Deer Creek Reservoir, Utah, USA

Deer Creek Reservoir is located near Heber, Utah, the home of the historic “Heber Creeper,” a train with a steam engine that takes tourists on trips from Heber a couple of times a day (check the schedule to be sure of times). As it makes the trip, the train runs along the Deer Creek Reservoir to the delight of both those on the train, and on the…
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All About Deer Creek Reservoir, UT

Deer Creek Reservoir is located near Heber, Utah, the home of the historic “Heber Creeper,” a train with a steam engine that takes tourists on trips from Heber a couple of times a day (check the schedule to be sure of times). As it makes the trip, the train runs along the Deer Creek Reservoir to the delight of both those on the train, and on the water. Summertime in the Heber Valley is a happening time, and the trains are packed. Deer Creek Reservoir is a favorite among the people who live in Heber, Provo and Charleston, but it is also a day trip from Salt Lake City.

Deer Creek Reservoir was created in 1941 by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation with the construction of an earth-fill dam on the Provo River. It is primarily used for irrigation and recreational use, but culinary usage (water used specifically for cooking in homes and restaurants) is also listed as important. There is a power plant here, but hydrological power is not listed as a “primary purpose.”

Fishing is popular on Deer Creek Reservoir, and the water is full of several species. Perch, Walleye, Rainbow and Brown Trout, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, and Carp are plentiful. The warm waters of the reservoir allow for year round fishing, and those who know about it definitely take advantage of this local resource.

Deer Creek Reservoir invites visitors to indulge in swimming, sailing, boating, water skiing, wind surfing and just relaxing in the sun. In addition, the State of Utah offers a “Geocaching Adventure” location that would add a great deal of excitement to your day.

The view from Deer Creek Reservoir is best described as “breathtaking.” The clear waters sit at the base of Mount Timpanogos, and the snow-covered peaks reflect perfectly in the water. Tall aspens stretch toward the sky, covering the area around the reservoir, and breaking off as the mountain extends itself further than the trees could dream of growing. Because of this beauty, the State of Utah created Deer Creek State Park to aid in the preservation of the land.

Deer Creek State Park is home to two campgrounds – one with hookups, and one primitive. You will also find a very nice swimming beach and a public boat launch. There is a fee to enter the Park, but day use is relatively cheap, and allows you to use the launch and other public facilities (i.e. bathrooms, picnic tables, fish cleaning station, etc.)

Outside of the park, there are two other boat launches and a marina. There are hiking trails in and out of the State Park, and there are several ATV trails to enjoy as well. During the colder months, skiing, snowshoeing and cross country skiing are enjoyable activities as well.

Utah is really the place for people who love to be outdoors. The people who live here are the outdoorsy type, and they love to play host to tourists who feel the same way. The entire state is the perfect setting for every manner of recreation, and Deer Creek Reservoir is definitely not an exception to this rule. Nearby there are several other State Parks (Jordanelle, Rockport and Wasatch Mountain) and a couple of National Forests (Uintas and Wasatch-Cache) as well. The Heber Valley is an attraction in and of itself – the people, the views, and the communities all make it a great place to visit.

Things to Do at Deer Creek Reservoir

These are some activities in the Deer Creek Reservoir, UT area visitors can enjoy:

  • Vacation Rentals
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Sailing
  • Swimming
  • Beach
  • Water Skiing
  • Wind Surfing
  • Camping
  • Campground
  • Picnicking
  • Hiking
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • State Park
  • National Forest

What Kind of Fish Are in Deer Creek Reservoir?

Deer Creek Reservoir has been known to have the following fish species:

  • Bass
  • Black Bass
  • Brown Trout
  • Carp
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Perch
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Trout
  • Walleye
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Find Places to Stay at Deer Creek Reservoir

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More Sites to Book a Deer Creek Reservoir Vacation

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Deer Creek Reservoir Statistics & Helpful Links

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Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

Water Level Control: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

Surface Area: 2,965 acres

Shoreline Length: 18 miles

Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 5,417 feet

Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 0 feet

Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 5,425 feet

Average Depth: 65 feet

Maximum Depth: 147 feet

Water Volume: 193,614 acre-feet

Completion Year: 1941

Water Residence Time: 1.3

Lake Area-Population: 400

Drainage Area: 560 sq. miles

Trophic State: Mesotrophic

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