Protecting Trout on the Middle Provo River
USGS 7-day Temperature PROVO RIVER NEAR CHARLESTON, UT
Realtime Data from the USGS
PROVO RIVER NEAR CHARLESTON, UT Station 10155500
| Parameter | Value | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature, water, °C | 7.7°C/45.9°F | Mar 10, 2026 1:30 am |
| Streamflow, ft³/s | 152 | Mar 10, 2026 1:30 am |
| Gage height, ft | 3.38 | Mar 10, 2026 1:30 am |
Protecting Trout on the Middle Provo River
Summer afternoons on the Middle Provo River can be tough on trout. When water temperatures climb above 68°F, trout become stressed, making them far more vulnerable to exhaustion, disease, and even death after catch-and-release. Elevated water temperatures are most common below the Legacy Bridge in late June, July and early August. On sunny days when Jordanelle Dam discharge is relatively low, temperatures rise above the stress level in the afternoon and evening. To help anglers make informed decisions, the USGS Charleston stream gage in the reach below the Legacy Bridge now provides real-time, web-based water temperature reports. Checking these conditions before you fish can help ensure you’re not unintentionally putting extra strain on the fishery.
By working together, we can protect this world-class trout river so that future generations can enjoy it as much as we do today.
Best Practices for Fishing in Warm Water
- Carry and use a stream thermometer.
- Fish early mornings when water is coolest.
- Use barbless hooks to reduce handling time and improve release success.
- Land fish quickly—use stronger tippet and tackle to minimize fight time.
- Keep fish in the water while unhooking to avoid unnecessary stress.
- Refrain from taking photos, or if you must, keep the fish in the net and in the water.
- Avoid fishing altogether when surface temperatures remain at or above 68°F.
Together, we can protect the Middle Provo and ensure a healthy, sustainable trout population. Although this page focuses on the Middle Provo because the USGS recently installed a temperature sensor there, the guidance applies everywhere: warm water stresses trout; please check conditions and use your thermometer on every trip.
Hear Devin Olsen explain why knowing the water temperature matters when finding trout.