Gone Fishin'
Art: Jan Perkins
Whether you are new to the sport or an old hat at casting about for trout, fly-fishing opportunities abound in the Park City area. Meandering rivers, lakes and reservoirs make not only for good fishing, but plenty of time for solitude in Utah’s spectacular outdoors.
FISH TRACKER
All sections of the Provo River—the upper, middle and lower—offer good summer fishing. Various points of this popular river are accessible, starting as close as 10 minutes from Park City or wading in closer to Deer Creek Reservoir or Sundance Resort in Provo Canyon. Other hot spots include the Weber River, Currant Creek and the High Uinta lakes (located in the stunning Uinta National Forest). Right in town, check out the casting ponds near Deer Valley’s base. Pick up a fishing map at local fly shops and bookstores.
THE CATCH
Though Utah is perhaps best known for its Cutthroat Trout, fishermen are also likely to hook Rainbows, Browns and Brook Trout. Keep in mind that fishing licenses are required even for ‘catch and release’ situations, and various angling spots have special regulations to protect our rivers and wildlife. For more information on fishing requirements, visit www.wildlife.utah.gov.
THE GEAR
Most important to the fly-fishing equipment list are the rod and reel as well as carefully selected fly line. Fly-fishing requires waders in cooler weather, and wading boots are important year-round for good traction. George “Squid” Sideris of Jans Mountain Outfitters also recommends a vest filled with flies and tools. Kory Kapaloski of Trout Bum 2 points out that a net is helpful, but not essential. He also recommends a hat and sun protective clothing, perhaps even Ex Officio’s line of Buzz Off clothing (insect repellent apparel). Sideris recommends Sage rods and Ross reels, Simms or Patagonia wading gear and BW Sports vests (made locally right here in Park City). Both experts tout the benefits of a good pair of polarized sunglasses.
THE FLIES
For use on the Provo, Sideris recommends having a stash of mayflies, caddis flies and terrestrials (beatles, hoppers, crickets and ants). Kapaloski suggests purchasing a good selection of fly patterns (different types of flies), depending on location and season. Ask at either shop for recommendations.
Guides
Jans Mountain Outfitters (435.649.4949) and Trout Bum 2 (435.658.1166) are two of a handful of companies that offer lessons and guided fly-fishing excursions to waters both near and far. For a complete list of fly-fishing companies and guiding services, view the Park City Chamber Bureau’s Web site at www.parkcityinfo.com.
Your comments may be edited for brevity and foul language.