NORTHERN UTAH REPORTS
Updated: May 1st, 2024
By: Nick Teynor
*RIVER FLOW UPDATE: Spring Run-Off has begun! The Middle and the Lower Provo saw significant increase in flows over the past couple of weeks. The Middle Provo went from 300 CFS to 619 CFS, and the Lower Provo went from 460-688 CFS. This will significantly impact the fishing for the rest of the Spring season, and will definitely make fishing tougher. From here on out, I would recommend not trying to cross at these flows, as it is not safe, and the fish will be much closer to the river banks anyway. The Weber below Echo also rose in flows, and is now 334 CFS, which is a non-crossable flow for this stretch of river. Again, I cannot stress how important it is to check the river gauges before you head out, and we've provided links for you in the report.*
Hello All,
As mentioned above, run-off has come to the Wasatch Front again. With this increase in flows, fishing a streamer or nymphing along the rivers edge with sow bugs, scuds, aquatic worms, caddis larva, attractor nymphs, and Baetis nymphs can work when there are no fish rising, and focusing on fishing during the warmest/most comfortable part of the day will help tilt the odds a little more in your favor. We were just starting to see some Skwala stoneflies starting hatch, so if it were me, I'd be working the slow seams and river edges with a Skwala dry-dropper rig, and covering a lot of ground. Weather for the next week or so seems to warming, which could potentially get the Mother's Day Caddis hatch going on streams that are still fishable, so I'd also recommend packing your small, dark caddis emergers and dries (#16-#18) with you just in case.
Spring is here, and that means there will be more and more river traffic out there. In order to avoid bad river etiquette, it's important to know the basic ins an outs of how to interact with each other on the water. The folks over at Redington Fly Gear have a nice little video on the subject.
Check these gauges for updates on water levels!
1) Central Utah Water Conservancy District
Fishing Conditions Summary
Middle Provo:
As of today, the Middle Provo is flowing at 632 CFS at River Road Bridge. At this flow, I'd still be focusing on fishing the slower current edges and seams since these pieces of water are where most fish prefer to be during higher flows. Best chance for moving fish will be on still be on Midge nymphs (#18-#22), B.W.O. nymphs and dries (#18-#22), cased and uncased caddis larva, attractor nymphs, a variety of worm patterns, and Sow Bugs could work too. We were seeing Skwala stoneflies just before the bump, so fishing a Skwala stone dry, trailing a nymph 2'-3' behind, and fishing the slower current seams and edges would be another option. Fishing streamers low and slow can also be effective, especially if the weather conditions are tough.
Lower Provo:
The Lower's flow is currently 689 CFS out of Deer Creek. Nymphing with Sow Bugs and scuds (#14-#18), Baetis nymphs (#18-#20), small attractor nymphs such as Perdigons, Caddis Larva, and worm patterns would be what I would use on the Lower Provo if there is nothing hatching. Just like the Middle Provo, Skwala stoneflies are around, and fishing a dry-dropper rig up the rivers edges can be a good way to cover the ground, or fishing a streamer low and slow can be effective when nothing else seems to be moving fish.
Weber River:
The Weber River between Rockport and Echo reservoirs is now flowing at 74 CFS at Wanship, and 177 CFS at Coalville. This is a very fishable flow for this stretch of the Weber, and nymphing and streamer fishing are good techniques to try if no Midges, Blue Wing Olives, or Mother's Day Caddis are hatching. Flows out of Echo Reservoir to Henefer are now currently at 334 CFS. Your fly selection for the Weber below Rockport and Echo Reservoirs will be similar the Middle and Lower Provo. While the hatches and dry fly fishing on the Weber can be inconsistent, I'd definitely still bring Midge, B.W.O., and Mother's Day Caddis dry flies and emergers in case you run into a hatch on the Middle Weber.
Green River Below Flaming Gorge:
As of right now, the flows on the Green below Flaming Gorge are flowing at/around 1,000. Looking at the gauge, and what we have been told, the flow bumps are stopping for the time being. If this changes, we'll let you know. This change of flows should makes crossing the river via wading available in some spots, but play it safe, and don't take unnecessary risks!
If you're heading to the Green I'd make sure to bring Midge and B.W.O. nymphs and dries (#16-#22), Black Flying Ant patterns (#14-#16), and attractor dry fly patterns like a Para. Cricket (#14-#16), Peacock PMX (#14-#16), Parachute Adams (#12-#20), Purple Rooster/Purple Hazes (#14-#18). Nymphing and/or Dry-Dropper fishing with attractor nymphs like "Frenchies", Perdigons, olive or tan scuds, Zebra Midges, and small worm patterns can work well if there are no signs of fish feeding off of the surface. If it is super windy, cloudy, not much surface activity, etc.-fishing a streamer can be effective.
Other Waters:
Strawberry Reservoir is in "Ice-Off" mode, so get out to take advantage of it. If you can't make the "Ice-Off", don't worry. The fish will look to hang around in the shallows for the next couple of weeks, and fishing from the shore can be good-great. Taking a drive to check out some of the lower elevation Uinta reservoirs wouldn't be a bad idea, or head south to see what lake and reservoirs are open and fishing in Southern Utah. It's that time of year to be willing to explore and get creative with your fishing options.
Fishing Tip(s):
My go to leader(s) for fishing the local tailwaters during this time of year are 7.5' 2X leaders and tippet for fishing streamers, 7.5'-9' 4X leaders for fishing dries, dry-droppers, light nymph rigs, and 4X-6X tippets. My choice of tippet off of my leader is based on whatever size of fly I need to throw. This simple leader/tippet system allows me to adjust to whatever fishing conditions I encounter, and simplify what I need to take with me fishing. The only other tips I can offer are the following: Be prepared for dynamic weather changes, check the river flows before you head out, and make sure you respect each others space when out on the water!!!
FLY RECOMMENDATIONS:
Buckskin Nymph (#20-#22)
Zebra Midges (#16-#22)
Juju Baetis (#18-#22)
Pheasant Tail Nymphs (#18-#22)
Cased / Un-Cased Caddis Larva (#16-#18)
Prince Nymphs (#12)
Blowtorch (#16)
Olive Graphic Caddis (#16)
Mother Shuckers (#22,#24)
Turkey Baetis (#20-#22)
401K Baetis Dun (#20)
Purple Rooster (#14-#18)
Para. Adams (#12-#18, #22-#26)
Olive X-Caddis (#16-#18)
Peacock Caddis (#16)
Olive Missing Link (#16-#18)
Little Olive Skwala Stone (#12)
Purple or Peacock Chubby Chernobyl (#12-#14)
Leeches (#8#-#10)
Sow Bugs (#16,#18)
Soft Hackle Sow Bugs (#16, #20)
San Juan Worms (#12-#16)
Gummy Worms (#12)