Update 2/9/24: These storms have dumped a ton of snow on Strawberry and nearby roads. We hear there is about 2 ft of snow on the ice, then several inches of slush, then several inches of solid ice. Conditions are difficult. ATVs are getting bogged down quickly and even snowmobiles are having a difficult time. Roads to the reservoir are plowed, as much as possible. They may be closed for a time during and immediately after heavy snow. Check conditions before you head out.
Update 1/29/24: Temperatures this week will be unseasonably warm so be careful on the ice. We have heard reports of thin ice over deep areas on the lake. Many shallow areas have 6-7 inches of good ice and then some slush/frozen slush on top. Expect more slush with these temps but the shallow area ice should be fine.
Update 1/23/24: Conditions have improved at Strawberry. In most areas there are a few inches of snow, then a few inches of frozen slush, then solid ice. Snowmobilers have been able to travel without bogging down. A storm is expected Thursday so watch conditions and always use caution.
Update 1/16/24: There is deep snow around the reservoir and on the ice. Roads to major access points are plowed between storms but may be impossible during and immediately after storms. Deep snow and slush on top of the ice make traveling on the lake difficult. Snowmobiles have been getting bogged down. The slush will firm up when we have cold, clear nights, but form again when it is stormy. Expect to drill through several inches of slush/soft ice before hitting solid ice. Fishing has been good for those able to get on.
By Dave Webb
1/4/2024
(I plan to fish Strawberry next week and I’ll post a report as soon as possible.)
Strawberry is frozen and ice fishing is good. We are hearing reports of excellent action at many locations around the lake. Rainbows and cutthroats are being caught with most ranging from 1-3 lbs. Bigger trout swim in the reservoir and some will be caught by lucky anglers this season.
Strawberry is one of the best spots in Utah to catch large trout. For many anglers, Strawberry will provide the biggest trout of their lives.
Nice kokanee also inhabit the reservoir and some are caught through the ice. The kokanee are harder to find but when you locate them action can be great.
Ice fishing begins at Strawberry just before Christmas. Mud Creek and other relatively shallow arms freeze first. This year people were fishing on Mud Creek the week before Christmas.
The main part of the lake freezes about Christmas day, give or take a couple of days every year. This year the ice was a bit slow – it was Jan 1 before the main part of the lake capped.
The Ladders area and other inlet spots are the last to freeze (and the first to thaw). The Ladders still had fishable open water at this writing.
White and pearl-colored jigs have become very popular at Strawberry and work well year-round. Anglers often tip the jigs with a piece of nightcrawler, millworm, or part of a dead minnow. Standard ice flies and other lures also work well, particularly when tipped with bait.
The best action we are seeing is for rainbows down about 10 feet in water 20 feet deep. Both rainbows and cutts are roaming freely and many are being caught in deeper and more shallow water.
One secret is to get away from the crowds. Strawberry is a very popular fishery and the easy access spots get crowded, particularly on weekends. It is worth snowmobiling or hiking to areas that have had less fishing pressure.
The easy access spots include the Strawberry Bay Marina area, Chicken Creek, and The Ladders.
Roads and parking areas are plowed to those spots. There is a fee to park and fines are imposed when people fail to pay. Other roads around the reservoir may or may not be driveable, even with a 4X4.
Storms often hit hard in the Strawberry Area. Even main roads can become treacherous in a matter of minutes. The air temperature often feels warm when it is sunny and there is no wind. But temps plunge when the sun goes behind a cloud or a breeze comes up. Always bring cold weather and emergency gear.
