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Scofield Reservoir, UT Location and Overview Scofield Reservoir sits at an elevation of roughly 7600 feet in Utah's scenic Manti-La Sal Mountains, approximately 120 miles from Salt Lake City (check out the map). Created in 1946 with the completion of Scofield dam, the lake boasts some 2800 surface acres and over 15 miles of shoreline, as well as two convenient campgrounds and boat launch ramps. Scofield has the distinction of being known as one of Utah's best shore fisheries. The reservoir is located within Scofield State Park, which is a fee-for-use area. Fishermen rate Scofield Reservoir:

Fishin' Scofield Reservoir
The big draw for anglers at Scofield Reservoir is trout, three species of which call the lake home. Cutthroat trout occur naturally in Scofield, while rainbow trout and tiger trout (sterile hybrids resulting from a cross between a female brown trout and a male brook trout) are stocked regularly by Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources. Be sure and familiarize yourself with the bag limits and special regulations for Scofield, since there are some specific rules regarding the different species of trout.

Scofield Reservoir is open to fishing all year, subject to park hours of operation. The lake usually ices over in early to mid-December, making it a popular ice fishing destination. Small jigs tipped with pieces of night crawler, cut shiner, or mealworms tend to produce well during the early part of the ice fishing season. As the spring spawn draws near, try using jigs tipped with salmon eggs. Gold or silver-colored jigs seem to do best when fishing on snow ice. If possible, fish in or around weed beds for best results.

Spring and fall are the most productive fishing seasons at Scofield. Try using Powerbait, shiners, salmon eggs, and worms during these times of the year, fished either on the bottom or behind a casting bubble. Anglers also report good results fishing with Kastmasters, spinners, and small crankbaits that simulate natural prey around the mouths of the various creeks that empty into the lake. Fly fishermen do well in these areas using #8-10 leeches in black, green, and brown during the springtime, or in green, brown, and red during the fall; streamers also work well.

As the surface temperature of the water warms, fish become more sluggish and feed less actively; they also tend to look for deeper water to escape the heat. Summer anglers will do well using the same techniques and baits that work for spring fishing, but should fish in a little bit deeper water (around 10 feet) and move their lures more slowly. Trolling with flashy spoons or spinners from a boat or float tube can be very productive during the summer months. Fly fishermen also tend to do well fishing from float tubes. You can access the latest conditions and fishing reports online.

Boats and float tubes are permitted on Scofield Reservoir, with launch ramps located near Madsen Bay and Mountain View Campgrounds (see the map). Fish cleaning stations are located near each of the launch ramps. There are no boat rental facilities at the lake, and the closest place to buy any kind of supplies is the town of Scofield. The nearest location where you can buy a fishing license is in Price, some 37 miles away.

Scofield Reservoir Weather
Because of its relatively high elevation, Scofield Reservoir gets downright cold in the wintertime, with winter low temperatures typically around 15 to 20 degrees and daytime highs in the 30's. If you decide to fish there during the winter, dress appropriately, and take all necessary precautions if you go out onto the ice to fish. The summer months are pleasant, with typical daytime high temperatures rising into the 70's and 80's and lows at night getting down to the 40's and 50's. As with any high-altitude destination, be sure and check the latest weather forecast before undertaking any outdoor activity, especially if you will be in a boat out on the lake, and keep an close eye on conditions while you're out. The weather can change very quickly, taking you by surprise if you're not prepared.

Click here to see current weather conditions and forecasts for the nearby city of Scofield, UT.

Lodging and Camping
Scofield State Park boasts two campgrounds, both located near the north end of the lake. Mountain View Campground only has six tent sites, with the remainder of its 33 sites dedicated to RV's. Madsen Bay Campground features a total of 36 sites, most of which allow tents. Neither campground has RV hookups. Both campgrounds have flush toilets and drinking water available, and Mountain View features hot showers. Boat ramps and fish cleaning stations are conveniently located near both campgrounds. The most current schedule of fees for camping and park day use can be found on the Utah State Parks website. The campgrounds are open May 15 - October 1, and close for the winter months even though the park remains open. To reserve a campsite go to ReserveAmerica.com. Camping reservations can also be made by phone at (801) 322-3770, or toll free at 1-800-322-3770.

The Lazy Anchor Campground in Scofield offers another option for campers, complete with RV hookups for those so inclined. Other than that, the closest campgrounds are Pam's RV Park (435-472-3092) and the Blue Cut RV Park (435-820-0081) in the town of Helper, some 30 miles from Scofield Reservoir. Price, UT, slightly farther away, is your best bet for nearby hotel accomodations.