Wasatch County, UT · Inland River
Provo River
Utah's most famous trout river — the Middle and Lower Provo tailwaters near Heber and Provo hold dense populations of wild brown and rainbow trout (and Bonneville cutthroat) in cold, fertile flows minutes from Salt Lake City. A blue-ribbon technical fishery. Live USGS flow near Charleston.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Brown Trout & Rainbow Trout — tied at the top (80/100)
2 species tied for best of 3 tracked at Provo River.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Provo River
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Brown Trout Great day to fish for Brown Trout. In season 80/100
What's helping
- 66°F water — inside brown trout's active range
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Daily creel
- 4
Part of Utah's 4-trout statewide aggregate.
Source: Utah non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Rainbow Trout Great day to fish for Rainbow Trout. In season 80/100
What's helping
- 66°F water — inside rainbow trout's active range
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 4
Part of Utah's 4-trout statewide aggregate (8 in possession). Tailwater and blue-ribbon waters add slot/gear rules.
Source: Utah non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#3 Cutthroat Trout Marginal conditions for Cutthroat Trout. In season 44/100
What's helping
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
What's hurting
- 66°F water — above cutthroat trout's active range (39–62°f) — fish move deep
About. Oncorhynchus clarkii — The West's native trout, named for the red-orange slash under the jaw. Many subspecies — Yellowstone, Snake River fine-spotted, Bonneville, Colorado River, and the giant Lahontan strain of Pyramid Lake, which routinely tops 10 lb and once produced fish over 40. Feeds hard in cold water, which makes it a year-round target on tailwaters and a marquee winter–spring fishery at Pyramid. Hybridizes readily with stocked rainbows, so wild-cutthroat waters carry strict release rules.
Prefers. Water 39–62°F (ideal 54°F) · either tide · depth 1–25 ft.
- Daily creel
- 4
Utah statewide trout aggregate: 4/day (rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat, tiger combined), no more than 2 cutthroat or tiger under 15" and only 1 over 22". Many blue-ribbon waters add slot or gear rules — confirm the water.
Source: Utah non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Utah non-tidal
Coordinates
Notes
Utah: artificial flies and lures only on the Middle Provo, with a 4-trout aggregate and slot rules — confirm the section.
Local reports & rules for Provo River: Utah DWR fishing & regulations → · trout stocking schedule → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Provo River?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Provo River you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Provo River?
Provo River is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Provo River?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Provo River against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Provo River have?
Provo River has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Utah: artificial flies and lures only on the Middle Provo, with a 4-trout aggregate and slot rules — confirm the section.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Provo River?
state agency regulations apply at Provo River. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Provo River tidal water?
No. Provo River is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.