Dance With the TroutFish Utah's Quality Lakes and StreamsThere is a secret spot on the South Fork of the Provo River where I know I can catch a dozen trout on any summer afternoon. The stream in that area is small and overgrown, so few people invest the energy required to bust through the willows and dance a fly along its surface. The trout are pan-sized and spunky, and the fishing is fast. Down in Heber Valley, where the Provo River is bigger and the holes run deep, large brown trout lurk behind rocks and under overhanging brush. If I fish there I may catch the biggest trout of my life - 18-inchers are typical and 26-inchers are not uncommon - but I may only catch a few during the afternoon. It's always a quandary - do I go for quantity or quality? Either way, I know I'll have an enjoyable day. Whatever your preference, the Provo is one of America's great trout streams. In my book, three things make it great:
In less than an hour's drive from Salt Lake City, you can be fishing a pristine stream with over 3,000 trout per mile in some sections. Many people rank the Provo as the best stream in America that is readily accessible from a major airport. People come from around the world to work its clear waters. Through the quality sections, fishing is restricted to artificial flies and lures only and catch-and-release is encouraged, to protect the resource. There are a lot of big fish available, but that doesn't mean they are easy to catch. Many parts of the Provo receive fairly heavy pressure and the fish grow wary. To catch big fish on a regular basis you have to know what patterns to use and how to present them in a natural fashion. There are excellent fly shops in the area and the guys in the shops are always willing to share information about what is hatching right now, and where to find cooperative fish. Most shops also offer guided trips where you are all but guaranteed to get into nice fish. Right now there is a promotion underway where you can win free lodging and a free guided Provo River fishing trip. See details. There's also quality flat water fishing available in this area:
If you catch the action just right, Provo River can give you the trip of a lifetime. You scout the runs, walking softly so you don't spook the fish. It is a warm afternoon and you notice green drakes are out, and you see some insects on the water. You watch one bug as it drifts on the film, until there is a swirl and the bug disappears into a huge mouth.  
You tie on a drake and take a position where you can cast above the feeding fish. You drop your fly softly into the seam and watch as the current carries it downstream. You hold your breath as it drifts closer and closer to the spot where you think the fish hides. Suddenly an invisible eddy moves the fly away from your target. Disappointed, you are about to lift it from the water, to try again, when the mouth suddenly surfaces and the fly disappears. Awestruck, you are immobile for a long moment, before you jerk back to your senses and sweep your rod upward to set the hook. Your rod bends and gyrates under the weight of the fish, which is dashing for the current. You know you must keep the fish out of the current and so you exert pressure, as much as you dare, turning it back toward the bank. You gain a little ground but then the fish sees you and makes a strong run. Carefully you turn it and, as it tires, you guide it into your net. It's beautiful, golden brown with dark spots on its side and a huge, hooked jaw. You admire it for just a moment before snapping a photo and then easing it back into the water. How big was the fish? You didn't take time to measure it. Didn't need to because it was easily the biggest trout you have ever caught. The Middle Stretch of the Provo River in Heber Valley can give give you that kind of trip. - Dave Webb See our comprehensive entertainment/events database. |
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