Green River Fishing Report

The winter flow pattern for the Green has begun. Releases from the dam will increase to 3,000 CFS at 7 AM, decrease to 1,100 CFS by 1 PM, increase again to 3,000 CFS at 7 PM, and then decrease to 1,100 CFS at 1 AM. Current water temperatures are around 44 degrees Fahrenheit.

What does this mean? Put on early, ride the wave, and throw streamers. Once the flow drops back down to 1,100 the fishing usually slows down as the fish are adjusting to the changing conditions. The rule I tend to follow when throwing streamers is bright days, bright colors, dark days, dark colors. I have been proven wrong on more than a few occasions with this mindset so don’t be afraid to change it up. Some of my favorite streamers in the winter are a gold woolly bugger, articulated goldie, the peanut envy in olive, ginger, or black, the dungeon in black, cream, natural, olive or white, or a black or white sculpzilla.

If you aren’t fishing streamers there still are some midge and baetis around. I usually like to target the picky fish feeding during this hatch with a dry dropper rig. If the fish are feeding higher up in the feeding lane or on the surface, use a smaller cluster midge to hold up either a zebra midge or a gray soft hackle. If the fish are deeper, use a chubby Chernobyl ant with a heavier and longer dropper to get down to them.

Nymphing throughout the winter will remain productive. Usually getting down deep with an egg pattern, San Juan worm, zebra midges, or scuds will do the trick throughout the next few months.

The spawn is starting to slow down, but be mindful of spawning activity and respect any redds that you see to protect the future generations of trout.

Provo River Fishing Report

The release from Jordanelle Reservoir is at 150 CFS. River flows in Charleston are at 177 CFS. Below Deer Creek Reservoir the release from the dam is at 99 CFS. River temperatures are around 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are still some baetis and midges around so depending on the day, you can find some decent dry fly fishing. Fish a mother shucker, cluster midge, or small baetis pattern on 6 or 7x tippet and you will be rewarded if fish are rising.

Nymph or streamer fishing on the Provo can be productive as well in the winter months. Fish usually move into the deeper pools when the water temperatures drop so target slower, deeper water. If you are nymphing sow bugs or scuds will work throughout the winter. Also try smaller, flashy midges, think size 24 in red or purple. Fish will also eat a smaller zebra midge or a baetis emerger if a hatch comes off. Don’t be afraid to throw a larger prince nymph throughout the winter months as an attractor.

When streamer fishing the Provo, I tend to fish a non articulated streamer. I like small leech, baitfish, or sculpin patterns in olive/copper, natural, black, white/gold, or plain white. If you choose to fish streamers, keep moving, but be mindful of other anglers. The more water you cover, the better the chance you have of hooking up.

Fish are still spawning on the Provo. Be mindful of redds and spawning activity while wading.

Small Stream Fishing Report

Snowpack around the state of Utah is sitting at 100 percent of normal or better. This is great news for next summer, but not so great for access to many of Utah’s smaller streams. Depending on where you are and if you can gain access to the river, fishing could be good. As with the Provo River you will find some midges and baetis activity. Most of these streams have sow bugs or scuds in them as well.

Spawning activity also occurs on smaller rivers. Be mindful of redds and spawning fish.