Strawberry River

Starvation Reservoir to Duchesne River

Location and description

The five-mile stretch of the Strawberry River, below Starvation Reservoir, flows through a mix of public, private and Ute Indian Trust Lands. Roughly, most of the upper portion is private land, the middle section is Trust Lands and the lower section is a mix of public (city) and private.

Game fish species and methods

Brown and rainbow trout provide most of the angling action. The river also supports a large, healthy whitefish population. The fisheries are maintained through natural reproduction. Angler tip: imitate natural foods. Beginning anglers usually do better with baits such as worms, worm/marshmallow combinations and power baits.

Access and facilities

Public access along the stream corridor through private lands has been acquired as partial mitigation for the Central Utah Project. Vehicular access by the public to the area immediately below the dam is not permitted. Please walk in from the locked gate. Angling in the outlet works immediately below the dam is also prohibited. Access to the lower reach below US-40 is best from the River Park on 4th South in Duchesne and the SR-191 Bridge.

These angler access easements only allow pedestrian access along a relatively narrow corridor along the streambank. The public is not allowed to cross through private property, such as residential yards or pastures, to access the river corridor. These easements accommodate access for the purpose of angling only; other uses such as big game or waterfowl hunting are not allowed. Be aware that anglers who wish to fish the river on Indian Trust Lands will need to purchase a fishing license from the Ute Tribe.

Gas, food and modern accommodations are available in Duchesne. Starvation State Park has camping facilities.

Strawberry River

Red Creek to Soldier Creek Dam

Location and description

The Strawberry River, from just above its confluence with Red Creek to the Soldier Creek Dam, is frequently referred to as the "Wild Strawberry." This productive, medium-sized stream flows through a mix of private land, Ute Indian Trust Lands and public (State and Federal) lands.

The Wild Strawberry is a day-use only area with no fires or camping. Parking for the upper reach is available below Soldier Creek Dam. To access the lower reach, turn south off Hwy 40 onto the Red Creek Road, roughly three mile east of Fruitland. Follow the road to the Pinnacles and turn right onto the Strawberry River/Camelot road. Stay right at the next couple of junctions to reach the Strawberry River Wildlife Management Area.

Game fish species and methods

One of the reasons for its nickname is the brown, cutthroat and brook trout fisheries are maintained by natural reproduction and an "artificial flies and lures only" regulation (see proclamation).

Angler tip: imitate the natural foods; especially look for aquatic and terrestrial insects. Then match your fly and lure patterns and sizes accordingly. Small, flashy lures can also imitate minnows and amphibians. During the summer, the angling pressure can be moderate to heavy.

Access and facilities

Public access to this reach of stream has been acquired as partial mitigation for the Central Utah Project. Presently, all but approximately 1 mile of the 18.5 mile stretch is open to the public. Anglers who wish to fish the small stretch of river on Indian Trust Lands will need to purchase a fishing license from the Ute Tribe.

Food and gas are available in Fruitland and food, gas and lodging are available in Duchesne and Daniels Summit. The closest campsites are in the Ashley National Forest.