3 weeks ago · Updated 22 hours ago
Utah’s fall fishing season is in full swing, with rivers and reservoirs across the state offering diverse opportunities for anglers targeting trout and other species. Water levels and regulations are shifting in response to drought and seasonal changes, so preparation and up-to-date knowledge are key for success.
Weekly Catches
The catches below cover the last 7 days.
Trout
Anglers are reporting strong action for trout in both rivers and reservoirs across northern Utah, with fish feeding actively as water temperatures cool. The Middle Provo River and Lower Provo River are both running at 300 CFS, creating excellent wading conditions and productive fishing throughout the day. Nymphing small flies (sizes 22–26) remains the most consistent method, though there are still opportunities for dry fly fishing with caddis, PMDs, BWOs, and midges. Hoppers are still present but their effectiveness is tapering off. The best fishing has been from sunup to sundown, with sporadic bug hatches providing windows for surface action.
- Middle Provo River: Good numbers of trout caught on nymphs and small dry flies; best patterns include sow bugs (20–24), midges (20–26), Baetis/BWO (22–26), PMDs (20–26), and caddis (18–22).
- Lower Provo River: Productive nymphing with some dry fly opportunities; hatches include sow bugs (20–22), PMDs (20–22), BWOs (20–24), caddis (18–20), midges (22–26), and hoppers (12–14).
- Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam: Flows are steady at 1600 CFS from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dry fly fishing is good with lulls during the day; nymphing is also productive. Effective flies include midges (18–22), scuds (14–18), PMDs (16–18), hoppers (10–14), and ants (14–18). Best fishing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Hyrum Reservoir and East Canyon Reservoir: Both are producing trout as fall conditions set in, with fish feeding actively in low, clear water.
- Echo Reservoir: Water level is low (39% capacity), temps in the low 60s. Trout fishing is fair; shore anglers are finding success with bait and lures.
Kokanee Salmon
There is a mandatory release for kokanee salmon along the Flaming Gorge Reservoir and Green River region from September 10 to November 30 to protect spawning fish. All kokanee must be released immediately if caught during this period.
High Uintas Lakes
Fishing in the High Uintas remains productive for small, healthy trout, especially at less-crowded lakes like Bourbon Lake and nearby unnamed waters. Anglers are encouraged to hike away from popular access points for better catch rates. Weather can be unpredictable, so preparation is essential.
Weather & Marine Conditions
Reservoirs such as Echo are experiencing low water levels (around 39% capacity) and water temperatures in the low 60s. Rivers in northern Utah are running low and clear, which is typical for fall and creates favorable conditions for trout fishing. In the High Uintas, weather can change rapidly, and anglers should be prepared for sudden shifts, including cold temperatures and storms.
Fishing Conditions & Tips
For rivers like the Provo and Green, nymphing with small patterns is highly effective, but anglers should watch for sporadic hatches of caddis, PMDs, BWOs, and midges for dry fly opportunities. On reservoirs, trout are feeding actively as water cools, and shore fishing can be productive with bait or lures. In the High Uintas, getting away from crowds and targeting remote lakes increases the chance of success for small trout. Always check the latest forecasts and be prepared for variable mountain weather.
Regulations & Notices
Several emergency regulation changes are in effect due to drought and reservoir drawdowns:
- Big Montes Creek Reservoir: Daily limits for bluegill, green sunfish, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bullhead catfish have been doubled through December 31, 2025, due to anticipated fish loss during repairs and water releases.
- Nine Mile Reservoir (Sanpete County): Daily limits for rainbow and tiger trout doubled (up to 16 trout total) through October 31, 2025, in response to drought-related water losses.
- Vernon Reservoir (Tooele County): Daily limits for brown, rainbow, and tiger trout doubled (up to 24 trout total) through October 31, 2025, due to low water levels.
- Crouse Reservoir (Uintah County): Trout limit increased to 8 of any species through December 31, 2025, to allow anglers to harvest fish before further water reductions.
- Flaming Gorge Reservoir and Green River: All kokanee salmon must be released immediately from September 10 to November 30 to protect spawning fish.
Other waterbodies, including Causey Reservoir, Lost Creek Reservoir, Panguitch Lake, Scofield Reservoir, Stateline Reservoir, and Strawberry Reservoir, have specific trout and kokanee limits and size restrictions. Anglers are urged to review the latest Utah Fishing Guidebook for detailed regulations before heading out.
Fishing licenses and permits are required for all anglers and can be purchased online, by phone, or at retail locations. Special regulations apply for underwater spearfishing and for certain waterbodies in the Uinta Mountains. Always check for the most current updates before your trip.
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