The most common question that our guests ask at the beginning or end of a guided fly fishing trip is, “When is the best time to fly fish in Utah?” I am not sure that one season is better than the other. Based on the consensus of our guides, they most enjoy guiding and fly fishing in Utah in the fall. With the foliage changing, the landscape in and around the river is spectacular. The fly fishing on the Provo River is as good as any time of the year and some can argue it might even be the best time. The morning in early autumn days are filled with incredible dry fly fishing with big caddis patterns that bring some of the most exciting top water strikes of the year. In the afternoon, you get a PMD and a blue winged olive hatch simultaneously with tens of thousands of bugs floating down the river. You are sure to find plenty of fish rising on the surface. For those of you who are streamer junkies, this is what you have been waiting for all year. As the big browns get ready to spawn they seem to be much more territorial and aggressive. Presenting a large meat offering streamer is sure to draw some violent strikes on the Provo River system right now.
As for a tourist looking for a fly fishing adventure, I would argue that the fall is the best time to visit Park City for a fly fishing adventure. With most families back to school, Park City has a quiet, charming feel which so many of us have come to love over the years. Along side the mellow atmosphere, most major restaurants on Park City’s Main Street offer two for one specials.... which is also a nice perk.
PRGS is a year-round guide service. We pride ourselves as Park City fly fishing guides that we can put you on fish whatever the conditions are at any time of year. Whether you are an avid fly fisherman or just touching a fly rod for the first time, don’t let the time of year stop you from getting out on the water. -Jeff Harwin
Jeff holding a nice brown trout caught by long time client, Jim. Early morning, fall fly fishing in Utah