FISHABLE
Winter tailwater fishing in good shape at 140-165 CFS, water temps around 41°F, midge hatches daily middayProvo River
Current Hatch Activity
Midge hatches daily from ~12:30-3pm with peak around 1:30pm. BWOs showing on overcast days 11:30am-2pm (#20-22). Fish are podded up in deeper runs and pools. Best nymphs: Sow Bugs #18-20, Midge larvae #22-26 (KF Flasher, WD-40), San Juan Worms. Dry flies: Griffith's Gnat #18-20, Mother Shucker in grey/black. Go 6X tippet.
FISHABLE
Midge dropper under sow bug: #22-26 KF Flasher or WD-40 trailed behind #18-20 Sow Bug, 6X tippet
Quick Reference
140-165 CFS current winter flows on Middle Provo (165 CFS near Hailstone as of early Feb). 200-400 CFS during irrigation season (May-Sept). Stable tailwater releases.
38-43°F currently. Tailwater temps stay consistent year-round (35-55°F range)—optimal for year-round fishing.
Flows slightly above typical winter baseline but still ideal for wading and nymphing. Two tailwater sections below Jordanelle and Deer Creek reservoirs provide stability. Brown trout spawn is wrapping up—redds still visible, avoid wading on clean gravel patches.
Clear and fishable. High wind days can flip the reservoirs and create off-color conditions temporarily.
What "Fishable" Means Here
Utah's most accessible blue-ribbon fishery. 2,500-3,500 fish per mile with browns, rainbows, and occasional cutthroat. Stable flows mean active fish year-round, even when freestones blow out.
Seasonal Patterns
spring
March through May brings excellent midge and BWO fishing. Flows start to increase as irrigation season approaches. Fish remain active and accessible.
summer
Higher irrigation flows (200-400 CFS) spread fish out but create good pocket water. PMDs and caddis hatch well. Fish early morning or evening to avoid crowds.
fall
September through November is prime time. Flows stabilize, browns get aggressive for spawn, and crowds thin. BWOs and streamers produce trophy fish.
winter
Classic tailwater winter fishing. Low flows (140-165 CFS) concentrate fish in deeper runs and pools. Midges hatch daily with peak activity 12:30-3pm. BWOs emerging on overcast days. Brown trout spawn wrapping up—avoid walking on redds. 15 minutes from Park City, 30 from Salt Lake.
Alerts
Alternative Waters
Green River
Utah's other premier tailwater—more remote but exceptional fishingWeber River
Nearby freestone option when you want varietyRiver Intel Weekly
Weekly flow updates and fishing intel.
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