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Provo River (Northern Utah)

Location: An hour from Salt Lake International Airport and downtown Salt Lake City are two of Utah’s more prolific tailwater fisheries: the Middle and Lower Provo Rivers. Each is uniquely beautiful, diverse, offers good access, and provides a myriad of fly-fishing opportunities and experiences.

To the east of Salt Lake City rise the Uinta Mountains, headwaters to Utah’s Provo River. Not far downstream from where its tributaries merge, the river enters Jordanelle Reservoir, the first of two major impoundments.

Before emptying into Deer Creek Reservoir, this freestone river descends through rich pasturelands and is easily recognizable by its dense stands of cottonwood, willow, and birch as it meanders through the valley. Its fertile waters are as vital to the surrounding pastures and farmland as they are to the brown and rainbow trout that attract fly fishers from around the world. When the fishing’s not up to expectations, the alpine scenery, birds, and wildlife are more than adequate to make a day on the Middle Provo River memorable.

Caddis on the Lower Provo River. Steve Schmidt

Prior to the completion of Jordanelle Dam in 1992, there was little access to the river flowing through the scenic mountain valleys of Kamas and Heber City. Regardless of access, flows were often insufficient, and consequently the trout fishery provided little if any fly fishing. Since Jordanelle Dam became operational, stream flows have been stabilized, water temperatures regulated, and 12 miles of this once dismal trout fishery have been revitalized.

Yet, the dam with its penstocks was only one aspect of this project that led to the river’s turnaround. Shortly after its completion, the fishery underwent one of the country’s largest mitigation projects. Sections that were once channelized were realigned, minimum stream flowwere

implemented, and access was acquired. By its completion, overall trout habitat had been increased fivefold.