Thursday July 30th, 2009 by S.Clegg

The Provo River below Deer Creek Reservoir is one of the most heavily fished sections of river in the state.  Fly fishing with Nymph’s usually yields results for the experienced fisherman.  What about the guy with an Ugly Stick and a box of lures, which regrettably haven’t seen the water in a while?  With a couple of tips and some sure footed waders, you can make a great evening close to home.

Conditions:

The water is hovering about 54 degrees and there is lots of feed in the water.

Best Time:

With all of the traffic showing up around 6:00, your best bet is to be half way between parking areas reeling in your second fish by the time the crowds start showing. 

Location:

I recommend the stretch of river just past the tunnels as you head up the canyon.  Take the first pullout after the tunnel and walk 100 feet or so before you get your feet in the water.

Tackle:

Try rainbow, Brown trout, or Gold pattern Rapala’s, size 2 spinners, or jigs. I prefer the Countdown size 9 Rapala in either of the styles.  I recommend 6-8 Lb test line that will hold up to the occasional snag as well as the chance of an occasional big fish!  Cast upstream, just below rocks or logs that create pools that slow the water.  Fish tend to congregate there while the sun is still up.  I usually have the best success casting 30-45 degrees from either bank upstream and keeping tension on the line with a slight jigging action.  

Make sure to secure car keys, license, or other items which you don’t want to lose as it is not uncommon to stumble in the current and find yourself a little wet.  The poor quality photo’s and lack there of can be attributed to the splash of my camera finding its way out of my vest and using my cell phone as a backup.  

Another Hotspot:

Approximately 500 yards up river from the turnout is where a tributary runs under the road into the river.  Make sure to be thorough here as the action was much better there and produced a few decent fish.  Whether or not you catch a monster, you would have to be crazy not to enjoy yourself.  I was pleased to see hummingbirds, startle a beaver and watch as she smacked her tail and dove not ten feet from me, eat handfuls of the golden currents that are so plentiful this time of year, and ride home with wet clothes and fish smelling hands.  What could be better?  

Good luck on the river if you decide to make a go of it.  Be sure to check out the article on Smallmouth Bass action up at Jordanelle from last week, as well as tomorrow’s report of what’s happening up at Deer Creek.  

 by Shane The Fish Getter