Starvation Reservoir

Located in northeastern Utah near the town of Duchesne, Starvation Reservoir is a popular year-round fishing destination with a diverse fishery and plenty of access. The reservoir covers approximately 3,000 acres when full and reaches depths of around 100 feet. At an elevation of about 5,700 feet, Starvation offers good fishing opportunities throughout much of the year.

Starvation is best known for its Walleye, but the reservoir also supports Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Wiper, Yellow Perch, and Brown Trout. The combination of cold-water and warm-water species gives anglers several different ways to fish depending on the season.

Fish Species

 

Walleye

Walleye are one of the main reasons anglers visit Starvation Reservoir. They can be caught throughout the year, with spring and fall often providing some of the better opportunities.

We've had success fishing for Walleye in 15–30 feet of water around flats near rocky ledges, drop-offs, points, and bridge pylons.

Rainbow Trout

Starvation is known for producing large Rainbow Trout. Some of these fish can grow beyond 20 inches and have earned the nickname "Starvation Steelhead."

These chunky trout can be caught from shore using bait or from a boat using jigs, spoons, and other lures.

Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch are another popular species at Starvation. The reservoir can produce both good numbers and some surprisingly large Perch.

They also make excellent fish tacos!

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass provide another completely different way to fish Starvation. Look for them around rocky shorelines, points, and other rocky structure.

Casting jigs, soft plastics, and other bass lures can be an effective way to target them.

Brown Trout

Starvation also contains Brown Trout, including some large fish. They aren't necessarily the easiest fish to catch, but every year anglers land some impressive Browns.

 

How to Fish

Starvation Reservoir is a great place to learn how to fish different species because there are so many ways to approach the reservoir.

Trolling

Trolling can be an effective way to cover water and target both Trout and Walleye.

For Trout, try small spoons, Rapalas, Flatfish, and similar lures. During the warmer months, downriggers, lead-core line, or other methods can help reach deeper fish.

For Walleye, bottom bouncers with a worm harness can be effective.

Jigging & Casting

Jigging can be very effective for Walleye, Perch, and other species. Try 1/16 to 1/8 ounce jigs tipped with a worm or soft plastic.

Casting is a good way to target Smallmouth Bass and Rainbows. Look for rocky shorelines, points, and other areas where fish can ambush prey.

Shore Fishing

We have had great success catching Rainbow Trout from shore.

One simple setup we have used is a casting bubble with about 2 feet of leader and a small glob of PowerBait. When releasing the fish, we used a single #10 hook. If you are keeping the fish, a bait or treble hook can help keep the PowerBait on the hook.

    

Where to Fish

Starvation Reservoir is large enough that finding the right area can make a big difference. Rather than simply fishing anywhere along the shoreline, look for places that concentrate fish.

Good areas to start looking for:

• Rocky shorelines

• Points

• Drop-offs

• Flats

• Rocky ledges

• Bridge pylons

• Areas where shallow and deep water meet

We have had success jigging and bottom bouncing around the upper end of the reservoir, along rocky shorelines and points. We found fish in shallow bays and around the pylons under the bridge. When shore fishing target areas where shallows drop off into deeper water.

Ice Fishing

Starvation Reservoir can provide excellent ice fishing opportunities and offers plenty of opportunities throughout the winter as well.

Ice conditions can vary considerably from year to year, so always check current ice conditions before heading onto the ice. Never assume that ice is safe simply because other people are fishing it.

Fishing Regulations

At the time of our visit, anglers were encouraged to keep a limit of 10 Walleye and 10 Perch. Regulations can change, so verify the current limits before keeping fish. Always check the current Utah fishing regulations at Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

    

Location

Starvation Reservoir is located near Duchesne, Utah, approximately 100 miles east of Salt Lake City.

The reservoir has multiple access points, campgrounds, and areas where anglers can fish from shore.