ABOUT THE LOWER PROVO RIVER:

The Lower Provo River is one of Utah’s best wild brown trout streams. It is a beautiful section of river that flows from Deer Creek Reservoir through the deep and narrow walls of Provo Canyon. The Lower Provo River is known for its consistent nymph fishing that occurs year-round, but that’s not all it offers. Dry fly fishing is excellent and see’s most major hatches. Streamers will produce some of the largest fish in the river. Because of its close proximity to high populations along the Wasatch Front the Lower Provo River is a popular destination for many local fly fishers and visitors. This popularity has made fishing a littler harder than other rivers in the state with less fishing pressure. The most popular section of river for fly fishermen is the 7 mile Blue Ribbon stretch from the Olmstead Diversion Dam upstream to Deer Creek Dam. This stretch is artificial flies and lures only, anglers may keep two brown trout under 15 inches. (Which is strongly encouraged by the DWR) If you don’t mind a little walking and want to get away from the crowds of the Blue Ribbon section. The section from Olmstead Diversion Dam to the mouth of Provo Canyon has some great pocket water and holds great numbers of brown trout that are less picky than there Blue Ribbon counterparts. The fly of choice for Provo River trout is the sow bug. Trout feast on them year-around making up a large part of their diet. So if nothing seems to be working or if you are new to the river, try a sow bug and it should help fool a trout or two.

Parking on the Lower Provo River is easy. There are multiple parking areas right off the side of the highway that grant access to the water. Popular areas include Bridal Veil Parking, Vivian Park Parking Lot, Tunnel, Trestle Parking, Dam.

Please note: The Lower Provo River has sections of private property just below Deer Creek Dam in the campground area. Please use respect around these areas.

WHEN TO FISH:

Late March is the start of the Blue Winged Olive Hatch and some of the best dry fly fishing of the year.  July-August see’s an awesome evening Caddis Fly Hatch. If your after one of the Provo’s large brown trout try big streamers in late September into October while the big browns are aggressively getting ready to spawn.

FISH:

Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout(Rare) and White Fish

HATCHES:

Midges, Blue Winged Olive, Pale Morning Duns, Caddis, Yellow Sallies, Golden Stone Flies, Salmon Flies, Mahogany Duns, Sow Bugs, Hoppers, Crickets, Ants, and Beetles.

FLIES:

Dry Flies: Para BWO, Griffith’s Gnat, Elk Hair Caddis, Hackle Stacker, Compara Dun PMD, Stimulator, Parachute Adams

Emergers: WD-40, X-Caddis, LaFontaines Sparkle Pupa, BWO Emerger, Midge Pupa, PMD Emerger, Palamino Midge

Nymphs: SOW BUG, Pheasant Tail, Peeking Caddis, Red Fox Squirrel, Prince, Hares Ear, Brassie, Rubber-leg Stone, Glow Bug, San Juan Worm

Terrestrials: Grand Hopper, Para-Hopper, Ants, Beetles and Mouse

Streamers: Wooly Buggers, Muddler Minnow, Sex Dungeon, Circus Peanut, Articulated Leeches

EQUIPMENT:

Rods: 8 to 9 foot in 4 to 6 weight rods are standard. New 10ft rods are becoming more popular for euro-style nymphing.

Reel: Standard disc or click trout reel. Large Arbor Reels are very popular

Lines: Floating – Weight Forward or Double Tapers, Sinking – Sink Tip and Full Sinking for Streamers

Leader & Tippet: 7 1/2 to 15 ft leaders in 3-6x. Tippet 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x, and 7x for picky trout.

Waders & Boots: Lightweight Breathable Waders are used year round. Some prefer wet wading during the summer months. Rubber & Felt bottom boots.

Other Gear: License, Floatant, Weights, Strike Indicators, Forceps, Polarized Glasses, Net, Hat, Sun Screen, Garage Bag.

SEASON & REGULATIONS:

Lower Provo River is Open Year-Round, From Olmstead Diversion Dam to Deer Creek Dam, artificial flies and lures only. Two browns, 15 inches or under, may be kept, all other trout must be released. From Olmstead Diversion Dam downstream, general fishing regulations and limits apply. See current Utah Fishing Guide Booklet

FLY SHOPS & SERVICES:

Four Seasons Fly Fishers in Heber, Eddie Robinsons in Orem, Cabelas in Lehi, Sportsman Warehouse in Provo, and  Fish Tech & Western Rivers in Salt Lake. (Lodging in Sundance, Heber/Midway, Utah County and Salt Lake County)

NEARBY FLY FISHING:

Middle Provo River, Upper Provo River, Weber River, Deer Creek Reservoir

View Lower Provo River in a larger map