Fly Fishing in Utah
Native Bonneville cutthroat in mountain creeks, browns and rainbows below Flaming Gorge on the Green River, and grayling in the high Uintas: Utah is a strong trout state from top to bottom.
- 50River guides
- 21Game fish
Flows right now in Utah
2 of 11 top rivers are flowing normal for today
- Colorado River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 12 cfs Below normal 10th–24th percentile updated 34 minutes ago
- Green River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 316 cfs Much above normal Above the 90th percentile updated 34 minutes ago
- Bear River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 137 cfs Much above normal Above the 90th percentile updated 49 minutes ago
- Duchesne River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 114 cfs Normal 25th–75th percentile updated 49 minutes ago
- Weber River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 125 cfs Much above normal Above the 90th percentile updated 1 hour ago
- Strawberry River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 29 cfs Below normal 10th–24th percentile updated 54 minutes ago
- East Fork Sevier River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 14 cfs Below normal 10th–24th percentile updated 49 minutes ago
- Provo River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 89 cfs Above normal 76th–90th percentile updated 34 minutes ago
- Logan River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 0 cfs Below normal 10th–24th percentile updated 39 minutes ago
- Whiterocks River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 329 cfs Much above normal Above the 90th percentile updated 49 minutes ago
- Currant Creek(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 31 cfs Normal 25th–75th percentile updated 34 minutes ago
USGS readings compared with each gage's daily flow percentiles (historical record for today's date).
Check the water before you go
Live flows, hatches and fishability ratings for every one of these rivers, in the free FlyFishFinder app.
When to go
How busy the hatches are each month across Utah, from the watershed hatch charts.
- Fewer to more hatches
- Prime season
- Runoff
- This month
Typical hatches in Utah in October
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Blue-Winged Olive PeakMayfly
Green River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab), Duchesne River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab), Weber River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab)
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Mahogany DunMayfly
Green River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab), Duchesne River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab), Weber River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab)
Starting next month: Midge
Smaller streams often see lighter or later hatches; check local reports.
Fish in Utah
Tap a fish to see every Utah river that holds it.
Bonneville Cutthroat Trout
In 28 river guides
Brown Trout
In 15 river guides
Brook Trout
In 13 river guides
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout
In 10 river guides
13 more game fish
Fly fishing in Utah
Utah's best known fly water is the Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam, a cold, clear tailwater that holds a lot of trout. It is popular for float trips, and a trail along the canyon gives wading anglers access to miles of river.
Closer to the Wasatch Front, the Provo, Weber and Logan rivers hold brown trout and cutthroat, and the Middle Provo is one of the most fished trout streams in the state. Bonneville cutthroat trout, Utah's state fish, show up in more Utah streams in our data than any other species, and Colorado River cutthroat live in many streams on the eastern side of the state.
The Uinta Mountains have hundreds of small lakes and streams with brook trout, cutthroat and Arctic grayling, best reached on foot in summer. In the south, waters like the East Fork Sevier River hold browns, rainbows and cutthroat.
Tips for fishing Utah
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Float or wade the Green
Below Flaming Gorge, nymph the deeper runs or fish dries along the banks. Clear water means long leaders and small flies much of the year.
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Watch for the big bugs
In some years, cicadas bring big fish to the surface on the Green in early summer, and hoppers work along many Utah rivers in late summer.
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Hike the Uintas
Pack a light rod into the high lakes for brook trout, cutthroat and grayling. Weather changes fast up high, so carry layers and start early.
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Fish the Wasatch rivers
The Provo, Weber and Logan are close to Salt Lake City and fish well with nymphs, caddis and small mayflies. Weekday mornings are quieter.
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Take care of the cutthroat
Native Bonneville and Colorado River cutthroat live in many small streams. Use barbless hooks, keep them wet and release them quickly.
Find the right Utah river for today.
- Top Waters Today ranks the rivers near you on live conditions
- Every access point and parking area on one map
- Live flows from every USGS gauge in the state
Utah fly fishing FAQ
Where is the best fly fishing in Utah?
The Green River below Flaming Gorge is the most famous. The Provo, Weber and Logan rivers are close to the Wasatch Front, and the Uinta Mountains have many small lakes and streams.
What is the state fish of Utah?
The Bonneville cutthroat trout. It is native to the Bonneville Basin and lives in many of Utah's mountain streams.
When is runoff in Utah?
Usually from about May into June, depending on snowpack. Tailwaters like the Green below Flaming Gorge are the best bet during high water.
Do I need a trout stamp in Utah?
You need a Utah fishing license. Check the Division of Wildlife Resources' current guidebook for license requirements and special rules on the water you plan to fish.
Can you catch Arctic grayling in Utah?
Yes. Grayling live in some high lakes and streams in the Uinta Mountains. Small dry flies and nymphs work well.
What flies should I bring to Utah?
Small midges and mayfly nymphs for the tailwaters, caddis and attractor dries for the freestone rivers, and hoppers in late summer. A few streamers are worth carrying for big browns.
