What is Fly Fishing?
Fly fishing is an angling method that uses a light-weight lure—called an artificial fly—to catch fish. The fly is cast using a fly rod, reel, and specialized weighted line. The light weight requires casting techniques significantly different from other forms of casting. The flies may resemble natural invertebrates, baitfish, or other food organisms. We offer wade-in fly fishing trips where you will be standing in the river in waterproof waders.
Trip duration is either four hours on a half day trip, or six hours on a full day trip when meeting at the river. If you choose to use our transportation, expect another hour or so to get to and from the fishing location. Door to door time (including transportation) for a half day trip is 5 hours; for a full day trip, it is 8 hours (these include fishing time as well as transportation time to/from your hotel).
We are primarily targeting brown and rainbow trout along with Rocky Mountain whitefish. Our guides take out beginner to advanced fishers year-round.
Before Your Trip
Prior to the day of your adventure the most important thing we need from you is your fly fishing license form for each participant and signed liability waivers for each participant. You will find these documents attached to your reservation under the blue “View Required Documents” button. This form needs to be filled out for every individual coming fly fishing so that we may purchase your state fly fishing license, as well as ensure we are bringing the correct sized waders and wading boots. Other information we will need is whether you’d like us to pick you up (if staying in Park City), or if you’d prefer to meet your guides at the river.
If you or anyone in your party has any mobility restrictions, please notify our office ahead of time (at least 24 hours prior to your trip). We do our best to accommodate any special circumstances and get anglers of all ages and abilities on the water. You will be walking on primitive trails with uneven ground and natural features as well as wading on uneven river bottom ground.
FAQs
How would high water impact my trip?
When we get a large amount of snowpack over the winter, we tend to have higher water levels in the following seasons as it melts out. As a result, fishing spots will change as the river does, resulting in the potential for longer walks (up to 2 miles) on uneven terrain that guests should be prepared for. As the flows change, the fish can go into shock for about a day or two, making fishing more difficult. We do our best to monitor these changes, and try to send groups to the best fishing locations for that particular day. Lastly, with more water comes stronger currents. Higher volumes of water could result in us raising our minimum age to 12 years old to ensure children are big enough to withstand currents. If you do need to cancel some or all of your party due to our age changing, there will be no charge. Overall, it will be a very fluid situation and we will be sure to communicate any changes as they become relevant.
What is Included?
The guide, wading boots, waders, transportation, flies, rods, beverages and snacks are all included in our trips. For a half day fly fishing trip you get four hours on the river. For a full day trip, you get six hours on the river and lunch. Please note that the time reflected on your reservation is the door-to-door time, not the time on the river. If you are meeting us at the river, expect the trip to end after 4 hours for a half day, or 6 hours for a full day after that meet time.
What Do I Wear?
Your layers for fishing will differ depending on the season you are fishing. Wool socks are a good option year around and we recommend bringing an extra pair of socks for after your trip. We bring wading boots and waterproof waders; you will be in charge of wearing whatever layers you are going to be most comfortable in underneath for the current weather. For summer, shorts/lightweight pants and a t-shirt, or a light sun shirt should be okay. For fall, winter and spring, light to thick layers that you can add or take off as needed will help. Wool is a great fabric; it can keep you warm even if wet. Rain jacket, hats and sunglasses are always a great idea year-round, as well as gloves in the colder months.
What Should I Bring?
We try to make our trips as easy as possible for our guests! Your guide will have some water, soda and light snacks such as granola bars. If you would like any additional food or drink you are more than welcome to bring that with you. Otherwise, you should not have to bring too much besides yourself!
Do I Get to Keep the Fish I Catch?
We primarily practice catch and release in all the of the rivers and streams we utilize. If you are interested in keeping part of your catch, please let our office know ahead of time. You’ll need to bring your own cooler to take the fish home with you. You will also need a kitchen to prep the fish you keep as well. Most kitchens/restaurants or hotels will not prep the fish for you unless you have a private chef coming to your residence.
How Far Away Are We Going?
The exact location of where you’ll be fishing is left up to our guides to make up to the day of the trip based on their working knowledge of river conditions and where the fishing has been the most productive. Please expect for the drive on average to be between 20 and 40 minutes from Park City. We are primarily fishing on the Weber and Provo rivers, sections being dependent on time of the year and conditions.
Can we bring guests who do not want to fish?
We often have guests who want to bring a guest/family member who is not interested in fishing. We discourage this for a few reasons. When a guest is not fishing, there is not much to do out at the river – shorelines can be buggy, and there is often not a great spot to hang out. In addition, our guides typically only have room for 3 guests + gear in their vehicle, as 3 guests is our maximum ratio per one guide.
If you have someone who insists that they want to go, we can rent them a pair of waders and boots for $30; they will not be allowed to handle a fly rod.
i have young kids! can they come too?
Our minimum fishing age is 8 years old. We find that young children who are unaccustomed to fishing can grow bored quickly, pulling the parents’ attention away from their fishing time and guide instruction. At the end of the day, you know your children best, and will know if they are able to handle a day at the river. Parents are responsible for their children; a slip and fall in the river is not uncommon (slippery ground, unfamiliar boots) and small kids are extra susceptible to getting caught in the current. Our guides are happy to work with children who are interested in learning and listening.