The Upper Provo River falls from about 10,000 feet in the High Uintas, leaving an at times deep and rocky canyon through the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Being a freestone river, the Upper Provo provides more adventurous anglers exceptional dry fly fishing opportunities once spring runoff resides—as well as the opportunity to ply their skills at everything from technical pocket water and shallow riffles to deep rock-lined runs and beaver ponds. If you’re planning to fish this rugged and scenic river, be sure to stop by the Fishwest Fly Shop in Kamas for the latest info on river conditions and hatches.
Public access is limited to the portion of the river within National Forest boundaries, with multiple access points easily accessible along the Mirror Lake Highway (UT 150) near Kamas. Once the Upper Provo exits public land, it flows primarily through private land, with only a few opportunities for public access with walk-in access authorization between the Utah DWR and landowner. To get authorized with a WIA Number or for more information on Walk-in Access please visit Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
As a high-elevation freestone river, the Upper Provo spends its winters locked in snow. By spring, high runoff is the norm until flows reside come late June or mid July. Summer dry fly fishing on the Upper Provo can be exceptional, with opportunistic trout eager to rise for big dries, stoneflies, and hopper patterns. The Upper Provo remains fishable well into fall most years; although, July to September are the best months to fish this high-mountain river. Keep in mind to let this river rest if flows are low and those water temps are consistently above 68 degrees.
Updated by Fishwest Guide Travis Vernon 7.8.26
The storms we have had the last few days have helped to keep temperatures in the streams a little cooler. We are still seeing temperatures rising, so please invest in a thermometer and don’t fish when surface temps rise to 65+. The fish get so stressed and we hope to keep mortality as low as possible. Keep your thermometer handy and make sure you aren’t over stressing fish. Use the biggest tippets you can and fight the fish quickly. Get on the water early or into the evening and check the temps. Please and Thank You! We all love this time of year and the trout we chase. Let’s make sure to keep them healthy.
Soapstone Basin - The flows through the Soapstone area are close to perfect right now. A dry dropper setup is going to produce the best results in the deeper runs and pools.
Cobblerest / Slate Gorge & Above to Falls - This area is fishing phenomenally right now, and we are enjoying the conditions brought on by the cooler weather, occasional rain, and even the little bit of snow last week. Try picking fish up in the smaller pockets and riffles. A single dry has been producing the best results.
There are a fair number of streams that will be open to fishing starting this Saturday the 11th of July (2nd Saturday in July). Check out the regs and know those streams will probably be crowded this weekend but people will quickly forget and the rest of the summer will have less pressure.
Fly Selection on the Upper Provo does not vary much during the summer. Consider trying the following: