What the Strawberry Reservoir Tagged Fish Challenge is

The Strawberry Reservoir Tagged Fish Challenge is an annual fishing event run by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources where anglers fish for specially marked trout and walleye to win prizes. The program tags a set number of fish each year and releases them into the reservoir; when you catch one, you report it to claim your prize. It's a way to encourage people to fish the reservoir while supporting the state's fish management work.

The challenge runs during a set window each year — typically spring through early fall, though dates shift. You don't need to enter a separate contest or pay a fee beyond your regular fishing license. If you catch a tagged fish, you keep it (or release it, depending on the tag instructions) and report the tag number and catch details to the Division of Wildlife Resources.

Key Takeaways

  • Tagged fish are marked with a visible tag or clip on the fin, and you report the tag number to the Division of Wildlife Resources to claim your prize.
  • You must have a valid Utah fishing license to participate, and the challenge runs during specific months each year — check the Division's website for current dates.
  • Prizes vary by year and tag type, ranging from cash to fishing gear, and are awarded based on the tag you catch.
  • Strawberry Reservoir is a high-elevation lake in the Uinta Mountains known for consistent trout and walleye populations, making it a reliable place to fish during the challenge.
  • Reporting your catch quickly — either online or by phone — ensures your prize is processed without delay.

How to Identify and Report a Tagged Fish

Tagged fish at Strawberry Reservoir carry a visible mark: usually a small colored tag clipped to a fin, a hole punched in the gill plate, or a mark on the body. When you land a fish, look for anything that looks out of place — a plastic tag, a missing or notched fin, or a distinctive cut. If you're unsure whether a mark is a tag or natural damage, photograph it and contact the Division of Wildlife Resources with the photo.

Once you've confirmed the tag, write down the tag number (if visible), the date and time you caught it, the location on the reservoir where you caught it, and the species and approximate size of the fish. You'll report this information either online through the Division's website or by calling the regional office. Keep the tag itself if possible — some prizes require you to mail it in as proof.

Strawberry Reservoir: Where to Fish and What to Expect

Strawberry Reservoir sits at 8,100 feet in the Uinta Mountains, about 40 miles northeast of Provo. The lake covers roughly 17,000 acres and holds both rainbow and cutthroat trout, plus walleye. The water is cold year-round, which keeps fish active and makes spring and fall the most productive seasons for both species.

The reservoir has multiple access points: Strawberry Bay on the north shore (the main marina and boat launch), Soldier Creek on the west side, and several smaller pull-offs. If you're fishing from shore, the area around Strawberry Bay and the inlet creeks tends to hold fish. If you're in a boat, troll the deeper channels or fish the structure near the dam. Walleye bite better at dawn and dusk; trout can bite throughout the day, especially in spring and fall.

Bring warm layers — the elevation means weather changes fast, and mornings are cold even in summer. A fishing license, tackle suited to trout and walleye (small spinners, spoons, or live bait), and a cooler for your catch are essentials. Gas up before you leave Provo; there's a marina store at the reservoir but limited supplies.

Prizes and Tag Types

The Division of Wildlife Resources tags fish with different colored tags or marks to denote different prize levels. A tag might be worth $50 in cash, a $100 gift card to a fishing retailer, or a piece of fishing gear like a rod or tackle box. The exact prizes and which tags correspond to which rewards change year to year, so check the Division's announcement for the current year's structure.

Some tags are more common than others — the Division releases more standard tags than premium ones, so you're more likely to catch a $25 prize than a $500 one. That said, every tagged fish is a win. The challenge is designed so that regular anglers fishing the reservoir normally have a reasonable chance of catching at least one tagged fish over the season.

Fishing Techniques That Work at Strawberry

Trout at Strawberry respond well to small spinners (size 1 or 2 in silver or gold) cast near structure — fallen trees, rocky points, and the mouths of inlet creeks. If you're trolling, use a small spoon or a spinner trailed behind a dodger. Cutthroat trout tend to stay shallower than rainbows, so fish the first 20 feet of water in spring and fall.

Walleye are bottom feeders and bite better in low light. Fish live minnows or small shiners on a jig head near the dam or in the deeper channels, especially at sunrise and sunset. If you're trolling for walleye, use a crankbait that reaches 15 to 25 feet deep. The walleye population at Strawberry has grown in recent years, so your odds of catching one — tagged or not — are good.

Spring (April through May) is prime time because fish are active after winter and concentrated in shallower water. Fall (September through October) is also excellent. Summer can be slow in the middle of the day because fish move deeper to find cooler water, but early morning and evening bites are still strong.

Rules and Regulations for the Challenge

You must have a valid Utah fishing license to participate. The challenge is open to anyone with a license, including non-residents. Catch-and-release rules apply to the reservoir: you can keep trout and walleye within the daily limit, but if you catch a tagged fish you want to release, you can do so — just report the tag number first.

The Division specifies which tag types must be kept versus released; read the current year's rules before you fish. If a tag is marked "keep," you keep the fish. If it's marked "release," you release it after reporting. Violating these rules can disqualify you from the prize. Report your catch within the timeframe given in the rules — usually within a few days — to avoid delays in processing your prize.

How to Stay Updated on Challenge Dates and Rules

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources announces the Strawberry Reservoir Tagged Fish Challenge each year on its website, typically in late winter or early spring. The announcement includes the exact start and end dates, the prize structure, how to report a catch, and any changes to the rules from the previous year.

Sign up for the Division's email list or follow their social media accounts to get notified when the challenge opens. Local fishing shops around Provo and in the Uinta Basin also post flyers and updates. If you're planning a trip to Strawberry, call the reservoir's marina or the Division's regional office a week or two before to confirm the challenge is active and get current fishing conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to keep a tagged fish or can I release it?

It depends on the tag. The Division marks each tag as "keep" or "release" in the current year's rules. If it says release, you report the tag number and let the fish go. If it says keep, you keep it. Either way, you report the catch to claim your prize.

What if I catch a tagged fish but lose the tag before I can report it?

Report it anyway with as much detail as you can: the date, location, species, size, and a description of where the tag was (which fin, which side of the body). The Division may be able to match your report to a tagged fish even without the tag number. Take a photo if you can.

Can I fish Strawberry Reservoir year-round, or only during the challenge?

You can fish year-round with a valid license. The challenge runs during a set season each year, but the reservoir is open to regular fishing outside those dates. Tagged fish are only released during the challenge window, so you'll only find them during that time.

How much does it cost to enter the challenge?

There is no entry fee for the challenge itself. You only need a valid Utah fishing license, which costs $35 for a one-day license or $99 for an annual resident license (non-resident rates are higher). The license covers all fishing in Utah, not just this event.

Where do I report my tagged fish catch?

The Division of Wildlife Resources provides a phone number and online reporting form in the current year's challenge announcement. Most years you can report online through their website or call a regional office. Report within the timeframe specified in the rules to ensure your prize is processed.