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Steinaker Reservoir

Steinaker Reservoir
Steinaker Reservoir

Description:

Current Conditions:

Last checked for updates: 1/27/2021

Current Conditions

Updated: 10/26/2020
Day-Use: Open. With current COVID-19 restrictions once the park reaches 2/3 to 3/4 capacity staff will only allow one vehicle into the park once one leaves the park. Be patient with staff, we are tasked with practicing responsible recreation. Water has been shut off for the season.
Surface: Open
Launch Ramp: Open, be aware a Harmful Algal Bloom has begun to grow. Do not swim in areas with the bloom or ingest the water.
Campground: Open – Water has been shut off for the season.
Ice Thickness: N/A
Water Level: 18%
Water Temp: Low 70’s
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 or power bait. 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
*Our new archery range opened April 1, 2020, with seven shooting lanes (Including one ADA accessible lane) and a total of seventeen 3D targets. The standard entrance fee for the park applies when using the archery range.
Boat Smart Wear Your Life Jacket!!

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.

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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