Watersports

Fishing is the primary activity at Currant Creek Reservoir and action is usually good. Four miles of shoreline, a barrier-free fishing pier, and a boat ramp provide access for all types of fishing. Fish cleaning stations and a campground are located on shore among the aspens.

Remember to consult the current Utah fishing proclamation for limits and regulations on these reservoirs. For more details or recreation information, contact the Heber Ranger District.

Colorful sails dot the waters of Deer Creek every weekend. Wave-runners can find some challenges on the choppy waters of the reservoir in the afternoons and water-skiers usually get lucky with glassy conditions in the early hours of the day. For those that just want to relax on shore, a sandy beach on the reservoir's northeast side and numerous day use areas provide the ideal setting. One paved and three gravel ramps accommodate boats onto the lake. Two marinas provide boat rentals and gasoline. One campground, accommodating both tents and trailers is available for those wanting to spend more than a day at Deer Creek.

Deer Creek Reservoir, located in the southwest corner of Heber Valley, consistently offers some of Utah's finest fishing. This 2,965 surface-acre reservoir is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, perch, walleye, and small mouth bass. One paved and three gravel boat ramps provide access to the deeper waters of the reservoir. Numerous access points from US Hwy 189 offer prime shore fishing. Since Deer Creek is well known for its strong summer winds, fishing is most successful in the early morning or evening hours. Fish cleaning stations provide additional conveniences and marinas offer boat rentals and some fishing gear. Remember to consult the current Utah fishing proclamation for limits and regulations on Deer Creek Reservoir.

At the base of scenic Mount Timpanogos, Deer Creek Reservoir offers some of the best ice fishing in the area. Anglers enjoy fishing for rainbow and brown trout, perch, walleye, and smallmouth bass. For more recreation and camping information, as well as for current information on ice conditions, contact Deer Creek State Park at 435-654-0171.

Whatever you're looking for in water recreation, you can find it at Jordanelle Reservoir! Just minutes north of Heber City on US Hwy 40, this 3,068 surface-acre reservoir provides the ideal setting for any type of water play. Utah's newest reservoir, constructed in 1992, Jordanelle has become a favorite of boaters, water-skiers and wave-runners. The reservoir's sandy beaches, day-use cabanas and a children's play area complete the experience. Boating facilities at Hailstone recreation area on the west shore of the reservoir include two separate boat ramps (one for personal watercraft), an 80-slip marina with utility hookups, fuel dispensing, boat rentals and a marina store and restaurant. Three separate campgrounds with showers and utility hookups, are available for those wishing to spend a few days enjoying the cool waters of Jordanelle. For more recreation and camping information, contact Jordanelle State Park at 435-649-9540.

Since the Jordanelle reservoir began filling in 1993, stocking has been heavy. The reservoir did not open to fishing until 1995 and it was estimated that over 63,000 rainbows were caught within the first five days of opening. The reservoir now holds rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout, and small mouth bass. Bag limits have been restricted to keep this popular fishery productive. Remember to consult the current Utah fishing proclamation for limits and regulations on Jordanelle.

Two major recreation areas access the reservoir: Hailstone, located on Highway 40 six miles north of Heber, and Rock Cliff, two miles west of Francis on State Route 32. Two boat ramps and fish cleaners are available at Hailstone, and boat rentals and fishing tackle can be purchased from the marina. A perimeter trail around the reservoir accesses shore fishing areas away from the crowds. Stop in at the visitor center at Hailstone or the nature center at Rock Cliff for recreation information and to find out where to catch your limit.

The new Jordanelle Reservoir is quickly becoming a popular destination for ice fishing. Rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout, along with smallmouth bass are all well stocked in Jordanelle Reservoir. Primary access is at Hailstone on Highway 40 north of Heber. Parking is plowed, restrooms are available, and the visitor center is open year-round. For current information on ice conditions, contact Jordanelle State Park at 435-649-9540.

There is no developed boat ramp. A perimeter trail accesses shore fishing around the reservoir. This reservoir, constructed for the sole purpose of expanding fishing opportunities, is stocked regularly with rainbow, brook, and albino trout. A rustic campground is tucked in the trees on the reservoir shoreline.

Remember to consult the current Utah fishing proclamation for limits and regulations on these reservoirs. For more details or recreation information, contact the Heber Ranger District at 801-654-0470.

A few single docks are provided through the Narrows for accessing shore or boat camping in this secluded portion of the reservoir. Predictable afternoon winds make Strawberry a guarantee for great sailing. Water temperatures can be a little cool for wind-surfing, but a dry suit makes all the difference. The temperature seems to discourage most water-skiing and wave-running, although the reservoir is open to all types of watercraft. Strawberry's biggest draw is its unbeatable fishing. It's also a good idea to throw fishing poles in the boat when heading for this mountain reservoir. Four boat ramps around the reservoir offer plenty of locations for getting onto the water. A marina at each boat ramp has gasoline, boat rentals and boat slips available. The main marina at Strawberry Bay also has a dry storage area. A campground can be found adjacent to each boat ramp for overnight stays.

Strawberry Reservoir has long been known as Utah's premiere fishery. The state's record trout was caught at Strawberry in 1930 and weighed 26.5 pounds. The Utah fishing record for kokanee salmon (six pounds) was also set at Strawberry in 1995. The reservoir is stocked with Bear Lake cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and kokanee salmon, and heavy stocking occurs several times annually. Strawberry is well-known for rapid growth of fish and producing record-size trout. Bag limits on Strawberry are generally restricted; be sure to consult the current Utah fishing proclamation for limits and regulations.

The four boat ramps, each with fish cleaning stations, access the open waters of the reservoir and several points from shore will produce nice-sized fish. Numerous bays and protected coves offer incomparable float-tube fishing. Marinas located around the reservoir at each boat ramp offer boat rentals, fishing tackle and a few valuable fishing tips. Check in at the Strawberry Visitor Center, located just off Highway 40 near the reservoir, for the current fishing hot spots and additional recreation information.

In the winter, retreat to the mountains for a little Utah ice fishing on Strawberry Reservoir. Success catching large cutthroat trout is high and a few skilled anglers may even hook onto a kokanee salmon. Winter access is from Highway 40 on the north shore of the reservoir or from the West Side Road to Strawberry Bay Marina. The marina has facilities open year-round including a lodge for overnight stays. The Soldier Creek side of the reservoir is accessible by snowmobile from two plowed parking areas on Highway 40. For current information on ice conditions at Strawberry, contact the Heber Ranger District at 435-654-0470.

Remember that boat rentals should be reserved ahead by calling Strawberry Bay Marina at 435-548-2261. For more recreation and camping information, contact the Heber Ranger District at 435-654-0470, located just east of Heber City on US Hwy 40 or stop in at the Strawberry Visitor Center, located on US Hwy 40, 23 miles east of Heber City at Strawberry Reservoir.