Duchesne River
river in Utah
The Duchesne River originates in the Uinta Mountains and flows through different landscapes, from high mountain meadows to lower elevation valleys. It's a versatile fishery with sections suitable for different fly fishing techniques.
What's working on Duchesne River
- 01Stable flows with clear skies and mild 60-degree temperatures on the Duchesne River.
- 02Fantastic hopper fishing continues into fall, especially during mid-day.
- 03Look for active PMD and BWO hatches, particularly for opportunistic Whitefish.
- 04Subsurface nymphing with leeches and midges remains a consistent producer.
- 05Lower Duchesne River (Hanna to North Fork) is the primary focus for diverse species.
Past reports week by week
9 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Schroeder’s Parachute Hopper
Hopper fishing is fantastic in the Duchesne River during the later part of the summer and into fall for opportunistic feeders.
Micro Leech (Pine Squirrel)
A versatile and effective leech pattern for fall, mimicking sluggish baitfish and annelids in colder water, appealing to various predatory species.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source year-round in tailwaters, and this pattern is effective as a subsurface searching pattern in fall.
Buy at AmazonPMD Comparadun (BWO)
PMD hatches are active in October, and Whitefish are opportunistic feeders, making this pattern excellent for rising fish.
Flashback Hare's Ear Nymph
An excellent general searching nymph, mimicking various active aquatic insects in the currents, effective for fall subsurface feeding.
PMX
A reasonable grasshopper imitation, effective for fall terrestrial fishing on the Duchesne River.
Comparadun (BWO)
Matches the expected fall BWO hatches, providing a low-profile dry fly for selective fish.
Buy at AmazonSoft Hackle Wet (Partridge & Orange)
Effective for imitating caddis pupae and emergers, which can still be active in fall, and a versatile pattern for swinging through runs.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Above Starvation Reservoir
Good freestone fishing for wild trout in a scenic canyon setting.
Below Moon Lake Dam
A cold tailwater section with excellent nymphing and streamer fishing opportunities.
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Utah season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Quick answers
Common questions about Duchesne River.
What flies work best on Duchesne River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Duchesne River right now are Schroeder’s Parachute Hopper (80% confidence), Schroeder's Hi-Vis Hopper (80% confidence), Hare's Ear Nymph (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Duchesne River?
Duchesne River holds Whitefish. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Duchesne River?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Duchesne River are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Duchesne River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Duchesne River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.