WWFG Fishing Reports

Big Water Means Big Fish on the Middle Provo

August 20, 2007

If you have fished the Middle Provo lately, then you have noticed that the flows are way up. The draining of Deer Creek Reservoir has created new water demands: forcing the flows out of Jordanelle to increase. The river is diverted in 3 places as it meanders through the Heber Valley. By the time it reaches the Charleston area the flows are really not that high. The new water has brought out a whole new generation of Pale Morning Duns. They are hatching in masses everyday in the middle to late afternoon. By finding slack water and soft pools you can find rising fish willing to eat PMD immitations. The big water is churning up the bottom again and putting new insect life into the streamflow. Remember: the fish are less likely to hold in strong currents so they are relocating to softer water where it is not so much work to stay still. This new aquatic life will trigger the bigger fish to eat because they find it easier to chase down food in heavier currents. Now is as good a time as any to throw steamers. If the fish can get a larger meal in one shot taking sculpins or leaches they will do this without hesitation. Using larger flies like Cranefly larva or even dark Stonefly nymphs will trigger fish to eat. Don't be afraid to use enough weight to get your flies to the bottom of the river. The slower your flies tumble downstream the longer the fish have to look at them. Furthermore; the current will not be moving as quickly at the bottom of the water column as it will be at the top. Weighting the flies properly will create an accurate illusion of dead drift. The Caddis continues to be the main bug in the river and the bigger water is putting even more of them into the current. If the water is cloudy and murky... try something a little brighter, flashier or with higher contrast. The important issue for the fisherman is to make your flies standout against the debris and other insects. The fish are eating, they have just relocated to water that is easier for them to hang in. Reconsider where you are fishing and ask yourself "Where is the water that is easiest for fish to hold in?" That is where they are going to be. Get out there and figure them out. Please! Be careful when you approach the river and stay close to the areas that you are familiar with.

Middle Provo: (715cfs) Caddis are the main food source in the river right now. PMDs are back in full force. Bigger flies like Craneflies or Stoneflies will trigger fish to strike. Now is the time to throw streamers for best results.

Lower Provo: (650cfs) Pale Morning Duns are the major hatch on the Lower right now. Sowbugs and San Juans are still effective during the high water. The caddis are coming off in droves and the fish are feasting on these either on top or with nymphs