Strawberry 5/20

[dubob]

I live in Weber County, so driving time is an important consideration.  Strawberry is about a 2-hour, 1-way drive for me and the Gorge is about a 3-hour, 1-way drive for me.  Fuel cost has become a major factor this year with about $4.50 a gal being close to average.  Mileage pulling my boat is going to be about 11 m/g.  Distance to Strawberry from home is 224 miles round-trip and will cost about $95 for fuel.  Distance to the Gorge from home is 348 miles round-trip plus miles to and from the launch & Motel and will cost about $175 for fuel.

Going to the Gorge for me isn't ever a day trip - too far at my age.  So, add a motel cost of $90 for one night and about $40 for restaurant meals for just me.  Plan 4 trips a year and the Wyoming fees ($30 for AIS decal & $30 for fishing stamp) add another $15 to my trip.  So, 2 days of Gorge fishing will cost me about $160 a day.

I can do Strawberry day trips at about $95 a day.  I didn't include boat fuel usage, but that is minimal.  So, yes, it's cheaper to fish closer to home, but the fishing quality isn't the same at Strawberry as it is at the Gorge.  Strawberry limits are harder to come by and the average size of the kokanee are smaller, compared to the Gorge.  I'm willing to pay a little more for that better Gorge quality.  Your budget restraints may not make that an option.  Life's a beach; then we die.