provo river fishing report

“Riveting Fishing Adventures: A Comprehensive Guide to Provo River Fishing Report”

Introduction

The Provo River is a premier fly-fishing destination located in Utah, United States. It is a 70-mile long river that flows from the Uinta Mountains to the Utah Lake. The river has three sections – the Upper Provo, Middle Provo, and Lower Provo. Among the three sections, the Middle Provo is the most popular and is known for its abundant trout population. Many anglers from different parts of the world come to the Provo River to catch wild brown trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout.

The Provo River is an important fishing spot not only because of its diverse trout population but also because of the quality and clarity of its water. The river boasts of crystal clear water that teems with aquatic life, giving fly fishers the chance to experience a challenging and rewarding fishing session.

In addition to its excellent fishing conditions, the Provo River is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, making it a perfect destination for anglers who want to enjoy nature as they fish. The river runs through the Provo Canyon, which is famous for its soaring cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and dense pine forests. The beauty of the canyon is complemented by the sound of the river’s constant flow, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

Overall, the Provo River is not just an ordinary fishing spot. It is a world-class fly-fishing destination that offers anglers a memorable and unparalleled experience. From its diverse trout population and quality water conditions to its breathtaking scenery, the Provo River is indeed a haven for fly fishers.

Current Conditions

The Provo River fishing report is in, and the conditions influencing the fish are changing rapidly. With the recent cold temperatures, the water in the river has become much colder, around 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit, making it more difficult for the fish to eat and stay active. For anglers, this means using techniques that mimic the natural movement of the fish, specifically their slow movement. Using smaller bait, such as small nymphs and midges, can also help catch fish as they become less active on colder days.

In addition to the cold temperatures, recent snowfall and precipitation have slightly raised the water levels in the river, making the currents more turbulent. This makes it more difficult for anglers to find and catch fish, as they are less likely to be in their usual spots due to the changing water levels. Anglers should focus on casting towards eddies and slower areas of the river, where the fish are more likely to be found during high water conditions.

Overall, the Provo River fishing report indicates that conditions are changing frequently, making it important for anglers to stay up to date on current weather and water conditions in order to improve their chances of a successful fishing outing.

What’s Biting?

If you’re planning a fishing trip to the Provo River, it’s good to know what types of fish are currently biting. The Provo River is home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, and mountain whitefish. Each species has its own behavior, feeding habits, and preferred bait.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are the most common fish species in the Provo River and they can be found throughout most of the river’s length. They are bright and colorful with a pink stripe down their sides and spots scattered all over their bodies. Rainbow trout typically weigh between half a pound and two pounds, but larger ones have been caught too.

When fishing for rainbow trout, it’s best to use flies that mimic the insects they feed on. Midges, mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies are common in the Provo River and trout will often rise to the surface to feed on them. If you’re not a fly fisherman, you can also use small spinners, spoons, or bait.

Brown Trout

Brown trout are a more elusive species than rainbow trout. They are usually found in deeper, slower-moving water and can be difficult to catch. Brown trout are known for their large size and their brown or olive green coloration with a yellow or gold underbelly.

When fishing for brown trout, it’s best to use larger lures or flies. They tend to feed on larger baitfish and crayfish. Streamers, woolly buggers, and leech patterns are commonly used to entice brown trout into biting.

Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat trout are native to Utah and are less common in the Provo River compared to rainbow and brown trout. They are known for their distinctive red slash under their jaws and their spotted bodies. Cutthroat trout are typically found in the upper regions of the river.

When fishing for cutthroat trout, it’s best to use dry flies. They tend to feed on insects on the surface of the water, such as mayflies and stoneflies. They will also take nymphs and small streamers.

Mountain Whitefish

Mountain whitefish are a lesser-known species in the Provo River, but they can still be found in large numbers. They are usually found in the deeper and slower-moving sections of the river. Mountain whitefish are silver in color and have a large dorsal fin.

When fishing for mountain whitefish, it’s best to use nymphs or small wet flies. They tend to feed on the bottom of the river on small aquatic insects.

Notable Catches

Some recent notable catches in the Provo River include a 25-inch brown trout caught on a streamer and a 20-inch rainbow trout caught on a dry fly. The Provo River is known for its large and healthy fish populations, making it a great destination for anglers of all experience levels.

Remember, always check the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources regulations before fishing in the Provo River to ensure you have the correct licenses and to know the catch limits for each species.

Best Bait and Techniques

The Provo River located in Utah is well-known for its abundant trout population. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that it has attracted the attention of both local and out-of-state anglers. However, it can be challenging to determine the best bait and techniques to use when fishing on the Provo River. So here are some suggestions to make your next Provo River fishing expedition a delightful experience.

1. Nymphing

Among the most common techniques used to catch fish on the Provo River is nymphing. To perform this technique, you will need a small fly that resembles a nymph and a strike indicator that shares the same color as the water. Use of weighted flies and split shot to help your fly play deep in the water, where most trout will be found. Try matching the hatch, which refers to selecting a fly that resembles what is currently hatching from the river, triggering bites from actively feeding fish. Since the water on the Provo River is crystal clear spinning your fly will spook the trout, so it is advised to hold and only twitch it so that it moves up and down in the water column to attract the attention of the fish.

2. Dry Flies

Use of dry flies on the Provo River is enjoyable since you can see trout rising to the surface to take the fly. In addition, casting a dry fly is beautiful. Fishing with dry flies on the Provo River is suitable for beginners since it is straightforward and straightforward. For best results, make use of small flies which resemble the insects found in the water such as pmd, Baetis. Cast the fly upstream and improve the tension of the fly line, which will make the fly move in a way which resembles fly movement. As soon as a fish bites, set the hook with a quick upward motion.

3. Streamers

When fishing streamers on the Provo River, you have the opportunity to catch a large trophy-sized fish that can make your day. To succeed at this technique, you must, above all else, make sure your streamer is close to the bottom since this is where the biggest trout will be found. The heavier the streamer, the deep it will sink, which means it is easier to fish your streamer on deep pools and runs. Rather than casting your fly upstream and allowing it to flow downstream on its own, try giving short twitches on your streamer. This will imitate a baitfish (which is what most trout in the river eat) in distress, and it’s hard for a hungry trout to resist.

4. Euro Nymphing

Euro nymphing or tight-line nymphing is gradually becoming one of the most popular techniques when it comes to angling for trout in the Provo River. Above all else, it is particularly effective when fishing small streams and rivers, such as the Provo River. A strike indicator is not used when euro nymphing since the weight of the tungsten beaded nymph is enough to detect when the fish bites. Longer rods are preferred with a length of around 10-11 ft, making it easier to reach further and control the drift. When euro nymphing, try to maintain contact with the fly by keeping the slack out of your line, so that you can feel the slightest bite, then respond with a quick hook set.

In conclusion, the Provo River has plenty of options when it comes to choosing the best bait and technique for successful fishing. Ensure that you pick the bait and technique that suits you the most. Always be patient and keep an open mind, not every day is the same, sometimes what works today may not work the next day. If you are unsure of what to use, stop by the local Provo River fly shops, and you will get the right advice on the best bait and techniques for a successful fishing trip.

Recent Catches

The Provo River has been yielding some fantastic fishing in the last week, with lots of notable catches being made all up and down the river. Here are some of the best catches from the last week, along with the weight and length measurements for each fish:

Larry’s 22-Inch Brown Trout

Larry was fishing in the Middle Provo last Sunday and landed an incredible 22-inch brown trout. The fish was caught on a #16 zebra midge fly and weighed in at 4.5 pounds. Larry said the fish put up a great fight and was worth every minute of the battle.

Gary’s 18-Inch Rainbow Trout

Gary was fishing in the Lower Provo last Tuesday and landed an 18-inch rainbow trout. The fish was caught on a silver wobbler and weighed in at 3.5 pounds. Gary said the fish was a powerful fighter and gave him a real challenge to reel in.

Samantha’s 16-Inch Cutthroat Trout

Samantha was fishing in the Upper Provo last Wednesday and landed a 16-inch cutthroat trout. The fish was caught on a dry fly and weighed in at 2.5 pounds. Samantha said the fish was a beauty and she had to work hard to keep it on the line and reel it in.

Tom’s 20-Inch Brown Trout

Tom was fishing in the Middle Provo last Friday and landed a massive 20-inch brown trout. The fish was caught on a #18 prince nymph and weighed in at 5 pounds. Tom said the fish put up a huge fight and nearly broke his line a few times, but he managed to bring it in successfully.

Marie’s 14-Inch Brook Trout

Marie was fishing in the Upper Provo last Saturday and landed a beautiful 14-inch brook trout. The fish was caught on a woolly bugger fly and weighed in at 1.5 pounds. Marie said the fish was a delight to catch and put up a great fight.

All of these fish were safely released back into the river after they were caught, so they can continue to grow and thrive. With so many great catches being made on the Provo River right now, it’s a fantastic time to head out and try your luck at catching a big one!

Conclusion

If you’re planning to hit the Provo River for some fly fishing, the fishing report for this area remains quite positive. With the water temperature hovering in the 60s, the trout are quite active and willing to bite if you know where to look. The hatches of Blue-winged Olive mayflies have reduced, but you can still catch fish using midges, terrestrials, and scud nymphs, amongst others.

As we move into the late fall season, anglers should be able to enjoy much cooler temperatures and pleasant fishing weather. With that said, be aware that the water flow tends to be lower than usual by this time of the year, which means you’ll need to do some searching for active fish. The Provo River currently has good water levels, so there’s no reason to worry about low water, but be sure to keep an eye on the conditions as they can change overnight.

If you’re looking to catch the larger breed of trout, this is the time of year to go for it. Brown trout and Rainbow trout can be found spread throughout the river, but you might have to adjust your approach to find them. Anglers should try drifting wooly buggers, streamers, leeches, and smaller nymphs to maximize their chances of hooking one of these bigger specimens.

At the end of the day, fishing on the Provo River is something you don’t want to miss. With its breathtaking scenery and abundance of fish, this location is a dream destination for any angler. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fly fisherman, there’s always something new to experience on this beautiful river. As always, be sure to bring along the right gear, check the weather conditions before setting out, and be mindful of any regulations and restrictions in the area. Have fun, and good luck!