Provo River Fishing Report from Park City Fly Fishing Company

Date
Saturday, 23 Apr, 2016
Water Clarity
Clear
Angler Traffic
Low
Report
Utah fly fishing in the springtime can produce some of the most exciting fishing opportunities of the year. As the weather gets warmer and winter snow pack starts to melt, we start to see the rivers in the Park City area increase in water flows or CFS (Cubic Feet per Second). Many anglers think that when the bigger water rises that the Utah fly fishing is done until summer but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, spring is some of the most productive times to fish the Provo River, Weber River and other remote streams in Utah and Wyoming. Most of our streams in and around Park City are known as tail-waters (water comes from a dam), which means they are controlled flows. Unlike free-stone streams where the water is directly effected from natural snow pack, tail-waters tend to be less effected by spring time run-off and are more productive with higher flows. When the water starts to rise, tons of trout food like sow bugs, scuds, worms, stoneflies and mayfly nymphs get dislodged from the rocks and it sets up a feeding frenzy for the trout.

I want to share a few tips for fishing the higher water in the spring time. As the water increases in flows, the trout get pushed to the edges of the river. With the stronger current, the fish don’t have the sustained strength to stay in the middle of the river and feed. It is really important as an angler to stay on the bank or close to the bank and fish the inside edges of the river. Surprisingly, you’ll want to fish a shorter nymph rig, about 5-7 feet, now that the fish are pushed into the shallows. This time of year, it is always a good idea to check the water flows before you get out to the river. One thing to keep in mind is that it might not always be safe to cross the river with the higher flows. Please exercise caution, and approach the stream wisely. For more information on fishing in the spring check out my seasons page.
 
Fishing Water Report
The Provo River features a premier blue ribbon trout fishery close to Utah's major cities. Brown and rainbow trout mature to record lengths in the Provo, with a most fish running 18 ... moreinches or bigger. In some areas the Provo offers 3,000 or more trout per mile. As a result, the waters of the Provo River provide exceptional recreation.

The Provo River flows through Utah County and Wasatch County, Utah. It rises in the Uinta Mountains at Washington Lake and flows about 70 miles southwest to Utah Lake at the city of Provo, Utah. The main branches of Provo River are the North Fork Provo River and the South Fork Provo River. In the Provo you'll find: Brown Trout, Common Carp, Cutthroat Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, and White Bass.
Game Fish Opportunities:
Reporting Outfitter
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Park City Fly Fishing Company guides have over 40 years of experience guiding in the Park City area and through out Utah. Within 30-minutes drive of Park City there is one of the widest ... moreselections of world-class trout fisheries in the world. There’s the Lower Provo River, Middle Provo River, Weber River, and for those seeking variety, a little farther away, the Upper Green and many other secret spots that hold big fish.

Anglers new to the world-renowned Provo River (as well as our many other local blue ribbon fisheries) are shocked at the size and quantity of fish. With over 40-years combined experience, our guides know preparation is key to having a great day of fishing. Whether you’re new to fly fishing or very experienced, our guides are dedicated to getting you on the most productive water, with the right flies, using the best technique.

Our goal is to give you an experience of a lifetime that keeps you coming back year after year.

“The look on someone’s face when they land their first 20-inch trout is what gets us up before dawn checking river conditions and tying flies.” – Jeff Harwin, Owner and Head Guide
Reported Trip
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  • Expert guide
  • Flies, tippet, and leader
  • Drinks
  • Lunch and snacks for full-day trips
The Lower Provo River is a 30-minute drive from Park City and is a true tailwater fishery, which means the fish benefit from cold-oxygenated water all-year round. It flows out of Deer ... moreCreek Reservoir winding down 20 miles to Utah Lake. With the exquisite backdrop of Mt. Timpanogos and the Wasatch mountain range it flows through the Provo Canyon and is described as one large riffle. The Lower Provo River is known for its abundance of large Rainbow and Brown trout, with easy access through a railroad track following the river. The excellent bug life and a year-around diet of sow bugs make the trout fat and healthy. An average size trout on the lower Provo River is approximately 16-18 inches; surely putting a bend in your rod.

The blue-winged olive hatch in the springtime is second to none, making the Lower Provo a guide favorite in the early season. The Lower Provo also gets a heavy hatch of PMDs and caddis in the summer months. Unlike the Middle Provo River, the Lower Provo River provides the ability to float the river. We do the majority of our trips on the Lower Provo River in the spring and early summer. This is due to two factors, the fishing is most active in the early parts of the year before the moss settles in and makes it very difficult to fish. Also the Lower Provo River is a favorite among locals to float down with a tube in the Middle of the summer once school gets out. Park City Fly Fishing Company can get you to all the sweet spots on this incredible fishery.

Because many of our clients fly in from out of town, we provide all the fly fishing equipment you will need. Clients are welcome to bring their own gear. All equipment is high quality and includes:

Waders

Boots

Fly rod and reel

Terminal tackle

Split shot

Indicators

Flies

Of course, all trips include cold or warm drinks depending on the weather. All full-day trips also include snacks and a delicious lunch.
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