Little Dell Reservoir, reservoir in the Wasatch Range in Salt Lake County, Utah, United States
Little Dell Reservoir is a man-made lake in Parley's Canyon in Salt Lake County, Utah, sitting in the lower stretch of a narrow canyon lined with forested slopes and rocky outcrops. The water is clearly visible from the nearby highway, as the surrounding hillsides open toward the basin rather than enclosing it entirely.
The reservoir was completed in 1993 to supply drinking water to the region and reduce flood risk in Parley's Canyon. It was part of a broader water management effort for the Salt Lake area that had been planned over several decades.
The name Little Dell refers to the small natural hollow in the landscape where the water collects. Today, the reservoir draws anglers who come specifically for fly fishing and non-motorized boating, giving the spot a noticeably slow and unhurried feel.
The reservoir is easy to spot from the highway and reached through a signed entrance just off the road. Vehicles pay an entry fee while those arriving on foot enter free, and the area is open during daylight hours throughout the year.
Motorized boats are completely banned on the reservoir, so the only way to get on the water is by paddling or rowing. This rule makes Little Dell one of the few reservoirs in the area where fly fishing from a boat is possible without the noise or wake of an engine.
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