Introduction
Top 5 Utah rivers this week brings you the definitive guide to late-January angling. We’ve analyzed the live data to find the few gems where winter conditions align with reliable flows. This isn’t just a list; it’s a strategic resource for finding active fish in the top 5 Utah rivers this week. If you’re looking to bend a rod, these five tailwaters and freestones offer your best shot at success.
Quick Summary
Winter is in full swing on the top 5 Utah rivers this week. Flows are low and clear. Midges are the primary game, with brief windows of midday activity. Dress warm, fish slow, and focus on the deep buckets.
Top 5 Utah Rivers Fishing This Week
The following rivers represent the top 5 Utah rivers this week for their combination of stable flows and verified fish activity. Despite the cold, these waters are producing consistent results for anglers willing to adapt their approach.
1. Green River Section A
Northeast Utah
The Green River Section A is currently flowing at 861 cfs (normal) with a stable trend. Flows are fishable today. Water Temperature: 41°F (cold). The Verdict: Excellent Fishing Conditions This week’s forecast shows temperatures ranging from 25-43°F. Calm winds make subtle nymph takes easier to detect.
Insect Activity: Midges rule the winter afternoons. Look for size 20-24 clusters in black or red when temps rise.
Where to Fish: Target transition zones and seams. Fish hold in soft water at 860 cfs to save energy.
Gear Tip: Start with a two-fly nymph rig and a yarn indicator. A 9-foot 5X leader with light tippet keeps the rig natural in winter flows.
Presentation: Dead-drift the nymph rig through slower seams and focus on the warmest part of the day. Add just enough weight to tick bottom every few drifts.
Regulations: From Flaming Gorge Dam downriver to the confluence of the Colorado River: No limit for channel catfish. No limit for burbot, northern pike, smallmouth…
2. Currant Creek Below Reservoir
Central Utah
The Currant Creek Below Reservoir is currently flowing at 24 cfs (normal) with a falling trend. Flows are fishable today. The Verdict: Good Fishing Conditions This week’s forecast shows temperatures ranging from 34-41°F. Cooling temperatures may slow hatch activity.
Insect Activity: Active midges are tiny (#22-26). A small worm pattern works well as an attractor in low flows.
Where to Fish: Low flows concentrate fish in the deepest available pools. Stealth is key in the clear water.
Gear Tip: Start with a two-fly nymph rig and a yarn indicator. A 9-foot 5X leader with light tippet keeps the rig natural in winter flows.
Presentation: Dead-drift the nymph rig through slower seams and focus on the warmest part of the day. Add just enough weight to tick bottom every few drifts.
Regulations: Artificial flies & lures only
3. Middle Provo River
Central Utah
The Middle Provo River is currently flowing at 168 cfs (low) with a stable trend. Flows are fishable today. Water Temperature: 34°F (cold). The Verdict: Fair Fishing Conditions This week’s forecast shows temperatures ranging from 23-41°F. Calm winds make subtle nymph takes easier to detect.
Insect Activity: Midges hatch midday (11 AM-2 PM). Tiny larva (#20-24) drifting constantly will move sluggish fish.
Where to Fish: Stick to deep, slow runs. At 168 cfs, fish crowd into winter holding water. Avoid fast riffles.
Gear Tip: Start with a two-fly nymph rig and a yarn indicator. A 9-foot 5X leader with light tippet keeps the rig natural in winter flows.
Presentation: Dead-drift the nymph rig through slower seams and focus on the warmest part of the day. Add just enough weight to tick bottom every few drifts.
Regulations: From Deer Creek Dam to Legacy Bridge: Statewide regulations apply.
4. Lower Weber River
Northern Utah
The Lower Weber River is currently flowing at 59 cfs (low) with a rising trend. Flows are fishable today. Water Temperature: 50°F (prime). The Verdict: Fair Fishing Conditions This week’s forecast shows temperatures ranging from 27-45°F. Calm winds make subtle nymph takes easier to detect.
Insect Activity: Fish sip adults in the film on calm afternoons. Subsurface red/black midge larvae (#18-22) are best.
Where to Fish: Thin flows push trout into deep buckets and cut banks. Slow tailouts can hold fish midday.
Gear Tip: Start with a two-fly nymph rig and a yarn indicator. A 9-foot 5X leader with light tippet keeps the rig natural in winter flows.
Presentation: Dead-drift the nymph rig through slower seams and focus on the warmest part of the day. Add just enough weight to tick bottom every few drifts.
Regulations: From the Great Salt Lake to Echo Reservoir dam: All cutthroat trout or trout with cutthroat markings must be immediately released. Common carp are…
5. Blacksmith Fork Canyon
Northern Utah
The Blacksmith Fork Canyon is currently flowing at 70 cfs (normal) with a rising trend. Flows are fishable today. The Verdict: Fair Fishing Conditions This week’s forecast shows temperatures ranging from 22-40°F. Calm winds make subtle nymph takes easier to detect.
Insect Activity: Small stoneflies (#16-18) trailed by tiny midges (#20-22) cover all bases. Watch for subtle rises.
Where to Fish: Target slow pockets behind boulders. Fish avoid the main current. Walking-speed runs with depth are ideal.
Gear Tip: Start with a two-fly nymph rig and a yarn indicator early. Shift to dry fly or dry-dropper during hatch windows. A 9-foot 5X leader with light tippet keeps the rig natural in winter flows.
Presentation: Dead-drift the nymph rig through slower seams and focus on the warmest part of the day. Add just enough weight to tick bottom every few drifts.
Regulations: From the first highway bridge (at the mouth of the canyon) of State Road 101 (Blacksmith Fork Canyon Road) to the headwaters: Limit 1…
Top 5 Utah Rivers This Week: Fishing Outlook
All five rivers featured above are fishing well, provided you time your day right. This top 5 Utah rivers this week report highlights the critical midday window (11 AM – 3 PM). As temperatures peak, look for midge clusters to active suspended trout. Bookmark this report, check the flow graphs before you go, and trust the patterns listed below.
River Reports
- Fly Fishing Green River Section A
- Fly Fishing Currant Creek Below Reservoir
- Fly Fishing Middle Provo River
- Fly Fishing Lower Weber River
- Fly Fishing Blacksmith Fork Canyon
General Tips for This Week
- Focus on mid-day windows when temperatures are warmest
- Carry a range of midge and small nymph sizes
- Lengthen drifts in clear water to keep presentations natural
- Check each river page for detailed flow updates and access information
- Flow trends are updated daily – verify current conditions before your trip
Conclusion
This top 5 Utah rivers this week report is your roadmap for the week ahead. Share these top 5 Utah rivers this week insights with your fishing partners and use the data to make the most of your time on the water. We’ll be back next week with fresh data. Until then, stay warm and keep those drifts drag-free.
👉 Bookmark this report and check back midweek if conditions shift.
Before You Go
- Check real-time flow data and weather updates before you drive
- Plan trips around the top 5 Utah rivers this week when you need the most reliable conditions
- Review Utah Game and Fish Department regulations for current fishing rules
- Verify access and parking availability
Additional Resources
- Check back each week for the next top 5 Utah rivers this week update
- Utah Fishing Regulations
Have a recent fishing report or tips for these rivers?
We’d love to hear from you. Share your observations and help fellow anglers!
Tight lines!
— The FlyGuysNLies Team
Data sourced from FlyGuysNLies.com condition scoring system. Conditions can change rapidly—always check current data before your trip.
