An angler fishing Utah's picturesque Upper Provo River in the Uinta National Forest. An angler fishing Utah's picturesque Upper Provo River in the Uinta National Forest.
Current Fishing Report:

The Upper Provo River (Uintas)

Uinta Lakes

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.

Access

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.

When To Fish

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.

Current Conditions

Updated by JC Weeks 5.15.26

The Mirror Lake highway gate is Open to just after the Crystal, Trial, and Washington Lake turnoff. (MP 27)

Snowpack is quickly disappearing throughout the area due to our abysmal winter in the area. Most south and west facing slopes of the Uintas range are free of snow.

The Upper Provo and Beaver creek are free os snow. However, the water is a brisk 42.5 degrees and is running a high, swift, and off color. We would not recommend fishing in this area at that temp for the long term health of the fishery and more importantly for your own personal safety.