silhouette of the buffalo midge, photo credit: Mickey Anderson
photo credit: Mickey Anderson
Utah fly fishing is really starting to take off as we are beginning to see the buffalo midge appear. Provo River Guide Service has been focussing most of their attention on the middle and lower Provo River. The buffalo midge hatch is one of the most unique hatches that Utah rivers have to offer. The buffalo midge is very large in comparison to other midge flies. The buffalo midge originally got its nickname from the Strawberry Reservoir about 35 year ago. When the pupa emerges, it has a hump on its back resembling the silhouette of a buffalo. The buffalo midge is a symbol to the start of spring season as it is the first major hatch of the year. The abundance of these flies in and on the water drive the trout into a feeding frenzy, bringing them out of their winter slumber. Buffalo midges come in a variety colors with the most common being black. You may also find them in brown, olive and even grey. Rivers such as the lower Provo, Weber and Green River will get a good buffalo midge hatch with the strongest and most consistent being on the middle Provo River just 20 minutes from Park City, Utah. The buffalo midge hatch is short lived on any given day starting around 12:30 p.m. and lasting anywhere from one to three hours. The midge hatch is thicker and lasts longer on overcast days as opposed to clear and sunny days. The hatch will come in waves with strong emergents of flies that will blanket the water. If you are looking to fly fish in Utah, consider taking a break from spring skiing and experience one of the best hatches you can find on any river in the west.
If you are interested in booking a trip, give us a call at 435.783.6559 or shoot us an email. We look forward to hearing from you!
A special thank you to Mickey Anderson for the sweet shots! You can find Mickey at Fish Tech in Salt Lake City, UT. www.fishtechoutfitters.com