Fly Fishing the Middle and Lower Provo River Near Salt Lake City

For November 29, 2024, around Salt Lake City, Utah, here’s a local’s perspective on the fishing conditions: ### Weather and Time Today, expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to low 50s. Sunrise was at 7:21 AM, and sunset will be at 4:49 PM. ### Fishing Conditions The Middle Provo River and the Lower Provo River are among the top spots for fly fishing in the area. Currently, the Middle Provo River is flowing at about 151 CFS out of Jordanelle Reservoir and 134 CFS at River Road. This flow suggests fish will be in deeper waters, particularly around river structures like rocks, log jams, and foam lines. ### Fish Activity Fish are actively feeding on midges and Blue Wing Olive mayflies, especially during cloudy or cool conditions. In the afternoons, you can expect a decent hatch of Buffalo midges and Blue Wing Olives, with fish rising to feed on these insects. Nymphing with small midges (sizes 24-26) and Blue Wing Olive nymphs (sizes 20-24) has been consistent. Streamers are also effective early in the morning and late in the day. ### Types and Amounts of Fish You can expect to catch rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout. The Middle Provo River has been producing a good number of fish, particularly rainbows, on small midge patterns and sow bugs. The Lower Provo River, despite lower flows, is still yielding fish on similar patterns. ### Best Lures and Bait For fly fishing, use small midge nymphs (sizes 24-26), Blue Wing Olive nymphs and dries (sizes 20-24), and streamers like the Bead Head Woolly Bugger. If you're looking for a dry fly, a Sparkle Dun or a Comparadun in sizes 20-24 can be effective. For nymphing, Hare's Ear and Copper Johns are good choices. ### Hot Spots - **Middle Provo River**: Focus on the areas around the Green Gate and the Bunny Farm. These spots have been producing well, especially in the afternoons. - **Lower Provo River**: While flows are low, areas around Wanship and Coalville can still yield some fish. Be prepared to move from hole to hole to avoid stressing the fish. - **Jordanelle Reservoir**: For lake fishing, Jordanelle Reservoir is a good spot, especially during the cooler mornings and evenings when fish tend to move into the shallows. ### Additional Tips Given the cooler weather, fish are more active during the warmer parts of the day. Make sure to have a variety of flies to adapt to changing conditions, and don't hesitate to switch to streamers if surface activity is minimal. Enjoy your time on the water This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.