Fishing is Good-Private Property Sucks!!!

I have been out twice on the Middle Provo and once on the Lower Weber in the past week and the access couldn't be more different.

The fishing is great but there are big changes to one of our favorite spots near Morgan. It's been a while since I have fished this section and I was surprised when there was an official sign in box and an extensive map highlighted with what is fishable and what is now off limits. You also had to take a carbon copy receipt to show the land owner, if stopped, that you had signed in appropriately. We used to have absolute hay days on this stretch and as I worked my way up stream I was met with several signs on both sides of the river.

The river was a dismal trickle and the fish were few and far between which brings me to another important point. The Lower is blown out almost all year and then it slows to almost no flow at all for a few winter months. I have never seen it this low though... The land owners yield to much power, exercising their "water rights". Most of this section is diverted into irrigation canals (year round) and the main stem is left in limbo. Evidence of a blown out river were everywhere with logs, grass chunks, a deep channel with no features and blown out "J-hooks". You have got to wonder... if this stretch was managed like the Middle Provo what would it be like? A lot better in my opinion. But at the same time a lot more crowded. Catch 22?

I found myself looking over my shoulder and walking carefully trying to avoid any confrontation (I have been confronted by both land owners and DWR in this valley before). When I finally reached my favorite hole it was "end of the line" so to speak. Three signs clearly posted told me I was leaving "walk in access" and expressed written permission was required to trespass. I sat and starred at my favorite hole (affectionately named Proto Call) where I remembered all of the great fish my buddies and I have caught over the years. The name Proto Call stems from a system we invited in order to keep the fish flowing. The Proto Call went like this- hook a fish and pull him down stream to a big pool so the next guy could cast and hook a fish... we would do this for sometimes 30 fish before the hole cooled off. We would then eat a sandwich and do it all over again. Beautiful days indeed.

I reluctantly turned and walked back to the car as to not rock the boat. Maybe once the land owners realize we are not there to litter and keep fish they will lighten up.

I also know the DWR put a lot of work in on this stretch of river. countless boulders and "J-hooks" were put in to improve trout habitat but once "the law" changed or the owner had a change of heart he closed his land even though tax payer dollars went to improving his land for the enjoyment of the occasional fishermen. Sad.

Bottom line- Respect private property (for now) and fight the good fight with conservation, showing respectful behavior towards land owners and  eventually access will be granted out of good will or the law. hopefully the latter....

On my way out I did run into a land owner (the nice one) removing some downed trees. I yelled across the river "how's it going?" he replied "great" I yelled back "thanks for letting me in here to fish!" he replied "no problem!".

Randy lands a fish of a life time...

My Father in Law Randy Morgan caught this beauty on the Green River with his buddies.

22 inches and 6 pounds.

What a fish!