What is Yankee Meadow Reservoir good for?
Yankee Meadow Reservoir sits in Yankee Meadows north of Duck Creek Village, surrounded by open meadow, conifer-aspen forest, and volcanic high-country scenery.
Lakes
Yankee Meadow Reservoir
Quiet reservoir with meadows and forest—paddle and camp
At a glance
- Drive time
- ~1 hr (last 7 mi gravel) from the inn
- Difficulty
- Moderate — scenic reservoir access with fewer services than Navajo or Panguitch
- Parking
- Reached via Brian Head and Parowan Canyon (SR-143), then about 7 miles of gravel on Bowery Creek/Yankee Meadows Road; snow closes the road outside late spring through fall. Primitive reservoir access; restrooms and potable water are not listed by the Forest Service at the reservoir itself.
- Pets
- Leash and voice-control expectations apply in developed Forest Service settings; keep pets out of sensitive shoreline areas.
Fish stocking as of May 5, 2026
Last stocked: Rainbow trout — May 5, 2026 (5,016 fish · ~3.19″)
Stocked every year since 2002. Typically 5 plants a season, from around May 22 to September 16. Usually rainbow trout, brook trout, and cutthroat trout.
Access: Small boats / cartop · carry-in · shore access
2026 stocking
| Date | Species | Number | Avg length |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 5 | Rainbow trout | 5,016 | 3.19″ |
| April 22 | Rainbow trout | 1,040 | 9.83″ |
No plants recorded yet this year. Stocking usually resumes around May 22.
Stocking data: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. See the full DWR record. · All lake stocking reports
A Utah fishing license is required to fish here — get one from Utah DWR.
Yankee Meadow Reservoir sits in Yankee Meadows north of Duck Creek Village, surrounded by open meadow, conifer-aspen forest, and volcanic high-country scenery. It is quieter and less serviced than Navajo or Panguitch, which is exactly the point: a calmer paddle, fishing, scenery, or camping stop for guests who are comfortable bringing their own supplies.
Activities
- Paddleboarding and kayaking
- Fishing and boating
- Peaceful camping in a meadow-and-forest setting
- Scenery viewing in a quieter high-country basin
Tips
Do not plan this like a full-service lake. The Forest Service lists non-motorized boating, fishing, scenery, no potable water, and no restrooms at the reservoir; confirm road access and campground status before leaving Duck Creek.
When to go
Typically accessible late spring through fall; conditions depend on snow and road status.
What to bring
- All drinking water and food
- Kayak, paddleboard, or fishing gear
- Offline map and current road information
- Trash bags and a plan to pack everything out
Official planning links
Use these source pages for current access, facility, water, fee, or condition details before you drive.
Stay planning
Once this stop is on your list, use Plan Your Days for itinerary ideas or compare our rooms and cabins to match the style of trip you want.
July 2026
Why trust this guide
Lake days can shift quickly with snowmelt, afternoon storms, and road conditions on the plateau. We pair guest-planning experience with the official updates below so you can confirm water access and the safest drive up.
Questions: Yankee Meadow Reservoir
Distance, timing, and what to expect at the water.
How far is Yankee Meadow Reservoir from Duck Creek Village Inn?
Yankee Meadow Reservoir is about ~1 hr (last 7 mi gravel) from the inn and sits in the 1+ hr drive band on this site.
When should I visit Yankee Meadow Reservoir?
Typically accessible late spring through fall; conditions depend on snow and road status.
Go up one level
Start from the broader lake hub if you want the full set of water-focused options before narrowing down this stop.
Related stops
Sideways links to nearby lakes and shoreline stops that fit the same kind of Duck Creek day.
Next steps
Use these next-step guides to turn a lake stop into a fuller Southern Utah plan.
Choose your stay
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Stay Here, Visit Yankee Meadow Reservoir Tomorrow
Book your room or cabin at Duck Creek Village Inn - ~1 hr (last 7 mi gravel) from Yankee Meadow Reservoir.