Call or Text
Strawberry Reservoir Guide: Marinas, Fishing & Boating
Strawberry Reservoir, known around Utah as “the Berry,” is the state’s most famous trout lake: a big, high-mountain reservoir east of Heber City, with cold, clear water and some of the best fishing in the West. It’s also a beautiful place for a cool summer day on a boat. Here’s what to know.
Strawberry at a glance
| Where | Off US-40, east of Heber City in Wasatch County, on national forest land |
|---|---|
| Size | Roughly 17,000 acres, one of the largest lakes in Utah |
| Elevation | About 7,600 feet |
| Marinas | Strawberry Bay, Soldier Creek, Renegade and Aspen, all with paved ramps |
| Fish | Bear Lake cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and kokanee salmon |
| Water | Cold and clear, even in summer |
| Winter | Heavy snow and a popular ice-fishing season |
Marinas and facilities
- Strawberry Bay: the closest marina to Heber City, with a lodge, restaurant, campground, day-use areas and a marina store.
- Soldier Creek: a full-service area on the east side with campground loops, a dump station, day-use areas and a marina store.
- Renegade and Aspen: smaller paved ramps that spread out the boat traffic.
Fishing at the Berry
Strawberry’s fishery is managed carefully. The state favors the native Bear Lake cutthroat trout, which helps keep other fish in check, and the rainbow trout stocked here are sterile so they can’t crossbreed with the cutthroats. Kokanee salmon round out the mix. Special rules apply, including limits on keeping cutthroat trout in certain size ranges, so read the current Utah fishing guidebook before you go. Anglers 12 and older need a Utah fishing license.
Boating at Strawberry
At 7,600 feet, the water stays cold all summer and afternoon winds can build quickly on this big, open lake. That makes Strawberry best for cruising, fishing and sightseeing, with watersports on calm mornings for those with wetsuits. On a hot July day, it’s one of the coolest places in Utah to be on the water.
Tips for a great day
- Dress warm. Mornings can be chilly even in midsummer, and the water is cold.
- Go early. The calmest water and best fishing are early in the day.
- Watch the sky. Mountain thunderstorms build fast in the afternoon; head in at the first thunder.
- Know the rules. See our boating rules guide.
Boat and jet ski rentals for Strawberry
We rent boats that seat 12 to 18 people, plus Sea-Doo jet skis, for Strawberry. Add a driver or guide to any rental for a day of cruising, fishing or exploring the bays.
Planning a Strawberry day? We have the boat, jet skis and toys ready for you. Open every day, 7am to 10pm.
Renters must be 18 or older with a valid driver’s license.
More lakes near Heber
See our guides to Deer Creek, Jordanelle and Starvation.