NORTHERN UTAH REPORTS
Updated: March 25th, 2024
By: Nick Teynor
Hello All,
*HEADS UP: Flows on the Lower Provo AND Middle Provo went up last week, but are very, very fishable. The Lower Provo went to 438 CFS, and the Middle Provo went from 150 CFS to 305+ CFS. The dry fly fishing hasn't appeared to be to put off by the flow bumps, and the Midge and Blue Wing Olive mayflies hatches have been getting the fish up and feeding off the top. This was as unexpected flow bump for this time of year, and it serves as a reminder to check the flows before you head out to make sure you aren't surprised when you show up to fish.*
Midge hatches are still very important and will be for the next month or so, and our Spring Baetis Mayflies (B.W.O.) should begin to hatch with more consistency as we get into April. So plan on Midge hatches, and carry every stage of the midge emergence (larva, pupa, adult, etc.) with you if you decide to head out over the next couple of weeks, and bring Blue Wing Olive patterns with you too. Nymphing with small midge larva and pupae, sow bugs, scuds, aquatic worms, caddis larva, attractor nymphs, and little Baetis nymphs in the deep pools 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.
In stream flow news, the Lower Provo has been flowing at/around 438 CFS, and the Middle Provo out of Jordanelle Reservoir is currently flowing at 305 CFS. The Weber out of Echo Reservoir is flowing at 221 CFS, which is very fishable. Flows are now 206 CFS out of Rockport Reservoir, which is a very fishable flow, and should be decent for nymphing or streamer fishing.
The Winter Season is here, and that usually means there will be less river traffic out there. However, if the skiing stinks, and the weather is nice, there are still going to be anglers out on the water. 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 305 CFS out of Jordanelle Reservoir and at River Road Bridge. It will take a moment for the fish and bugs to adjust to this flow increase, but once they do, the fishing should be decent as long as the flows stabilize. At this flow, I'd still be focusing on fishing the deeper, slower pools, runs, and edges since these pieces of water are where most fish prefer to be during the early season. Best chance for moving fish will be on still be on Midge nymphs and dries (#20-#26), B.W.O. nymphs and dries (#18-#22), small attractor nymphs like Perdigons, small worm patterns, and Sow Bugs could work too. Fishing a soft hackle midge on a slow down-and-across swing, or fishing streamers low and slow can be effective, especially if the weather conditions are tough.
Lower Provo:
The Lower's flow is currently 438 CFS out of Deer Creek. Nymphing with Sow Bugs and scuds (#18-#22), small attractor nymphs such as little Perdigons, and midge larva and pupa patterns (#20-#26) would be what I would use on the Lower Provo if there is nothing hatching. I'd also definitely pack your dry flies for the midge (#20-#26) and B.W.O. hatch (#18-#22), especially if you're on the water during the most comfortable part of the day. Just like the Middle Provo, fishing a soft hackle midge on a slow down-and-across swing, or fishing streamer low and slow can be effective when there is no obvious signs of a hatch.
Weber River:
The Weber River between Rockport and Echo reservoirs is now flowing at 206 CFS. 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 or Blue Wing Olives are hatching. Flows out of Echo are now currently at 221 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 and B.W.O. dry flies in case you run into a hatch.
Green River Below Flaming Gorge:
As of right now, the flows on the Green below Flaming Gorge are flowing at/around 888 CFS - 2,250 CFS. Looking at the gauge, it appears that the double bumps have subsided, and there is only one large bump a day, which is happening in the evening. This change of flows should make for better wade fishing conditions, and should help the midge hatches and dry-fly fishing. Keep in mind that flows can change on the Green quickly, so crossing at these flows can be done, but it can also mean getting potentially stranded on the opposite bank. In short, 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 (#18-#24), and attractor dry fly patterns like an Orange Asher (#16-#20), Parachute Adams (#16-#20), Purple Rooster/Purple Hazes (#16-#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:
The Uinta mountain streams, creeks, lakes and reservoirs are locked up until later this year (June to Early July), and many high elevation reservoirs are iced over. Taking a drive to check out tailwater fisheries in Southern Utah, and out-of-state tailwaters such as the San Juan in New Mexico, or Lee's Ferry on the Colorado River, are two good winter fishing options for those itching to do a road trip this time of year.
Fishing Tip(s):
My go to leader(s) for fishing the local tailwaters during this time of year are 7.5' 3X leaders and tippet for fishing streamers, 9' 5X leaders for fishing dries, dry-droppers, light nymph rigs, and 5X-7X 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)
Bling Midge (#22, #24)
Top Secret Midge (#22-#24)
Zebra Midges (#16-#22)
Juju Baetis (#20-#22)
Pheasant Tail Nymphs (#18-#22)
Caddis Larva (#16-#18)
Pulsating Emerger (#22)
Syl's Midge Soft Hackle (#18)
Red Ass Soft Hackle (#18)
Soft Hackle Emerger (#20-#22)
Mole Fly (#20-#24)
Hi-Vis Griffiths Gnat (#22)
Mother Shuckers (#22-#24)
Morgan's Midge (#22-#24)
Purple Rooster (#14-#18)
Black Para. Midge (#22, #26)
Para. Adams (#14, #22-#26)
Leeches (#8#-#10)
Sow Bugs (#16,#18)
Soft Hackle Sow Bugs (#16, #20)