Provo River
Jordanelle to Deer Creek · Middle Provo
N Utah, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 10154200. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 10/02/26
The Middle Provo is running at 49 cfs — low, clear fall water that demands light tippet and precise presentations. October is prime BWO month here, and with highs forecast in the low-to-mid 80s all week, expect those Baetis to push off around midday (11am–2pm) as air temps rise and light flattens. Western Rivers Flyfisher is pointing toward midge larva/pupa and BWO nymphs in #20–24 as your subsurface backbone, with soft hackles and streamers for anglers who'd rather skip the indicator. Don't overlook the afternoon terrestrial window — this stretch still has enough bank structure and warm sunny afternoons to make an ant or beetle with a dropper worth your time. Tight loops and 6x minimum.
- Flow: 49 cfs — low and clear. Classic fall wade conditions; fish will spook easily, so approach from downstream and keep a low profile.
- Hatches: BWOs (Baetis, #20–22) are peak-month. Expect midday emergence 11am–2pm. Sparkle Dun or RS2 on 6x. Midge larva/pupa #20–24 fill the rest of the day.
- Water Temp: Not reported directly, but 49 cfs late-season tailwater-influenced flow suggests cool, stable temps well-suited for active Baetis and midges all day.
- Best Window: 11am–3pm for BWO dry/emerger action. Early mornings and late afternoon: nymphs tight to bottom or swing soft hackles through tailouts.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Tailwater
- Best months: Year-round; peak Apr–Oct
The Provo River below Jordanelle and Deer Creek Reservoirs is Utah's premier trout fishery — a productive tailwater system running through Heber Valley and on toward Provo. The Middle Provo (Jordanelle to Deer Creek) and Lower Provo (Deer Creek to Utah Lake) each offer distinct character. Wild brown trout dominate, with rainbows, mountain whitefish, and the occasional cutthroat. The Middle Provo is fly-only and catch-and-release; the Lower Provo allows broader regulations. Year-round midge activity, BWO in spring and fall, and the dependable summer Yellow Sally hatch make this one of the West's most consistent fisheries.
The Middle Provo holds documented wild brown trout populations exceeding 3,500 fish per mile — among the highest densities for any tailwater in the Intermountain West.
March Outlook
The Provo River below Jordanelle and Deer Creek Reservoirs is one of Utah's finest tailwaters. Midges and early Baetis year-round.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Juju Baetis
- WD-40
Tips
The Middle Provo between the two reservoirs is the most productive section. Fish the slow, flat water with fine tippet. The river can be crowded near Heber City on weekends.
Water Notes
Regulated flows 100–400 cfs. Water 44–52°F year-round. Tailwater fishing available through all seasons.
May Outlook
Spring PMDs and BWO activity on the Provo. One of Utah's most consistent trout fisheries.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- RS2
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The Middle Provo tailwater is insulated from runoff. Fish the long flat sections with careful presentations — fish are very selective in the clear water.
Water Notes
150–400 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Good spring tailwater conditions.
June Outlook
Excellent spring fishing with consistent PMD and Caddis activity. The Provo is a reliable June river.
Productive Patterns
- PMD
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Pale Morning Dun
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The section between Jordanelle Reservoir and Deer Creek is the most productive. Float fishing covers more of the river than wading alone.
Water Notes
200–500 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Consistent tailwater conditions.
September Outlook
Fall BWO fishing and reduced pressure make September excellent on the Provo.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- RS2
- Mahogany Dun
- Hopper
Tips
The fall BWO hatch on the Provo is reliable. Fish the Middle Provo section in the afternoon on overcast days.
Water Notes
150–400 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Good fall tailwater conditions.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Apr, Oct | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella infrequens |
Jun, Jul | Jun, Jul, Aug | #16–18 |
|
| Midge Chironomidae |
Jan, Feb, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec | #22–26 |
|
Access & Approach
Heber City and Park City are the main bases. The Middle Provo Blue Ribbon stretch has multiple wade-access pull-offs along Highway 113. Utah fishing license required. Fly-only and catch-and-release on the Middle Provo.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Trout Bum 2
- Fly Fish Food
- Western Rivers Flyfisher
Regulations & License
Fishing in Utah requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Utah fishing regulations & license →
Nearby Waters
Closest Waters
About Current
Provo River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Provo River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
Open the live forecast for today's numbers and the 7-day outlook, or download the iOS app to carry it with you on the water.