Upper Provo River Fly Fishing Info
The Upper Provo River falls from about 10,000 feet in the High Uintas, leaving an at times deep and rocky canyon through the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Being a freestone river, the Upper Provo provides more adventurous anglers exceptional dry fly fishing opportunities once spring runoff resides—as well as the opportunity to ply their skills at everything from technical pocket water and shallow riffles to deep rock-lined runs and beaver ponds. If you’re planning to fish this rugged and scenic river, be sure to stop by the Fishwest Fly Shop in Kamas for the latest info on river conditions and hatches.
Access
Public access is limited to the portion of the river within National Forest boundaries, with multiple access points easily accessible along the Mirrorlake Highway (UT 150) near Kamas. Once the Upper Provo exits public land, it flows primarily through private land, with only a few opportunities for public access with walk-in access authorization between the Utah DWR and landowner. To get authorized with a WIA Number or for more information on Walk-in Access please visit Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
When to Fish
As a high-elevation freestone river, the Upper Provo spends its winters locked in snow. By spring, high runoff is the norm until flows reside come late June or mid July. Summer dry fly fishing on the Upper Provo can be exceptional, with opportunistic trout eager to rise for big dries, stoneflies, and hopper patterns. The Upper Provo remains fishable well into fall most years; although, July to September are the best months to fish this high-mountain river. Keep in mind, it is best to carry a streamside thermometer and to let this river rest if flows are low and those water temps are consistently above 68 degrees.
Current Conditions
- The Upper Provo along the mirror lake highway is still higher than we would like it to be for optimal fishing conditions. However, the river is CLEAR! There are currently pockets of fishable water along, primarily through the "Slate Gorge" area. Dry Dropper is the name of the game up that way. Look to use terrestrials like ants, beetles, small grasshoppers and even caddis. Pair that with a small beadhead dropper (18-20)
- The Upper Provo through Woodland remains very high and swift. Fishing is not recommended at this time!
Fishing Regulations
Artificial flies and lures only.
Streamflow Data
Upper Provo River CFS near Woodland
Note: Water is measured by Cubic Feet Per Second (CFS).