Provo River Fly Fishing Guide: Utah's Blue Ribbon Tailwater

Quick Reference

What	When	Key Numbers
Middle Provo	Year-round (Green Drakes June-July)	130-500 CFS; 2,500-3,500 fish/mile; browns 12-16" avg
Upper Provo	July-Sept (post-runoff)	Freestone; brook trout & cutthroats; Mirror Lake Hwy access
Lower Provo	March-April, evenings	Trophy water; largest avg fish in Utah; see access warning
Summer fishing	Fish early/late; watch temps	Stop if water exceeds 68°F
Guided trips	Half-day $300-500	Trout Bum 2; Park City Fly Fishing Co.
Regulations	Artificial only above Legacy Bridge	2 trout under 15"; 6X tippet essential

Why the Provo

The Provo River is Utah's most accessible blue-ribbon trout fishery. Fifteen minutes from Park City, thirty minutes from Salt Lake City, the river holds 2,500 to 3,500 fish per mile - browns, rainbows, and the occasional cutthroat. Two tailwater sections below Jordanelle and Deer Creek reservoirs mean stable flows year-round, consistent water temperatures (35-55°F), and fish that stay active even when freestone rivers blow out.

The trade-off: this is a pressured river. On summer weekends, the River Road parking lots fill by 8am and you'll share water with other anglers. But 25+ miles of public access means you can find breathing room if you're willing to walk past the first few bends.

The Provo's clear water and abundant hatches reward careful presentations and light tippets.

Three Rivers in One

The Provo is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own character. Understanding the differences helps you pick the right water for conditions and skill level.

Upper Provo

Location: Washington Lake to Jordanelle Reservoir, accessed via Mirror Lake Highway (UT-150) near Kamas

Character: Classic freestone stream through the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Small water, pocket fishing, eager fish. Brook trout and cutthroats dominate the upper reaches; browns and rainbows appear as you move downstream toward Jordanelle. The section near Woodland has a beautiful rust-brown color from the substrate and is filled with insect life - pools, riffles, and runs aren't deep but they hold fish.

Best times: Pre-runoff (March-April) and post-runoff (late June through October). Summer heat pushes trout to higher elevations where water stays cold - this is your escape valve when the Middle Provo is crowded and hot.

Access: Public National Forest land along Highway 150, with multiple pullouts. Rock Cliff Recreation Area on Jordanelle's east shore provides parking, restrooms, and easy access where the Provo enters the reservoir.

What to expect: Fish average 8-12 inches, with occasional larger browns in deeper pools. Technical pressure is lower, but fish can be skittish in small, clear water. Good for beginners and those who want solitude.

Middle Provo

Location: Jordanelle Dam to Deer Creek Reservoir (12 miles)

Character: This is where most anglers focus - and for good reason. A restored tailwater with stable flows, cobblestone bottom, and consistent temperatures. The Provo River Restoration Project added four miles of meanders and in-stream structure, creating excellent holding water. The river flows through cottonwoods in the tranquil Heber Valley, with a pastoral feel very different from the canyon below.

Named spots like "Lunker Lane" near the dam and the water around "Rickety Bridge" hold nearly 3,000 fish per river mile. Average browns run 12 inches, with 18-inch-plus specimens caught year-round.

Best times: Year-round fishing. The Buffalo midge hatch starts mid-March, Green Drakes run May-July, and fall brings aggressive pre-spawn browns. Winter midging (10am-3pm) can be surprisingly productive.

Access: Seven designated public access points with parking and vault toilets, managed by the Utah Mitigation Commission. See detailed access section below.

What to expect: Browns and rainbows averaging 12-16 inches, with fish over 20 inches present. Heavy pressure during major hatches - plan to fish weekdays or arrive before 7am on weekends.

Lower Provo

Location: Deer Creek Dam to Utah Lake (Provo Canyon)

Character: Tailwater flows through a steep limestone canyon. Larger fish on average than the Middle Provo, fed by prolific populations of sow bugs, scuds, and midges. The change in pH from the limestone makes this section a "shrimp buffet" for trout. Blue-winged olives in spring, PMDs in summer.

The pocket water from Bridal Veil Falls down to the diversion dam at the canyon bottom fishes well. Near the LDS Motion Picture Studio at 1230 North in Provo, there's a water diversion with a pool below a small waterfall where fish stack up.

Best times: March-April before crowds arrive. Early morning and late evening in summer to avoid both heat and people.

Access: Pullouts along US-189 through Provo Canyon. Lower Provo River Park provides the main access near Vivian Park. Important access note below.

What to expect: Trophy-class rainbows and browns - the rainbows here average larger than anywhere else in Utah. Technical fishing in clear water with educated fish.

⚠️ Lower Provo Access Warning

As of 2024, portions of the Lower Provo River are in legal limbo. Certain landowners along the upper reaches of Provo Canyon have begun confronting anglers who are fishing in the river, claiming the water is not public. While state and local law enforcement have not recognized these claims - and no angler has been charged with trespass for being in the water - the situation creates uncertainty.

What this means for you:

• Many guide services are avoiding the Lower Provo entirely until the issue is resolved
• If you fish the Lower, access only from clearly public areas (UDOT land, marked access points)
• Do not cross private dry land to reach the river
• If confronted, remain calm and contact Utah DWR (801-538-4700)
• Report confrontations to the Utah Stream Access Coalition to help build the legal case

The Utah Stream Access Coalition is working to establish the Lower Provo as navigable water (which would allow public use up to the high-water mark), but litigation takes time. Until resolved, the Middle Provo offers less contentious fishing with similar quality.

Reading the Flows

The Provo's tailwater sections run at controlled flows from Jordanelle and Deer Creek dams. This is both a blessing (fishable year-round) and a complication (optimal flows depend on what section you're fishing and what you want to do).

Middle Provo Flow Guide

Flow (CFS) at Charleston	Conditions	What to Expect
Under 100	Very low	Fish concentrated in pools, extremely spooky, technical
130-200	Winter/low-water normal	Very wadeable anywhere, focused fishing, 4-6 ft nymph rigs
250-350	Good fishing flows	Wade-friendly throughout, fish spread out, ideal for beginners
350-500	Prime hatch conditions	Best Green Drake and PMD activity, some deeper wading
500-700	Higher flows	Manageable wading, stick to edges and slower runs
Over 700	Difficult wading	Fish from the bank or consider a drift boat; flows this high rare

Current flows on the Middle Provo typically run 130-150 CFS in winter, rising during irrigation season (May-September). Track Provo River flows at Charleston for current conditions.

Lower Provo Flow Guide

Flow (CFS) below Deer Creek	Conditions
Under 100	Very low - limits float traffic, concentrated fish
100-200	Excellent wading - typical winter/early spring
200-400	Good fishing water, moderate wading difficulty
Over 400	Higher flows - watch your wading, fish the edges

Check Provo River flows at Provo for current Lower Provo conditions.

Key insight: Unlike freestone rivers, the Provo doesn't blow out with spring runoff. Reservoir releases control flows, making this a reliable option when other Utah waters run high and muddy.

Water Temperature

The Provo's tailwater character means stable temperatures year-round:

Season	Typical Temps	What It Means
Winter	35-42°F	Slow metabolism, midday midge windows, fish deep
Spring	42-54°F	Activity increases, Buffalo midges and BWOs active
Summer	50-55°F (morning) to 60-68°F (afternoon)	Best fishing early/late; stop fishing if temps exceed 68°F
Fall	45-55°F	Prime conditions, aggressive pre-spawn browns

Critical threshold: When surface temperatures reach or exceed 68°F, trout become stressed and are more vulnerable to exhaustion, disease, and death after catch-and-release. Summer afternoons on the Middle Provo regularly hit this threshold. Check temps and fish mornings or wait for cooler evenings.

Optimal insect activity: Most mayflies and midges become active when water hits 50-54°F, which typically happens mid-morning in spring and fall. This is when you'll see the best surface activity.

The Hatch Chart

The Provo's productivity comes from consistent, overlapping hatches throughout the year. The tailwater environment keeps temperatures stable enough for insects to hatch even in winter.

Winter (December-February)

• Midges (#20-26): The main game. Hatches start when sun warms the water, typically 11am-2pm. Look for fish rising in slower pools and tailouts.
• Fish small midge clusters (Griffith's Gnat) or individual adults. Egg patterns and sow bugs produce below spawning browns through January.
• Expect sporadic dry fly opportunities on warmer days - yes, dry fly fishing in Utah winter is real.

Spring (March-May)

The Buffalo Midge (#16-20): This is the Provo's signature hatch and the first major emergence of the year. Named 35 years ago from Strawberry Reservoir, the pupa has a distinctive hump on its back like a buffalo silhouette.

• Timing: Mid-March through April, starting around 12:30pm and lasting 1-3 hours
• Colors: Black is most common; also brown, olive, and gray
• Key insight: About 90% of rises target midges with the shuck still attached - they want emergers, not duns
• Best flies: Mother Shucker (#18-22), Buffalo Soldier (#18-20), Morgan's Midge (#18-22)
• Overcast days produce longer, more intense hatches
• The Middle Provo has the strongest and most consistent Buffalo midge activity of any Utah river

Blue-winged Olives (#16-20): March through May, heaviest on overcast afternoons. The BWO hatch runs concurrent with late Buffalo midges in April.

Caddis (#12-14): Start showing in May, build through summer.

Black and Gold Salmonflies (#6-10): May through July on Upper Provo and some Middle sections.

Summer (June-August)

• Green Drakes (#10-14): The marquee hatch. June and July on the Middle Provo. Fish get aggressive and crowds arrive. This is the closest thing to a "must-fish" window on the Provo.
• Pale Morning Duns (#14-16): June through August, often overlapping with Green Drakes. Best in morning and evening.
• Yellow Sallies (#14-16): June through August, particularly productive on the Middle Provo.
• Caddis (#12-14): All summer long, strongest evening activity.
• Terrestrials (#6-16): Hoppers, ants, beetles from June through October. Hopper-dropper rigs work well along grassy banks.

Fall (September-November)

• BWOs (#18-22): Return in force October-November, especially overcast days between 11am-2pm.
• Brown trout spawn: October-November. Fish egg patterns but avoid disturbing active redds (light gravel patches with paired fish).
• Midges: Transition back to winter patterns by late November.

Rigging for the Provo

The Provo's clear water and pressured fish demand finesse. Here's what works:

Nymph Rig Setup

Leader/Tippet: The guides say it every report: 6X minimum, often 7X. The clear water and educated fish see everything. Run 9ft leader to 4-5ft of 5X, then a tippet ring, then 6X or 7X to your flies.

Depth: Typical indicator depth is 4-6 feet for most Middle Provo runs. Adjust based on the specific water you're fishing - the cobblestone bottom creates variable depths.

Weight: Light is the theme. One to two #6 split shot on 6X tippet is often enough. The fish aren't in heavy water - they're in moderate runs and pools. Over-weighting spooks fish and snags bottom.

Standard Rig:

• Point fly: Sow Bug (#18-20) or larger attractor
• Dropper (18" below): Thread midge (#22-26) or Zebra Midge
• Colors that work: black, cream, red, olive, iron gray

Dry Fly Setup

• 9ft 5X leader with 2-3ft of 6X tippet
• For midge clusters: 7X tippet, size 18-22 flies
• During Green Drake hatch: can get away with 5X

Euro Nymphing

Euro/tight-line nymphing is productive on the Provo, especially in the pocket water sections. The clear water makes sighters visible, and the technique helps detect subtle takes from educated fish. Run light flies and expect to downsize from what you'd use on freestone water.

Streamer Fishing

Best in early spring (pre-runoff) and fall (pre-spawn). 4X fluorocarbon, strip-and-pause retrieve. The big browns respond to leeches and buggers in the deeper runs.

Flies That Work

Nymphs (year-round staples)

• Sow Bug (#18-22, peacock or gray) - The Provo's bread-and-butter pattern. The limestone-influenced pH creates ideal conditions for these crustaceans.
• Scud (#16-18, orange or olive) - Same reason as sow bugs
• RS2 (#18-22, black or olive) - Year-round producer
• Pheasant Tail (#16-20)
• Zebra Midge (#20-24)
• Thread Midge (#22-26, black/cream/red/olive)
• San Juan Worm (#12-14, red) - Always productive
• Egg patterns (#14-18) - Essential during and after brown trout spawn (Oct-Jan)
• Juju Baetis (#18-22)

Dries

• Mother Shucker (#18-22) - The Buffalo midge go-to
• Griffith's Gnat (#18-22) - Midge clusters, year-round
• Parachute Adams (#14-18)
• Elk Hair Caddis (#14-16)
• Green Drake Cripple (#10-14) - For the June/July hatch
• PMD Comparadun (#14-16)
• Sparkle Dun (#18-20, peacock)
• Stimulator (#10-14, green or yellow)

Streamers

• Woolly Bugger (#8-12, olive or black)
• Slumpbuster - Effective on larger browns
• Leech patterns (#10-14)

Winter tip: Fish small. Midges #22-26, sow bugs #20-22, thread midges in black, cream, red, and gray. The trout are eating tiny food - match it. If you're not getting refusals, you're probably not small enough.

Access Points

Middle Provo Access Sites (North to South)

The Provo River Restoration Project created seven designated access areas along the 12-mile Middle Provo corridor. All have parking lots with vault toilets and information signs.

1. Below Jordanelle Dam

• First access downstream from the dam
• Smaller parking area, less crowded
• Good water in the first mile below the reservoir
• "Lunker Lane" area nearby

2. River Road North

• From Highway 40, take River Road southwest about 1/4 mile to cross the Middle Provo
• First dirt road on your left after crossing leads to parking with vault toilets
• The most popular access point - expect company
• 15-20 vehicle capacity; fills by 8am on summer weekends

3. River Road South

• Same approach as River Road North
• After crossing the river, first paved parking on your right
• Vault toilets, good water in both directions
• Walk downstream to escape the crowds at River Road North

4. Cottonwood

• From River Road, head north on Old Highway 40 for approximately 2 miles
• Dirt road on your left leads to parking with vault toilets
• Less pressure than River Road sites
• Good midge water in the cottonwood-lined section

5. Midway Junction

• Access downstream from Highway 40 near Midway junction
• Moderate pressure

6. Legacy Bridge

• Where Midway Lane (SR-113) crosses the Middle Provo
• Critical regulatory boundary: Special regulation water (artificial only, 2 under 15") ends here
• Downstream of Legacy Bridge is general regulation water (bait allowed, 4 trout any size)
• Parking available near the bridge

7. Charleston

• Near where Center Street crosses before Deer Creek Reservoir
• Access to lower Middle Provo
• Good fall fishing as browns stage before the spawn
• Less pressure than upper access points

Upper Provo Access

• Mirror Lake Highway (UT-150): Multiple pullouts along the highway provide National Forest access. Highway typically open late May through October (snow-dependent).
• Rock Cliff Recreation Area: East shore of Jordanelle, parking, day-use areas, and restrooms where the Provo enters the reservoir.
• Walk-in Access (Jordanelle upstream 3/4 mile): Requires authorization number from Utah DWR for private land access. Call ahead.
• Woodland area: Transition water between upper freestone and the reservoir. Beautiful character, moderate pressure.

Lower Provo Access

Note the access disputes mentioned above before planning to fish the Lower.

• Lower Provo River Park: Near Deer Creek Reservoir, main put-in for floaters. Parking, restrooms.
• Vivian Park: Take-out for float trips, walk-in access for anglers.
• Canyon View Park: Lower in the canyon, accessible.
• Provo Canyon pullouts: Various spots along US-189, limited parking. UDOT owns parcels adjacent to the river that provide legal access, though some are poorly marked.
• Bridal Veil Falls area: Good pocket water, scenic, can be crowded with tourists.

Important: Stay within designated public corridors. Some stretches between access points cross private land. If you don't see public access signage, assume it's private.

Regulations

Regulations vary by section - know which water you're fishing. These are current as of 2025; verify before your trip as regulations can change annually.

Middle Provo (Jordanelle Dam to Legacy Bridge)

• Artificial flies and lures only
• Limit: 2 trout under 15 inches
• This is the special regulation stretch - most of the prime Middle Provo water

Middle Provo (Legacy Bridge to Deer Creek Reservoir)

• General regulations apply
• Bait fishing permitted
• Limit: 4 trout of any size

Lower Provo (Deer Creek Dam to Olmstead Diversion)

• Artificial flies and lures only
• Limit: 2 trout under 15 inches

Lower Provo (Olmstead to I-15)

• General regulations apply
• Bait permitted

Special Notes

• Northern pike: No limit, must kill immediately (invasive species management)
• Walleye: Closed to possession March 1 through first Saturday in May
• Suckers: Must be released immediately (June sucker - endangered species protection)

A valid Utah fishing license is required. Non-resident licenses available online. Check current regulations before fishing.

Float Fishing

The Lower Provo offers a mellow float option for anglers who want to cover more water - though see access notes above regarding current disputes.

The run: Lower Provo River Park to Vivian Park (approximately 4.5 miles) Difficulty: Class I with one Class II railroad trestle obstacle Time: 2-3 hours fishing pace, 1-2 hours recreational pace

What to know:

• Water temperature stays cold (45-55°F) year-round - the float is more comfortable in a raft or kayak with a floor than an inner tube
• The railroad trestle about 2/3 down the run is the main obstacle. This old Heber Creeper trestle has caused accidents including broken bones. Many floaters portage on river right - there's an easy out before the trestle and put-in below. Scout it your first time.
• Season runs May through September
• Several outfitters offer guided float fishing trips

This is primarily a recreational tubing run, so expect company on summer weekends. Fish early (put in by 7am) or late (put in at 4pm) to have water to yourself.

Guide Services

If you're new to the Provo or want to accelerate your learning curve, local guides know exactly where fish are holding on any given day. They also navigate the access situation and can take you to productive water without uncertainty.

Trout Bum 2 - Park City

• Half-day trips: $330-410
• Full-day trips: $485-545
• Multi-day packages: Blue Ribbon Sampler (2 days, $1,175), Grand Slam (3 days, $1,700)
• Covers Provo, Weber, and Green River
• All equipment included

Park City Fly Fishing Company

• Half-day float trips: $500 per boat (1-2 anglers)
• All gear provided
• 40+ years guiding experience

Wasatch Guide Service

• Year-round trips, including winter
• Afternoon trips for skiers (fish after your morning runs)
• Full equipment provided

Wilderness Trout Expeditions

• Wade and float options
• Small streams available for variety
• Good for those who want to escape crowds

JANS Fly Shop - Park City

• Guide service plus full retail shop
• Good spot for local intel and current fly selection
• Call ahead for conditions: they'll tell you what's working

A half-day guided trip typically runs $300-500 and includes all equipment, flies, and instruction. Worth it for first-timers to learn the water - a good guide shows you spots and patterns that take years to figure out on your own.

Timing Your Trip

Best Times to Fish

Spring (March-May)

• Buffalo midge hatch starts mid-March - some of the best dry fly fishing of the year
• BWOs build through April-May
• Fewer crowds than summer (except during peak Buffalo midge)
• Pre-runoff on Upper Provo
• Water temps warming into productive range (42-54°F)

Summer (June-August)

• Green Drake and PMD hatches bring the best dry fly fishing
• Also brings the most pressure - fish weekdays or shoulder hours (before 9am, after 5pm)
• Watch water temps: stop fishing if temps exceed 68°F (common in afternoon)
• Upper Provo provides escape from canyon crowds and heat
• Terrestrials productive along grassy banks

Fall (September-November)

• Brown trout aggression as spawn approaches (best dry fly streamer fishing)
• Return of BWOs in October
• Crowds thin after Labor Day - some of the most pleasant fishing of the year
• Avoid walking through spawning redds (light gravel patches with paired fish)
• Egg patterns produce well

Winter (December-February)

• Midge fishing midday (10am-3pm)
• Very light pressure - you might have the river to yourself
• Fish hold in deeper runs and pools
• Sleep in - bugs don't get active until the sun warms things up
• Some of the most technical, rewarding fishing on the river

Time of Day

• Winter: Fish 10am-3pm when midges hatch and water warms slightly
• Spring/Fall: Midday (11am-2pm) is best for BWO and midge activity
• Summer: Early morning (before 9am) and evening (after 5pm) to avoid heat and crowds; mid-day is often dead

Hazards

Cold water: The Provo runs 35-55°F year-round due to dam releases. This is cold enough to cause hypothermia if you fall in and stay wet. Dress for immersion - waders are essential except on the hottest summer days, and bring a change of clothes.

Slick rocks: Cobblestone bottom is notoriously slippery. Felt soles or studded rubber (Korkers-style) provide better traction than plain rubber. A wading staff isn't overkill, especially at higher flows or if you're not familiar with the bottom.

Heat stress on fish: Summer afternoon water temps can exceed 68°F. At these temperatures, catch-and-release mortality increases significantly. Check water temp and stop fishing if it's too warm. The fish will thank you, and you'll have better fishing in the future.

Spawning fish: During brown trout spawn (October-November), avoid wading through obvious redds - the light-colored gravel patches where fish are actively spawning. These are future fish. If you see a pair of browns on a redd, give them wide berth.

Crowds: This is a popular fishery. On summer weekends, River Road parking lots fill by 8am. Have a backup plan (Upper Provo, Weber River, small streams) or fish weekday mornings. Cottonwood and Charleston access points see less pressure.

Private land and access disputes: The Middle Provo public corridor is well-marked, but the Lower Provo situation is contentious. See warning above. When in doubt, stay in the water and access only from clearly public areas.

Nearby Options

If the Provo is crowded, conditions are off, or you want variety:

Weber River - 20 minutes from Park City. Wild brown trout fishery with excellent caddis hatches (the "Mother's Day Caddis" is famous here too). Less pressure than the Provo with similar drive time. Good alternative when the Middle Provo is packed.

Small streams - The Uinta Mountains hold dozens of small streams with brook trout, cutthroats, and eager fish that see few anglers. Ask at local fly shops for current conditions - they'll point you to accessible options without giving away the secrets.

Strawberry Reservoir - 45 minutes from Park City. Trophy-class cutthroats and rainbows in a stillwater setting. Different experience than stream fishing but worth it if you want to bend a rod on big fish.

Green River (below Flaming Gorge) - 2.5 hours from Park City. World-class tailwater with even bigger fish than the Provo. Worth the drive for a full day or overnight trip.

Using RiverReports

Before your trip:

• Check real-time Provo River flows at Charleston (Middle Provo) and Provo (Lower Provo)
• Compare against the flow tables above to pick the right section
• Watch the trend over several days - stable or dropping flows often fish better than rising water
• Note the time of year for temperature considerations

The Provo's tailwater nature means flows are more predictable than freestone rivers, but it's still worth checking conditions 24 hours before you drive. Irrigation season (May-September) brings higher, more variable flows than winter.

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Quick Reference

Section	Best For	Access	Regulations	Pressure Level
Upper Provo	Small stream, solitude, summer escape	Mirror Lake Highway	General regs	Low
Middle Provo (above Legacy)	Year-round fishing, hatches, quality fish	7 public access sites	Artificial only, 2 under 15"	High
Middle Provo (below Legacy)	Less pressure, general regs	Charleston	General regs	Moderate
Lower Provo (below Deer Creek)	Larger fish, float fishing	Provo Canyon (see access warning)	Artificial only, 2 under 15"	Moderate-Variable

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