Discovering Park City's Fly Fishing Paradise with a local guide with 20 years of experience
“Tucked in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, Park City is known for world-class skiing, scenic hiking, and now—more than ever—year-round fly fishing.” – Jeff Harwin, Park City Fly Fishing Co.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or curious beginner, the Park City area offers pristine rivers, alpine lakes, and expert guides ready to get you on the water. With trout-rich waters and mountain backdrops, fly fishing here is more than a sport—it’s a soul-refreshing experience.
The Best Fly Fishing Spots Near Park City
Provo River (Upper, Middle & Lower)
The Provo River is Utah’s most famous blue-ribbon trout stream—and for good reason. It fishes well year-round, holds healthy populations of wild brown and rainbow trout, and has access points within 20–40 minutes of Park City.
Upper Provo
- Location: Near the Mirror Lake Highway east of Kamas.
- What to Expect: Remote and wild. Great for small dry flies and hopper-dropper setups. Fish aren’t picky but can be spooky.
- Best Flies: Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymphs.
- Insider Tip: Fish early in the season (June–July) before flows drop. Bring bug spray—mosquitoes are fierce. Hike upstream past the campgrounds for solitude.
Middle Provo
- Location: Between Jordanelle and Deer Creek Reservoirs, accessible via Heber City.
- What to Expect: Tailwater fishery with consistent flows and epic hatches. You’ll find brown trout rising to dries in summer and hugging the bottom in winter.
- Best Flies: Sow bugs, PMDs, Blue-Winged Olives, Zebra Midges.
- Insider Tip: Access from River Road or the Legacy Bridge. Watch for risers along soft seams and tailouts in the evening. Use 5x or 6x tippet in low, clear water.
Lower Provo
- Location: Below Deer Creek Reservoir through Provo Canyon.
- What to Expect: Cold, clear, technical water. Great winter fishery. Heavy pressure, so presentation matters.
- Best Flies: Midges (black/red), WD-40s, scuds, emergers.
- Insider Tip: Ideal for winter fishing when other spots are iced over. Fish mid-morning to mid-afternoon during midge hatches.
Weber River
Flowing northwest of Park City, the Weber River is a more rustic, under-the-radar gem. Sections near Wanship and Coalville offer productive waters, especially in late spring and early fall.
- Location: Access via Wanship, Coalville, and Morgan.
- What to Expect: Pocket water, deep runs, and pools that hold big browns. Flows can vary widely—check before you go.
- Best Flies: Golden Stones, Caddis, Hare’s Ear, San Juan Worms.
- Insider Tip: The stretch between Rockport and Echo Reservoirs has great structure. Watch out for private land—stick to bridges and public easements. Drift soft hackles through deeper slots on overcast days.
Strawberry Reservoir
Strawberry is a stillwater haven for larger fish. Known for its rainbow and cutthroat trout, this is a great option for float tubing or fly fishing from a pontoon boat. Ideal for anglers seeking to catch a trophy fish.
- Location: About 45 minutes southeast of Park City via Hwy 40.
- What to Expect: Big, open water known for fat cutthroat and rainbow trout. Best accessed by float tube, pontoon, or small boat.
- Best Flies: Woolly Buggers, Balanced Leeches, Chironomids under indicators.
- Insider Tip: Try Mud Creek or Renegade Point early in the morning. Fish deep in summer (20–30 feet). Use slow retrieves with leeches along drop-offs.
Uinta Mountain Streams & Lakes
Just east of Park City, the Uinta Mountains are laced with hundreds of creeks, streams, and high alpine lakes. These lesser-fished waters offer native brook, tiger, and cutthroat trout. Bring your lightweight rod, and don’t forget the bug spray—this is true backcountry bliss.
- Location: About an hour east of Park City via Mirror Lake Highway (SR-150).
- What to Expect: Hundreds of alpine lakes and small streams. Native brook and tiger trout thrive in cold, oxygen-rich water.
- Best Flies: Ants, beetles, small hoppers, Griffith’s Gnats.
- Insider Tip: Hike into Ruth Lake, Fehr Lake, or the Chain Lakes for uncrowded action. 3-weight rods are perfect. Dry flies work best from late June to early September.
Green River (Advanced, Day Trip Option)
Though further afield, the famed Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam is a must-fish. With thousands of fish per mile and crystal-clear flows, it’s often considered one of the top 10 fly fishing rivers in the U.S.
- Location: About 3.5 hours from Park City; perfect for a guided float trip.
- What to Expect: Possibly the best trout fishery in the West. Thousands of fish per mile, clear water, and epic scenery.
- Best Flies: Cicadas (early summer), scuds, midges, streamers.
- Insider Tip: Book a guide and do a full-day float through Section A (Dutch John to Little Hole). Use 6x tippet and focus on sight-casting in the morning light.
Best Times to Fly Fish in Park City
Fly fishing in Park City is a four-season activity—each with unique highlights:
- Spring (March–May): Snowmelt begins, making for dynamic flows and exciting hatches. Midges and blue-wing olives dominate. Great time for streamer fishing.
- Summer (June–August): Long days and warmer temps bring abundant insect activity—especially caddis, PMDs, and terrestrials. Early morning and dusk offer the best dry fly action.
- Fall (September–November): Fall colors meet aggressive pre-spawn trout. Cool temps and fewer crowds make this a local favorite season.
- Winter (December–February): Yes, winter fly fishing is a thing here! The Lower Provo stays open and fishable year-round. Bundle up, cast short, and enjoy peaceful, snow-covered solitude.
Essential Fly Fishing Gear
Whether hiring a guide or going solo, make sure you’re equipped with:
- Rod & Reel: A 9-foot, 5-weight rod is ideal for most local rivers. Consider a 4-weight for smaller streams and a 6-weight for lake fishing.
- Fly Line & Leader: A weight-forward floating line with 9-foot tapered leaders works for most situations. Adjust your tippet size based on clarity and fly type.
- Flies:
- Spring: Midges, BWO nymphs
- Summer: Caddis, PMDs, ants, hoppers
- Fall: Streamers, egg patterns
- Winter: Midge larvae, scuds
- Waders & Boots: Breathable chest waders and rubber-soled boots with good traction are essential.
- Other Essentials: Polarized sunglasses, hemostats, floatant, net, fly box, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Techniques for Success
Reading the Water
Learn to identify where fish hold—look for seams between fast and slow water, undercut banks, and behind rocks or eddies.
Casting
A simple overhead or roll cast works in most situations. Practice accuracy and soft presentations, especially on the Provo where fish are often spooky.
Presentation
A natural drift is critical. Use a dead-drift technique with dry flies or nymphs, and twitch streamers subtly when retrieving.
Local Fly Shops & Outfitters
Jans Fly Shop (Park City)
Located at the base of Park City Mountain, Jans offers gear, fly fishing rentals, and guides. Their staff knows local waters inside and out.
Website: jans.com
Trout Bum 2 (Park City)
Park City’s only full-service, year-round fly shop. Offers trips on the Provo, Weber, and private waters.
Website: troutbum2.com
Fishwest (Kamas)
Located in nearby Kamas, this shop has a huge selection of gear and an online store with expert customer service.
Website: fishwest.com
Book a Guided Trip – Go with the Pros
While fly fishing solo can be rewarding, hiring a local guide is one of the best ways to fast-track your success—especially in the diverse and sometimes technical waters near Park City. Whether you’re brand new to fly fishing or looking to unlock secret local spots, a guide will help you make the most of your time on the water.
Why Hire a Fly Fishing Guide?
- Local Knowledge: Guides fish these rivers almost daily and know where the fish are feeding, which flies are working, and how to approach the water based on time of year, weather, and water conditions.
- Instructional Value: They’ll improve your casting, help you read the water more effectively, and offer real-time feedback on presentation and technique.
- Convenience: Most guides provide all gear, including rods, reels, waders, boots, and even snacks or lunch. Just show up ready to fish.
- Exclusive Access: Some outfitters have permission to fish on private water or hard-to-access stretches of river.
- Safety: Especially during spring runoff or in backcountry areas, having a guide ensures you stay safe and within legal boundaries.
Featured Outfitter: Park City Fly Fishing Company
If you’re looking for a top-tier fly fishing experience near Park City, Park City Fly Fishing Company is our go-to outfitter.
Why We Recommend Them:
- Locally Owned & Operated: Founded by Jeff Harwin, a longtime Park City angler and guide, they bring decades of fly fishing experience and deep local insight.
- Diverse Trip Offerings:
- Half- or full-day walk-and-wade trips
- Guided float trips on nearby rivers
- Winter ice fishing excursions
- All Skill Levels Welcome: Whether it’s your first time holding a fly rod or you’re a seasoned angler chasing trophy browns, their guides tailor each trip to your experience level and goals.
Prime Waters: Specializing in the Provo and Weber Rivers, two of Utah’s premier blue-ribbon fisheries. - Gear Included: High-quality rods, reels, waders, boots, and terminal tackle are all included. Just bring your license and a sense of adventure.
- They Know Their Stuff: In fact, we reached out to them to help us create this guide for our guests.
Trip Highlights:
- Duration: Half-day (4 hours) or full-day (8 hours)
- Target Species: Wild brown trout, rainbow trout, and seasonal cutthroat
- Location: Pickup available from most Park City accommodations, including Newpark Resort
- Season: Year-round—yes, even in winter!
How to Book:
Visit parkcityflyfishing.com to learn more or schedule a trip. You can also call (435) 631-9933 for availability or custom requests.
Fly Fishing Etiquette & Conservation
- Respect Other Anglers: Give space and yield to those upstream.
- Practice Catch & Release: Wet your hands, use barbless hooks, and minimize air exposure.
- Pack It In, Pack It Out: Leave rivers cleaner than you found them.
- Support Local Waters: Consider donating to groups like Utah Trout Unlimited or participating in river cleanups.
Pair It with a Park City Adventure
Fly fishing is just the beginning. Combine your outing with:
- Spring “Cast & Carve” Days: Ski in the morning, fish in the afternoon.
- Hiking in the Uintas: Trek to remote lakes for alpine fly fishing.
- Evening in Town: Dine in Kimball Junction or Old Town after a day on the water.
Planning Your Trip
- Stay at Newpark Resort: Located just minutes from top rivers and outfitters, with spacious suites and mountain views.
- Get a License: Utah fishing licenses are available online or in local fly shops. Don’t forget a trout tag!
- Weather Ready: Mountain weather changes quickly—bring layers, a waterproof jacket, and sun protection.
Final Cast
Whether you’re chasing your first rainbow trout or planning a backcountry trip for wild cutthroat, Park City delivers a fly fishing experience like no other. With its mix of accessibility, beauty, and rich fisheries, it’s a dream destination for anglers of all stripes. Cast a line, breathe deep, and let Park City’s waters work their magic.
