The Middle Provo River
Professor C. David Whiteman, Retired Atmospheric Scientist, University of Utah
David Whiteman, a scientist, avid fly fisherman, and longstanding member of the High Country Fly Fisher’s community, has dedicated years to both fishing and studying the intricate ecosystem of his “home waters,” the Middle Provo River. In cooperation with other federal, state, local and educational organizations, he has recently completed several conservation projects that have produced reports and videos focused on flyfishing themes on the Middle Provo River. These are linked below. Whether you’ve peacefully cast a fly on the serene currents of the Middle Provo, hold a deep passion for conservation efforts, or call Wasatch County your home, Whiteman’s exhaustive studies warrants a prominent place on your reading and viewing list.
The Middle Provo River – An introduction for the fisherman
This report provides an overview of Utah’s Middle Provo River, located in Heber Valley between the Jordanelle and Deer Creek Reservoirs. It explores the historical evolution of the Provo River, from its origins in the Uinta Mountains to its transformation due to the Central Utah Project (CUP). The report examines the river’s hydrology, fishery, water quality, and the role of resident macroinvertebrates as a primary food source for fish. Additionally, it highlights potential future challenges facing this renowned Blue-Ribbon fishery.
Video Tour of the Middle Provo River
This video is an informative tool for anglers, providing an overview of the river, its geographical features, and nearby amenities such as hiking trails, roads, tributary confluences, bridges, parking areas, and restroom facilities. Key infrastructure elements are prominently labeled throughout the video, including the locations of data loggers deployed in the river between March 2022 and March 2024 to monitor river temperatures. The video tour was produced using Google Earth Pro.
Middle Provo River Temperature Study
In 2021, the High Country Fly Fishers, with approval from federal and state agencies, launched a conservation initiative to monitor stream temperatures in the Middle Provo River from March 2022 to March 2024. Water temperature is a key environmental variable affecting the tailwater Blue-Ribbon fishery. The report explains why and how water temperatures vary with the seasons, throughout individual days, and with downstream distance. Analyses of the data yield important findings of interest to fishermen.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources 2019 Middle Provo River Creel Study
The objective of this Utah DWR presentation is to address key questions and public comments raised during the 2018 Wildlife Board meeting, particularly concerns regarding the perceived “stunted” or “unhealthy” trout population in the Middle Provo River (MPR). We will share the findings from the 2019 MPR fish population surveys and the results of a creel survey conducted to gauge the angling public’s fishing experiences. This comprehensive approach aims to provide clarity on the current state of the trout population and the overall health of the MPR ecosystem.
“Utah DWR’s 2019 Middle Provo River Creel Study”
Macroinvertebrates of the Middle Provo River
In 2021, the High Country Fly Fishers, partnered with CAPS at Wasatch High School in Heber City, Utah, for a three-year conservation initiative. The project aims to monitor stream temperatures in the Middle Provo River, spanning from Jordanelle to Deer Creek reservoirs. Over this period, students will collect macroinvertebrate samples and data from in-stream temperature loggers.