Location and descriptionThe Provo River is
the second most-utilized fishery in Utah. The stretch of the Provo
River considered "blue ribbon" begins at the Olmstead Diversion area
(about one mile east of Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon) and
proceeds easterly about six miles to the
Deer Creek Reservoir Dam.
From the Provo River inlet on the eastern side of Deer Creek Reservoir
(located in the town of Charleston), this blue ribbon-quality river
continues upstream through the town of Midway until it reaches the
Jordanelle Reservoir Dam.
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Provo River near Deer Creek Reservoir
Photo
by Scott Root
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Game fish species and methods
It's considered a Blue Ribbon fishery because of its
abundant, self-sustaining brown trout population. Rainbow trout,
cutthroat trout and whitefish are also found in the Provo. Regulations
for these portions of the Provo include "Artificial flies and lures
only, with a trout limit of two under 15 inches." As of 2004, a
2.25-mile portion of this blue ribbon stretch between Midway and Deer
Creek Reservoir allows bait angling and four trout of any species
(read the Fishing Proclamation for details). The fishery actually has
too many trout in some stretches, and anglers are encouraged to keep
trout as permitted by the regulations to ensure that the remaining
fish are fat and healthy. Popular techniques include using
smaller-sized flies, such as a gold-ribbed hares ear, pheasant tail,
scuds, midge imitations, and other small nymphs or dry flies around
size #18 or smaller. Patterns such as glo bugs, streamers, and
minnow-imitating action lures are effective October through early
December (during the brown trout spawn). General regulations that
allow bait and no size restrictions are also easily accessible both
below and above the blue ribbon stretches (see Utah DWR
proclamation).
Access and facilities
Angling access on these stretches of the river has
been greatly improved over the last few years. The Provo Canyon
portion of the river parallels US-189 and, with the exception of a few
parcels of private property, access is not a problem. Although there
are a few more parcels of private property surrounding the stretch
between Deer Creek and Jordanelle Dam, several parking areas and
angler access points have been created along the river and there is
plenty of public angling opportunity.