Utah Fly Fishing: Wade Trips on Premier Waters
Private Trip
River Fishing
Expertguided fly fishing on Weber and Provo RiversTailored experiences for beginners through advanced anglersSmall groups with maximum two guests per guide
Looking for some of the best fly fishing Utah has to offer? You've found it. The Fly Ty Guy Guide specializes in wade fishing adventures on two of the state's most productive rivers – the Weber and Provo. These aren't your typical crowded tourist spots. We're talking about genuine trout water where you'll actually catch fish, not just practice your casting. Nick Crim and our team of local guides know every pool, riffle, and undercut bank on these systems. Whether you're new to the sport or you've been swinging flies for decades, we'll put you on fish and make sure you leave with stories worth telling.
Your day starts early – that's when the fish are most active and before the crowds show up. We offer both 4-hour and 8-hour guided wade trips, perfect for fitting any schedule or stamina level. The Weber River flows through some gorgeous canyon country, with pocket water that holds surprising numbers of wild trout. It's technical fishing that rewards good presentation over power casting. The Provo River offers a different experience entirely – broader pools, more consistent flows, and some of the healthiest trout populations in the state. Both rivers fish well throughout the season, but each has its own personality depending on water levels, hatches, and weather. We keep our groups small – just two anglers per guide – so you get personalized instruction and plenty of water to work. No rushing, no competition with other clients, just quality time learning to read water and present flies like the fish want to see them.
Wade fishing these Utah rivers requires a different approach than lake fishing or big western freestones. We're dealing with selective trout that see plenty of pressure, so your presentation needs to be on point. Most of the time we're nymphing with indicators, dead-drifting flies through the prime holding water. Czech nymphing and high-stick techniques work great in the faster pocket water sections. When conditions are right – usually mornings and evenings – dry fly fishing can be absolutely lights out. We carry a full selection of local patterns that match the hatches on both rivers. Your guide will set up your rod, explain the rigging, and walk you through reading the water. We provide all the flies and terminal tackle, but you'll want to bring your own rod if you have one. A 9-foot 5-weight is perfect for these waters. Waders are essential – the water stays cold year-round and you'll be spending hours in the river. If you don't have gear, we can point you toward local shops for rentals. The bottom can be slick in places, so felt-soled boots or good studs are worth having.
Brook trout in these waters are absolute gems – not huge, but they're wild, colorful, and fight way above their weight class. Most run 8 to 12 inches, but don't let the size fool you. These fish are incredibly beautiful with their olive backs, red spots with blue halos, and that distinctive white leading edge on their fins. They're actually char, not true trout, and they prefer the coldest, cleanest water. You'll find them in the headwater sections and spring-fed tributaries. Fall is prime time for brookies when they're in their spawning colors – absolutely stunning fish that photograph beautifully. Brown trout are the craftiest fish in the system and often the biggest. These European imports have adapted perfectly to Utah's rivers and can live for years, growing wise and selective. A 16-inch brown is a solid fish, and anything over 20 inches is trophy territory. They love structure – undercut banks, fallen logs, deep pools with overhead cover. Browns are most active in low light, so early morning and evening fishing produces the best results. They'll eat everything from tiny midges to big streamers, but they want it presented perfectly. Rainbow trout are the most abundant and aggressive species you'll encounter. They're native to western waters and thrive in the fast, oxygenated runs and riffles. Rainbows are acrobatic fighters that jump and run, making them incredibly fun to catch on light tackle. Most range from 10 to 16 inches, with their bright silver sides and that distinctive pink stripe. They're less picky than browns and more willing to chase flies, making them perfect for newer anglers building confidence.
Utah's fly fishing season runs strong from spring through fall, and each period offers something different. Spring brings runoff and hungry fish, summer means consistent flows and good hatches, while fall delivers some of the year's best fishing as trout prepare for winter. The Weber and Provo rivers fish well throughout this entire window, but prime dates fill up fast – especially weekends and during peak hatch periods. Whether you choose the 4-hour option for a taste of Utah fly fishing or commit to the full 8-hour experience, you're getting access to water that many anglers never see and guidance from locals who've spent years learning these rivers. The Fly Ty Guy Guide isn't just about catching fish – though we'll do plenty of that – it's about understanding these waters and developing skills that will make you a better angler wherever you fish. Ready to experience some of Utah's best trout fishing? Let's get you on the water.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout are the jewels of Utah's high mountain streams - small but feisty fish that rarely exceed 12 inches but make up for size with pure attitude. You'll find them in the coldest, cleanest water we have, usually tucked under fallen logs or hiding behind boulders in shallow runs. These native beauties are easily spotted by their olive backs covered in worm-like markings and brilliant orange fins with white edges. Spring through early fall offers the best action when water temps stay below 65°F. What makes brookies special is their willingness to hit dry flies and their incredible colors - they're like catching a piece of living artwork. Pro tip: in Utah's small creeks, approach low and quiet, then drop a small Adams or elk hair caddis right against the bank where the current breaks.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the crafty veterans of our Utah rivers, typically running 12-18 inches with the occasional trophy pushing over 20. These golden-brown fighters love deep pools, undercut banks, and anywhere they can ambush prey while staying hidden. They're most active during low-light periods - early morning, evening, and overcast days are prime time. What draws anglers to browns is their reputation as the smartest trout in the water, plus they fight hard and taste excellent. Fall is peak season when they feed aggressively before spawning, but they're catchable year-round if you know where to look. On the Weber and Provo, I always tell clients to focus on the deeper runs with good cover - browns rarely venture into open shallow water during daylight. A well-presented streamer or nymph along structure usually does the trick.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are the backbone of Utah fly fishing, averaging 10-16 inches with that signature pink stripe and acrobatic fight that keeps you coming back. They thrive in our fast-moving water with good oxygen - think riffles, runs, and anywhere the current breaks over rocks. Unlike browns, rainbows will feed throughout the day, making them perfect for beginners and experts alike. Spring and fall offer the best action, though they're active all season when water temps stay reasonable. What guests love most is their willingness to take both dry flies and nymphs, plus that head-shaking jump when hooked. They're also excellent table fare with firm, pink flesh. My go-to local trick on the Provo is to fish nymphs about 18 inches below a strike indicator in the deeper runs - rainbows often hold in that middle water column waiting for drifting insects.
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