Later summer on Utah’s small streams means that it is terrestrial season. Bring ants, beetles, and hoppers with you. Plan of fishing pocket water for anxiously waiting Brook Trout and Cutthroat Trout. Now through mid October is a great time to get out and explore what the higher elevation streams have to offer. There have been some afternoon thunderstorms rolling into the high country so pack a rain jacket.
Weber River Fishing Report
Water releases from Rockport Reservoir are at 180 CFS. By Coalville the flows are around 178 CFS. Below Echo the Weber is flowing at 486 CFS. It is flowing at 142 CFS once it gets to Ogden. Throughout the I 80 corridor and I 84 canyon stretch to Mountain Green, the Weber is quite fishable right now.
The major summertime hatches have subsided, but you will still see midges early in the morning (size 20-24), PMD activity midday on the cloudy days (size 18-20), and caddis activity in the evenings (size 14-20). You will also see ants, beetles, and hoppers. Fish will be concentrated in the deeper runs as well as in the faster moving pocket water. The faster water is a great option for terrestrial fishing or fishing a dry dropper.
Southwest Wyoming Fishing Report
We had a wet spring so the mosquitoes are in full force. Pack plenty of bug spray. The fishing has been great and will remain that way for another week or so. Warmer river temps in the coming days and low water will start to limit your fishing opportunities. Flows below Fontenelle Reservoir are currently at 900 CFS. The reason for the low flows this summer is that the USBR is trying to increase the pool elevation of the reservoir to optimize a bathymetric survey. Bathymetric surveys allow us to measure the depth of a water body as well as map the underwater features of a water body.
Besides mosquitoes, you will find Midges, Drakes, Caddis, PMD’s, Yellow Sallies, and Golden Stones. For dry flies, Chubby Chernobyl Ants in a size 8-12, Film Critic PMD in a size 16, Peacock Caddis in a size 14-18, Midges in a size 20, Yellow Sallies in size 14-16, hoppers, and ants. For nymphs, Pheasant tails in a size 16, Mitchell’s Split Case in a size 16, Golden Stones in a size 10-12, Scuds in a size 14, Prince Nymphs or other caddis in a size 14-16.
You can still find great streamer fishing early in the morning or in the evenings.
Utah Small Stream Fishing Report
Right now is the time to be off exploring the small streams that Utah has to offer. Runoff is through and the weather is beautiful.
Expect the usual July hatches. Green Drakes, PMD’s, Yellow Sallies, Golden Stones, Caddis, and Midges. You will also see some Cicadas still flying around. Don’t be afraid to throw hoppers and ants as well.
Enjoy the great weather and great high elevation fishing. Don’t forget to bring mosquito repellant!