Strawberry Reservoir Fishing Report
The western shoreline has the clearest, coolest water (58–68°F in the thermal imagery) and is the best spot for paddleboarding and swimming.
Safest window: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM MDT tomorrow, Friday July 17.
That’s the calmest, most comfortable two hours for family boating and paddleboarding. Water temperature is a warm 73°F – no wetsuit needed, but bring plenty of sun protection and water.
Why this window wins
- Winds are typically lightest at sunrise, building through late morning. The hourly data shows a calm pattern early with wind speeds staying under 5 mph through 9 AM.
- No storm risk in that window. The only precipitation in the forecast (drizzle) is tied to today’s high-wind afternoon, not tomorrow morning.
- Water temperature at 73°F is ideal for swimming and paddling – warm enough to be comfortable, not so hot that it causes fatigue or heat stress.
What to watch for
- By 10 AM, wind often picks up to 8–12 mph, creating choppy conditions on the main lake. A 2-hour window starting at 7 gets you off the water before that.
- Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in July. If you see clouds building by noon, be off the water by 1 PM.
Backup plan if morning doesn’t work
Use 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM instead. Winds will be a little higher (5–10 mph) but still manageable for experienced paddlers and stable boats. Stick to the western shoreline coves where the thermal analysis shows cooler, calmer water and natural wind protection from the terrain. Avoid the open main basin and the southern inflow channels where wind can funnel harder.
Water temperature note
73°F surface temp is warm enough that you won’t need insulation, but it’s also warm enough to promote algae growth. If you see heavy green scum near the shore, avoid paddling through it – it can be slippery and may irritate skin. The western shoreline has the clearest, coolest water (58–68°F in the thermal imagery) and is the best spot for paddleboarding and swimming.