry Reservoir — Technical tailwater cutthroat in Utah's high plateau country
The Strawberry River below Strawberry Reservoir occupies a unique niche in Utah fly fishing — it is primarily a cutthroat trout fishery, offering something distinctly different from the rainbow-dominated tailwaters of the Provo and Green rivers. The river runs cold and clear from the bottom releases of Strawberry Reservoir through a remote sagebrush plateau before entering Strawberry Canyon, providing approximately 15 miles of fishable water at elevations between 5,800 and 7,000 feet.
The reservoir releases maintain consistent cold temperatures year-round, creating classic tailwater conditions. The fish — primarily Bonneville Cutthroat and some rainbows — are wild and surprisingly large for such a small stream. Cutthroat averaging 14–18 inches are common in the prime sections, and the lack of fishing pressure compared to the Provo and Green means these fish, while selective, are not as battle-hardened as their tailwater cousins to the north.
The Strawberry fishes best in late spring through fall, with the canyon section accessible from the Strawberry River Road south of Fruitland. The remote location — roughly 90 minutes from Provo or Salt Lake City — keeps crowds manageable even on summer weekends. The high plateau setting means cool temperatures even in July and August, making it an ideal summer destination when lower-elevation rivers are uncomfortably warm.
Hatches are dominated by midges and Blue-Winged Olives in spring and fall, with reliable Caddis and PMD activity through the summer. The small stream character means dry fly fishing with short casts and careful presentation is the norm — an intimate fishing experience that stands in pleasant contrast to the big-water tailwaters of the Uinta Basin.
Below Dam — Starvation Road Area
Closest access to the reservoir outlet. Small water with consistent flows. Good year-round fishing. Access via US-40 near Fruitland.
Strawberry Canyon
Primary fishing water. Strawberry River Road provides access along most of the canyon. Multiple pull-offs. Best water between miles 5-15 below the dam.
Lower Strawberry — Near Duchesne
Below the canyon where the river enters the Uinta Basin valley. Warmer water, different character. Better for the cutthroat-rainbow hybrid population.
Bonneville Cutthroat
Utah's native trout, dominant throughout the tailwater section. Averaging 14–18 inches. More willing to take dry flies than the educated tailwater rainbows of other Utah rivers.
Rainbow Trout
Present throughout, more common in lower sections. Some exceptional specimens over 20 inches in the canyon section. Respond well to nymph presentations.
Cutthroat are more willing dry fly fish than the tailwater rainbows on the Provo — lean into attractor patterns when no hatch is visible.
The canyon section fishes best late June through September when flows stabilize. Check USGS before making the drive.
Summer temperatures at 6,500+ feet elevation mean this is a legitimate mid-summer destination when valley rivers are uncomfortably warm.
The remote location means wildlife encounters are common — elk, deer, and occasionally bears. Be aware and store food properly if camping.
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