Utah Fly Fishing Report

By Mikey Barrus

May 12, 2017

This fly fishing report is provided by Mikey Barrus, from Mend Fly Fishing. Remember to keep it reel!

OCTOBER 22, 2018

Hey folks! The weather is starting to change up a bit and it's getting colder and the spawning season is upon us. Please keep your eyes peeled for spawning beds throughout the coming weeks and avoid walking through them. As we get more and more into fall, the flows on our local streams have started to go down. Here's the latest from the surrounding streams:

Middle Provo

The flows on the Middle are down to 150 CFS, which is low, but still very fishable. There should be no problem getting to wherever you want to get to. Fishing has been really good, and there are some of the last major hatches of the year going on. There are BWO's out and about but they are tiny (size 22-24) and some October Caddis which are much bigger (size 12-14). These fall caddis have orange-ish bodies so fish a rusty orange-colored Caddis or an orange stimulator and you should be able to convince a few trout to chow down on your fly. Nymphing and Streamers are both fishing really well right now and I would not hesitate to do either if you arrive early before the hatches start going off.

Flows

Flows recently dropped to 150 CFS. This is a solid flow.

Flies

Mother Shucker size 20-26
Morgan’s Midge size 20-26
Griffith’s Gnats size 18-24
Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling Midge size 20-22
Sow Bugs size 18-22
Caddis Nymph size 16-18
BWOs size 22-24
Elk Hair Caddis (Orange colored) size 12-14
Orange Stimulator size 12-14
Streamers of various sizes and colors

Lower Provo

The dry fly-fishing has slowed down a bit on the Lower due to some dirty water, but the streamer fishing and nymphing isn’t a bad option if you can tolerate hooking up with some moss periodically. The hatches are similar to what’s going on on the middle provo, and if the water starts clearing up and you see fish rising, then throw on a big Orange Caddis or a tiny BWO.

Flows

Currently the flows are at 154 CFS which is a great flow.

Flies

Mother Shucker size 20-26
Morgan’s Midge size 20-26
Griffith’s Gnats size 18-24
Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling Midge size 20-22
Sow Bugs size 18-22
Caddis Nymph size 16-18
BWOs size 22-24
Elk Hair Caddis (Orange colored) size 12-14
Orange Stimulator size 12-14
Streamers of various sizes and colors

Weber River

The Weber River both above and below Echo reservoir are not fishable at all right now — they are sitting at about 25 CFS and less. Please leave these fish alone as they are under extreme stress with the low flows right now.

Green River

The Green is still fishing well but mostly with some smaller bugs. There have been some BWO's out and about as well as some midges. Some terrestrials such as ants and crickets/hoppers are still around at the peak of the day — you could try that with a dropper below. Nymphing and streamers are also working well so there are plenty of options to try right now.

Flows

They have been staying around 1800 CFS which is solid for both floating and wade fishing.

Flies

Mother Shucker size 20-26
Morgan’s Midge size 20-26
Griffith’s Gnats size 18-24
Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling Midge size 20-22
Sow Bugs size 18-22
BWOs size 22-24
Terrestrials (crickets, hoppers, ants, beetles) sizes 8-16
Streamers of various sizes and colors

Keep it reel! Mike Barrus

AUGUST 9, 2018

Middle Provo

The Middle Provo is fishing awesome right now and the flows are in good shape: 507 CFS below Jordanelle Reservoir and 390 CFS below River Road. There are a bunch of PMD's out and about as well as caddis in the mornings and evenings. Now that we are in the hottest part of the year, the terrestrials are becoming more and more prevalent and are fishing well, especially if you fish a dropper below them. Dry flies and Nymphs have both been effective with the PMD's and Caddis flies — as have Midges.

Flows

The flows are currently at 507 CFS below Jordanelle and 390 CFS a little ways down past River Road. These are great fishing flows.

Flies

Terrestrials (crickets, hoppers, ants, beetles) sizes 8-16
Mother Shucker size 20-26
Morgans Midge size 20-26
Griffith’s Gnats size 18-24
Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling Nidge size 20-22
Sowbugs size 18-22
Caddis Nymph size 16-18
Elk Hair Caddis (tan colored) size 14-18
PMD's size 16-18
PMD Split Case Nymphs size 16-18
Streamers of various sizes and colors

Lower Provo

The Lower Provo is fishing well and is very similar to the Middle Provo. Stick with some PMD's, Caddis, Midges, and Terrestrials and you will find some willing fish. The dry dropper combo has been really effective when used with a Terrestrial. Streamers are working as well and have been effective in the mornings and evenings. The flows are a little high but definitely fishable. Just be careful where you try to cross the river.

Flows

Flows are sitting at 586 CFS as of today. Definitely fishable, but be cautious of where you’re trying to cross.

Flies

Terrestrials (crickets, hoppers, ants, beetles) sizes 8-16
Mother Shucker size 20-26
Morgans Midge size 20-26
Griffith’s Gnats size 18-24
Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling Midge size 20-22
Sowbugs size 18-22
Caddis Nymph size 16-18
Elk Hair Caddis (tan colored) size 14-18
PMD's size 16-18
PMD Split Case Nymphs size 16-18
Streamers of various sizes and colors

Weber River

The Weber River has gone up a little bit, but is still at a very fishable flow at 175 CFS below Rockport. There are some caddis out in the evenings and some PMDs out mid-day on warmer sunny days. Sowbugs are always a solid option for the Weber, and midges, PMDs and cased caddis nymph flies are all working pretty well.

Flows

Flows below Rockport reservoir are currently at 195 CFS and have been fluctuating a little bit, but not anything too drastic — just check the gauges before you go out. The Weber below Echo Reservoir is still really high at around 495 CFS. Be careful where you fish out there.

Flies

Terrestrials (crickets, hoppers, ants, beetles) sizes 8-16
Mother Shucker size 20-26
Morgans Midge size 20-26
Griffith’s Gnats size 18-24
Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling Midge size 20-22
Sowbugs size 18-22
Caddis Nymph size 16-18
Elk Hair Caddis (tan colored) size 14-18
PMD's size 16-18
PMD Split Case Nymphs size 16-18
Streamers of various sizes and colors

Green River

Terrestrials have been the ticket lately on the Green. If you’re not seeing too much action with the terrestrial, tie on a dropper. Caddis and PMD's are also out and about, and the fish will come up for them as well, just keep your eyes peeled for when those guys start popping off the water.

Flows

Flows have been fluctuating a bit between around 1500 CFS and 2500 CFS depending on the time and day you hit the water, but this hasn’t affected the fishing at all.

Flies

Terrestrials (crickets, hoppers, ants, beetles) sizes 8-16
Caddis Nymph size 16-18
Elk Hair Caddis (tan colored) size 14-18
PMD's size 16-18
PMD split case nymphs size 16-18
Streamers of various sizes and colors

Keep it reel! Mike Barrus

JULY 2, 2018

Not much has changed since my last report aside from the flows moving up and down a bit. The flows are still higher on the Middle and Lower Provo River, but the fish have acclimated to the higher water and both rivers are fishing pretty well. There are Caddis, Yellow Stoneflies, and PMD's (Pale Morning Dun) around. The caddis are around more in the early morning and evening as the sun is going down. There are also some Green Drakes starting to make an appearance, so be prepared with some of those patterns as you hit the water.The Weber River is still at a great flow and is fishing well with Caddis, pmd's, and yellow stoneflies.

The Green River is still the same as reported in my last report.

Keep it Reel!

JUNE 8, 2018

Middle Provo

The flows have bumped up the last little bit and are currently at 636 CFS below Jordanelle. This is a pretty fast flow, so if you head out there, be super cautious of where you’re stepping and don’t try to cross the river. The higher flows push the fish closer to the edge of the river, so focus on the banks. Fishing has been best from about 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nymphing has still been good with these flows. Streamers too. You might see a few fish rising in some of the back eddies or calmer water, so you could throw a dry fly to them. There are caddis, midges, and a few leftover BWOs. The PMDs are trying to make an appearance, so be prepared with some PMD patterns.

Flows

Flows are currently at 636 CFS below Charleston and are at 589 CFS at Charleston. These are high flows but the fishing is still good.

Flies

Sparkle Dun BWO size 20-22
Parachute Adams size 20-24
BWO Cripple size 20-22
Mother Shucker size 20-26
Morgan’s Midge size 20-26
Griffith’s Gnats size 18-24
BWO Nymphs size 20-22
Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling Midge size 20-22
Sowbugs size 18-22
Caddis Nymph size 16-18
Elk Hair Caddis (dark brown/grey) size 14-18
PMDs size 16-18
PMD split case nymphs size 16-18
Streamers of various sizes and colors

Lower Provo

The Lower has also bumped up in flows, but is not as high as the Middle Provo. The flows are currently at 576 CFS. This is still very fishable and the Lower is fishing well, especially with nymphs such as Midges, PMDs and Sowbugs. There are some PMDs hatching, so keep your eyes peeled for trout rising for those. Fishing has been best from around 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Flows

Flows are currently at 576 CFS — a bit high, but definitely fishable.

Flies

Mother Shucker size 20-26
Morgan’s Midge size 20-26
Griffith’s Gnats size 18-24
Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling Midge size 20-22
Sowbugs size 18-22
PMDs size 16-18
PMD split case nymphs size 16-18
Streamers of various sizes and colors

Weber River

Flows

Currently the flows are sitting at 175 CFS. This is a great flow, but it could go up a bit, so double-check it before you go out there.

Flies

Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling Midge size 20-22
Sowbugs size 18-22
Caddis Nymph size 16-18
Elk Hair Caddis (dark brown/grey) size 14-18

Green River

The Green River has been fishing pretty well. There are a lot of bugs starting to appear on the river. Terrestrials such as crickets, ants and grasshoppers are becoming more prolific. There are still cicadas around and the fish will still eat them in some back eddies and pocket water. Caddis and PMDs are also starting to get goin’ a bit more, so be prepared with lots of options if you head up to the Green. The flows have finally settled and should stay at their current flow of 2015 CFS for the summertime.

Flows

Currently at 2015 CFS and should remain at that flow for a while.

Flies

Mother Shucker size 20-26
Morgan’s Midge size 20-26
Griffith’s Gnats size 18-24
Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling Midge size 20-22
Caddis Nymph size 16-18
Elk Hair Caddis size 14-18
PMDs size 16-18
PMD split case nymphs size 16-18
Terrestrials size 10-16
Streamers of various sizes and colors

Keep it reel! Mike Barrus

MAY 25, 2018

Middle Provo

The river has bumped up a bit and the higher water is in effect, but it is still fishable and fishing well. The late mornings into late afternoon has been the best time of the day to hit the river — that is when you're going to encounter the most bug activity. If it's overcast, you are still going to see some midges and BWOs and if it's sunny, there will be some caddis and skwala stoneflies around. With this higher water, the nymphing will produce more consistently than dry flies, but don't hesitate to fish some dries if you see fish up. Also with the higher water, the fish are going to be closer towards the banks of the river, so focus on those areas and you should have some success.

Flows

The water has risen up to 310 CFS as of today. It's still wadable, but just be cautious and careful with the swifter water.

Flies

Sparkle Dun BWO size 20-22
Parachute Adams size 20-24
BWO Cripple size 20-22
Mother Shucker size 20-26
Morgans Midge size 20-26
Griffith’s Gnats size 18-24
BWO Nymphs size 20-22
Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling Midge size 20-22
Sowbugs size 18-22
Caddis Nymph size 16-18
Elk Hair Caddis (dark brown/grey) size 14-18
Skwala Stonefly Nymph size 12-14
Stimulator (orange) size 12-14
Streamers of various sizes and colors

Lower Provo

The Lower is fishing pretty well right now and is very similar to the Middle Provo as far as hatches go. Keep in mind that the flows have gone up quite a bit and the river is moving pretty swift, so you'll have to be choosy with where you can access the water and fish.There are plenty of midges and BWOs out and about and its been best from 11am-4pm. If there aren't any noses up, then throw on a Sowbug or a Midge and hook up with some fish below the surface. Streamers are always a good option and will continue to work well as the water rises due to the runoff.

Flows

The Lower Provo is flowing at around 525 CFS. This is a pretty high flow, but it’s still fishable. Just be careful out there.

Flies

Sparkle Dun BWO size 20-22
Parachute Adams size 20-24
BWO Cripple size 20-22
Mother Shucker size 20-26
Morgans Midge size 20-26
Griffith's Gnats size 18-24
BWO Nymphs size 20-22
Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling Midge size 20-22
Sowbugs size 18-22
Caddis Nymph size 16-18
Elk Hair Caddis (dark brown/grey) size 14-18
Skwala Stonefly Nymph size 12-14
Stimulator (orange) size 12-14
Streamers of various sizes and colors

Weber River

The flows on the Weeb have bumped up a bit, but it is still ok to fish. As for the hatches go, there are still Mother’s Day Caddis out and about, but it's hit or miss. They haven't been too consistent as of late. If you're out and don't see any Caddis or fish rising, then nymphing is still a great option and will produce fish, as well as streamers.

Flows

The flows are sitting at 171 CFS as of today, it’s a bit swift, but fishable.

Flies

Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling Midge size 20-22
Sowbugs size 18-22
Caddis Nymph size 16-18
Elk Hair Caddis (dark brown/grey) size 14-18

Green River

The flows have jumped up to 4800 CFS and will continue to be at that flow for around 2 weeks. Don't fret though! This is still a great flow for the river and you should still be able to get some fish to come up for some dries. There are still cicadas around and the fish are willing to come up for them, so make sure you have a few on hand. Terrestrials, such as ants, crickets, beetles, and hoppers have also been working and these bigger flies work great for a dry dropper rig. There are also still some BWOs around. Fishing with these bigger bugs is what makes the Green such an amazing river to fly fish, so take advantage of this time if you can.

Flows

4800 CFS. This makes wade fishing a bit more difficult, but the trail is still accessible.

Flies

Cicadas size 8-10
Crickets size 10-14
Ants size 8-16
Hoppers size 8-14
Beatles size 12-18
Sparkle Dun BWO size 20-22
Parachute Adams size 20-24
BWO cripple size 20-22
Mother Shucker size 20-26
Morgans Midge size 20-26
Griffith’s Gnats size 18-24
BWO Nymphs size 20-22
Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling Midge size 20-22
Sowbugs size 18-22
Caddis Nymph size 16-18

Keep it reel!

Mike Barrus

MAY 4, 2018

Game on, everyone! Fishing season is back! This is definitely one of my favorite times of the year to get out and do some fishing. The trout are anxious and fresh and ready to start eating some bigger bugs again. It is also iceoff season and many lakes are starting to thaw out. With that being said, the fish tend to hangout closer to the banks to key in on some smaller fish and bugs in all the vegetation. This is the time when you can catch bigger fish in lakes, due to them hanging out closer to you. So if you want to try something new or target some bigger fish, this is a good way to go.

One thing of importance:It’s spawning season for the rainbow trout, so please be cautious of spawning beds when wading and do not target spawning fish. That is bad mojo and really frowned upon. If you’re not sure what a spawning bed or (redd) looks like, it’s a bright gravel spot. One can also be spotted when the river bottom is lighter in color. Look it up if you need to. Steer clear of these. Respect the fish and their business and they will in turn reward you. (I'm a believer in fish karma.) Now onto the surrounding rivers:

Middle Provo

Fishing on the Middle Provo is getting better all the time! More and more bugs are appearing on our local streams and fishing is awesome right now! Midges are still producing along with BWOs, especially on cloudy days. Skwala stoneflies are starting to make appearances as well and they are really the first of the big bugs on the water, so make sure you have a few of these patterns on you with both dry flies and nymphs. We should also start to see the infamous Mother’s Day Caddis hatch, so you’re also going to want to have a few caddis on hand just in case you time the hatch right. Fishing has still been best from around 11-4 and nymphs, dries, and streamers have all been working well.

Flows

The water has started to rise a bit due to runoff season, but it’s currently at 325 CFS. This is a good flow and you should still be able to access plenty of spots.

Flies

Sparkle Dun BWO size 20-22
Parachute Adams size 20-24
BWO Cripple size 20-22
Mother Shucker size 20-26
Morgan’s Midge size 20-26
Griffith’s Gnats size 18-24
BWO Nymphs size 20-22
Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling Midge size 20-22
Sowbugs size 18-22
Caddis Nymph size 16-18
Elk Hair Caddis (dark brown/grey) size 14-18
Skwala Stonefly Nymph size 12-14
Stimulator (orange) size 12-14
Streamers of various sizes and colors

Lower Provo

The Lower is fishing really well right now (especially from 11am to 4pm) and is very similar to the Middle Provo as far as hatches go. There are plenty of midges and BWOs out and about. If there aren't any noses up, then throw on a Sowbug or a Midge and hook up with some fish below the surface. Streamers are always a good option and will continue to work well as the water rises due to the runoff.

Flows

Currently the flows are at 266 CFS on the Lower Provo. This is a good flow and will allow for access to most spots on the river.

Flies

Sparkle Dun BWO size 20-22
Parachute Adams size 20-24
BWO Cripple size 20-22
Mother Shucker size 20-26
Morgan’s Midge size 20-26
Griffith’s Gnats size 18-24
BWO Nymphs size 20-22
Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling Midge size 20-22
Sowbugs size 18-22
Caddis Nymph size 16-18
Elk Hair Caddis (dark brown/grey) size 14-18
Skwala Stonefly Nymph size 12-14
Stimulator (orange) size 12-14
Streamers of various sizes and colors

Weber River

The flows on the Weber are really low and currently not recommended to fish. These low flows puts a lot of strain on the fish and targeting fish in these lower flows is bad mojo. Let them be during these lower flows.

Flows

The Weber is currently flowing at 22 CFS, which is super low. Wait until these flows go up a bit before fishing it.

Green River

Cicada sightings!!! There have been more and more cicadas appearing on the Green and if the weather continues to get hotter, then they should start hatching more prolifically. This is one of the hatches that the Green River is known for so be ready with a few of these giant bugs in your box. Aside from that awesome news, the Green River is fishing well right now and the trout are up and chowing down BWOs and Midges. Now is a great time to get up there and take advantage before the flows get too crazy. Nymphing and streamer fishing have been solid as well. You can’t really go wrong up on the Green right now.

Flows

The flows between 9am and 5pm have been sitting at around 1700-1900 CFS, which is a great flow, but they are dropping them and raising them sporadically between night and early morning, so be cautious of that.

Flies

Sparkle Dun BWO size 20-22
Parachute Adams size 20-24
BWO cripple size 20-22
Mother Shucker size 20-26
Morgan’s Midge size 20-26
Griffith’s Gnats size 18-24
BWO Nymphs size 20-22
Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling Midge size 20-22
Sowbugs size 18-22
Caddis Nymph size 16-18
Cicadas size 8-10
Streamers of various sizes and colors

Keep it reel!

Mike Barrus

APRIL 13, 2018

One thing of importance:

It’s spawning season for the rainbow trout, so please be cautious of spawning beds when wading and do not target spawning fish. That is bad mojo and really frowned upon. If you’re not sure what a spawning bed or (redd) looks like, it’s a bright gravel spot. One can also be spotted when the river bottom is lighter in color. Look it up if you need to. Steer clear of these. Respect the fish and their business and they will in turn reward you. (I'm a believer in fish karma.) Now onto the surrounding rivers:

Middle Provo

Fishing is off to a great start and is only going to get better and better as it starts to warm up. There has been a plentiful midge hatch going on most days and we will start to encounter more and more blue-winged olives as well. Both of these are the main focus of fish right now, and the hatches seem to go off anywhere from 10:30am to 4pm. If you don't see any fish rising, then try and get them subsurface on a nymph such as a Midge, Sowbug, Pheasant Tail, or other baetis patterns. This is also a great time to fish streamers. The water and weather is now warmer, which makes fish not as weary to chase down a streamer. Typically, I stick to the rule of thumb: Brighter days fish a brighter streamer and darker overcast days fish a darker colored streamer.

Flows

Flows are sitting at 145 CFS as of today, which is solid for wading and fishing alike.

Flies

Sparkle Dun BWO size 20-22
Parachute Adams size 20-24
BWO Cripple size 20-22
Mother Shucker size 20-26
Morgans Midge size 20-26
Griffith’s Gnat size 18-24
BWO Nymphs size 20-22
Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling Midge size 20-22
Sowbugs size 18-22
Caddis Nymph size 16-18
Streamers of various sizes and colors

Lower Provo

Flows

The Lower is currently flowing at 290 CFS. This is a good flow and you should be able to access most spots on the river.

Flies

Sparkle Dun BWO size 20-22
Parachute Adams size 20-24
BWO cripple size 20-22
Mother Shucker size 20-26
Morgans Midge size 20-26
Griffith’s Gnat size 18-24
BWO Nymphs size 20-22
Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling Midge size 20-22
Sow Bugs size 18-22
Caddis Nymph size 16-20
Streamers of various sizes and colors

Weber River

The Weeb is fishing well, but the hatches have been a bit sporadic. They should get better however, as the weather warms up and is a bit more stable. All of the surrounding streams are pretty much on the same page right now with the hatches. There are Midges and BWOs, but as I mentioned above, they are hit or miss. The Weber is pretty notorious for the sow bugs that are in the river, so when in doubt, tie one on and you should find some willing trout or maybe even a whitefish if you’re lucky. Streamers are a good option to chuck out there as well.

Flows

The Weber is sitting around 90 CFS below Rockport Reservoir. Below Echo is still very low and not fishable, so stay away from that section.

Flies

Sparkle Dun BWO size 20-22
Parachute Adams size 20-24
BWO cripple size 20-22
Mother Shucker size 20-26
Morgans Midge size 20-26
Griffiths gnats size 18-24
BWO nymphs size 20-22
Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling midge size 20-22
Sow Bugs size 18-22
Caddis Nymph size 16-20
Streamers of various sizes and colors

Green River

The mighty Green River is fishing well right now and the trout are up and chowing down BWOs and Midges. Now is a great time to get up there and take advantage before the flows get too crazy. Nymphing and streamer fishing have been solid as well. You can't really go wrong up on the Green right now.

Flows

The flows between 9am and 5pm have been sitting at around 1700-1900 CFS which is a great flow, but they are dropping them and raising them sporadically between night and early morning, so just be cautious of that.

Flies

Sparkle Dun BWO size 20-22
Parachute Adams size 20-24
BWO Cripple size 20-22
Mother Shucker size 20-26
Morgans Midge size 20-26
Griffith’s Gnat size 18-24
BWO Nymphs size 20-22
Zebra Midge size 18-22
Bling Midge size 20-22
Sow Bugs size 18-22
Caddis Nymph size 16-18
Streamers of various sizes and colors

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