Provo River

Location and description

The Provo River is the second most-utilized fishery in Utah. The stretch of the Provo River considered "blue ribbon" begins at the Olmstead Diversion area (about one mile east of Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon) and proceeds easterly about six miles to the Deer Creek Reservoir Dam. From the Provo River inlet on the eastern side of Deer Creek Reservoir (located in the town of Charleston), this blue ribbon-quality river continues upstream through the town of Midway until it reaches the Jordanelle Reservoir Dam.

Provo River near Deer Creek Reservoir Photo by Scott Root

Game fish species and methods

It's considered a Blue Ribbon fishery because of its abundant, self-sustaining brown trout population. Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and whitefish are also found in the Provo. Regulations for these portions of the Provo includem "Artificial flies and lures only, with a trout limit of two under 15 inches." As of 2004, a 2.25-mile portion of this blue ribbon stretch between Midway and Deer Creek Reservoir allows bait angling and four trout of any species (read the Fishing Proclamation for details). The fishery actually has too many trout in some stretches, and anglers are encouraged to keep trout as permitted by the regulations to ensure that the remaining fish are fat and healthy. Popular techniques include using smaller-sized flies, such as a gold-ribbed hares ear, pheasant tail, scuds, midge imitations, and other small nymphs or dry flies around size #18 or smaller. Patterns such as glo bugs, streamers, and minnow-imitating action lures are effective October through early December (during the brown trout spawn). General regulations that allow bait and no size restrictions are also easily accessible both below and above the blue ribbon stretches (see the proclamation).

Access and facilities

Angling access on these stretches of the river has been greatly improved over the last few years. The Provo Canyon portion of the river parallels US-189 and, with the exception of a few parcels of private property, access is not a problem. Although there are a few more parcels of private property surrounding the stretch between Deer Creek and Jordanelle Dam, several parking areas and angler access points have been created along the river and there is plenty of public angling opportunity.

Numerous motels, restaurants, sporting good stores, equipment rentals, and guide services are available in Provo, Orem, Heber City, Midway, Park City, Salt Lake City, and other towns. Raft, kayak, and other recreational equipment may be rented from places such as BYU Outdoors Unlimited (801) 422-2708, High Country Rafting Company in Provo Canyon (801) 224-2500, or from several other sporting good stores.