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Steinaker Reservoir

Steinaker Reservoir
Steinaker Reservoir

Description:

Current Conditions:

Last checked for updates: 1/26/2020

Current Conditions

Updated: 1/21/20
Day-Use: Open.
Surface: Frozen
Launch Ramp: Open with restrictions. We are adding concrete to the boat ramp area. Construction has begun and the ramp will be open with restrictions until construction is complete. Launch ramp has been completed but contractors are still working on walk way concrete. Please talk to the contractor before accessing the ice from the boat ramp.

Campground: Open. Winter rates apply, approximately 6 inches of snow on the ground.

Ice Thickness: Recent reports indicate 8-10 inches of ice. Remember to check ice thickness as you travel out to fish. The reservoir is filling which will make for soft edges as the water level continues to rise.
Water Level: 30%
Water Temp: 32
Fishing Conditions: DWR planted catch-able sized Rainbow trout in April 2019 and larger Rainbow trout in September 2019. Anglers report good success for Rainbow trout using a worm. DWR also planted Bluegill and Largemouth Bass in July 2019. Keep in mind, as of October 16, 2019 all Bluegill MUST be released at Steinaker Reservoir until December 31, 2020. See the following link for more details- Steinaker Bluegill Closure
Please see the “events” page for tagged fishing contest information and rules!

Ice is Never 100% Safe! — Do not judge ice safety on thickness alone. Ice does not form or maintain a uniform thickness. Snow, wind, slush, temperature, and other factors can cause ice thickness and strength to vary greatly, even within inches. Recreate on ice at your own risk and verify ice thickness as you head out. Click here to learn more ice safety tips.

*As of October 2019, dam construction is complete and the water level will slowly rise throughout the fall and winter months.

*Our new archery range will reopen in the spring with more targets and more shooting stations!

Boat Smart Wear Your Life Jacket!!

Steinaker Reservoir is a large reservoir immediately north of Vernal in northeastern Utah. It is an off-stream impoundment of Ashley Creek, which drains the eastern High Uinta Mountains. A state park at the reservoir provides year-round recreational opportunities.

Fish Species:

Directions:

Steinaker Reservoir is easily accessible from US-191 about four miles north of Vernal. The highway follows the east shore for about a mile. An access road leads across the north end of the reservoir to the state park, which is on the west side of the lake.

Current Regulations:

Fishing Tips:

In the springtime, shallow-water fishing really perks up once the water temperatures get around 55 to 60 degrees for bass and bluegill, and from ice-off to about 60 degrees for rainbow trout. The fall is another 'hot' time for trout, when the water cools down once again.

During the summer, bass, trout and sunfish all seek out cooler waters, so anglers need to fish deeper.

For bass and bluegill, especially in the spring, try fishing in the shallow waters in and around the submerged vegetation. For rainbow trout, fish just outside the weeds, or in roughly 10 to 15 feet of water or more. Rainbows may be in shallower waters, but it's too easy to catch vegetation when trolling. These tips, in fact, apply to many waters in Utah.

Casting into openings in or near areas with submerged vegetation is usually very productive, especially for bass and bluegill.

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