Fishing Starvation Lake

AKA: Starvation Reservoir

Most Popular Fish
Starvation Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Boat Launch Ramps
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Starvation Lake, UT

Popular Fish Species Starvation Lake, UT

Starvation Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Starvation Lake, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, when the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies. Spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. W.

Walleye Fishing

Starvation Lake is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management by Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Starvation Lake Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fishing for rainbow trout at Starvation Lake can be effective using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic prey. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing can still provide some nice fishing. Use the lightest fishing line for the best possible results, based on conditions. Annual stocking by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout. While fishing from a boat is often the preferred method, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, tiger trout, kokanee salmon and tiger muskie at Starvation Lake in Utah.

Starvation Lake Fishing Video

Monster walleye swim in the fertile waters of Starvation Lake, a 2,800-acre lake at Duchesne. Also residing here in good size and numbers are bass, kokanee, trout and muskie.

Starvation Lake, also known as Starvation Reservoir, is located in the northeastern part of Utah, near the town of Duchesne. It is a large reservoir that offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities, making it a popular destination for anglers from all over the state.

Another popular fish species found in Starvation Lake is kokanee salmon. Kokanee are landlocked sockeye salmon and are known for their vibrant red color and delicious taste. Anglers can target kokanee salmon during certain times of the year when they are more active near the surface.

One of the major attractions of fishing at Starvation Lake is the opportunity to catch tiger muskie. These elusive and aggressive predators are a hybrid species, a cross between a northern pike and a muskellunge. Catching a tiger muskie is a real trophy for any angler, and Starvation Lake is known for producing some impressive specimens.

The reservoir's location in the Uinta Basin provides a scenic backdrop for anglers to enjoy while fishing. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills, mountain vistas, and a variety of wildlife.

The best time for fishing at Starvation Lake depends on the species you are targeting. Spring and fall are generally good times for trout fishing, while summer is ideal for smallmouth bass, walleye, and tiger muskie. Kokanee salmon are more active in the summer months, providing an additional fishing opportunity.

There are 23 miles of shoreline on this six-mile long lake. Starvation State Park offers nice facilities for camping and day use activities. RV hookups are available as well. Access to the water for fishing from the bank is available at campgrounds, around the boat landing, and via roads and trails scattered around the lake. A concrete boat launch ramp is located between Beach Campground and Mountain View Campground, mid lake just west of the dam.

Primary fish species residing in Starvation Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Starvation Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NO
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Starvation State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off W Starvation State Park Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.