March. The days are getting longer and the temperature is getting warmer. Fishing is good and will keep on getting better with every passing day. Snowpack in the Provo River Drainage is sitting at 130 percent of normal. This is a good thing coming off of the worst water year ever in Utah’s history. More snow is on the way later this week.
The release from Jordanelle Reservoir is at 145 CFS. River flows in Charleston are at 180 CFS. Below Deer Creek Reservoir the release from the dam is at 101 CFS.
Midges are hatching during the warm period of the day and some baetis are beginning to show up. You can find some decent midge dry fly fishing in the flat water and back eddies. Fish a mother shucker, cluster midge, or other smaller midge patterns on 6 or 7x tippet and you will be rewarded if fish are rising.
Nymph and streamer fishing on the Provo continues to be productive. Fish are still hanging out in the deeper pools so target slower, deeper water. If a baetis hatch comes off the fish will move into the riffle tail outs so if you see some blue winged olives coming off, you should move into that water as well. When nymphing, sow bugs or scuds will work throughout the day. Try smaller, flashy midges, think size 24 in red or purple in the morning. As the day warms and the baetis become active fish will begin to hone in on that hatch. Fish a smaller zebra midge or a baetis emerger in a 18 to 20 once that begins. A gray soft hackle will work before and during the hatch, especially in the riffle tail out water I mentioned earlier.
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.