The brown trout spawn on the Provo River is now over. However, January tends to be one of the slowest months for fishing due to lack of hatches, cold temperatures, and lethargic fish. Does that mean don’t fish? No, but pick and choose your days. The sunnier and warmer the day, the better the fishing. Snowpack in the Provo River Drainage is sitting at 93 percent. This is a good thing coming off of the worst water year ever in Utah’s history and more snow is on the way this weekend.

The release from Jordanelle Reservoir is at 150 CFS. River flows in Charleston are at 165 CFS. Below Deer Creek Reservoir the release from the dam is at 99 CFS.

There are some midges around so depending on the day, you can find some decent dry fly fishing. Fish a mother shucker, cluster midge, or other smaller midge patterns on 6 or 7x tippet and you will be rewarded if fish are rising.

Nymph or streamer fishing on the Provo can be productive as well in the winter months. Fish usually move into the deeper pools when the water temperatures drop so target slower, deeper water. If you are nymphing sow bugs or scuds will work throughout the winter. Also try smaller, flashy midges, think size 24 in red or purple. Fish will also eat a smaller zebra midge or a baetis emerger if a hatch comes off. Don’t be afraid to throw a larger prince nymph throughout the winter months as an attractor.

When streamer fishing the Provo, I tend to fish a non articulated streamer. I like small leech, baitfish, or sculpin patterns in olive/copper, natural, black, white/gold, or plain white. If you choose to fish streamers, keep moving, but be mindful of other anglers. The more water you cover, the better the chance you have of hooking up.