McKinley Strates Reservoir

McKinley Strates Reservoir is a reservoir in Sanpete County, Utah and covers about 4.9 acres, reaches about 23 feet at its deepest point and holds roughly 150 acre-feet.

One weed edge or deeper pocket can hold much of the day’s activity; start beside deeper water, then use stronger line beside wood and sharp rock.

Fish and Baits

Fish listed for McKinley Strates Reservoir include Rainbow Trout.

When rainbow trout are the target on McKinley Strates Reservoir, cast a small spoon, inline spinner, light jig, or fly through cool water.

How to Read the Water

Start where two things meet: weeds and open water, rock and mud, a point and a drop, or clear water and dirty water; fish that edge at more than one depth before leaving it; follow any bait found near the surface, then keep line light around small clear-water fish.

Season by Season

Shallow water is worth a careful look in spring and again during fall; bright summer days favor shade, weeds, or deeper breaks; under ice, a small depth change can be more useful than a long move; follow a short creek arm, then compare shallow and deeper water.

A Simple Tackle Plan

A light spinning rod, thin line, a few small spoons, inline spinners, and jigs cover the listed trout; carry one slightly heavier setup when other fish or windy water call for more control; try deeper shade during summer afternoons, then slow down after the first bite.

Record the wind, water color, productive depth, and cover after a bite; those four notes are more useful on the next trip than a long list of spots that did not produce; try the first deep shelf after the bank, then use the old channel as a guide.