Pine Valley Reservoir
Fly fishing in Utah · Beginner · Best seasons: Summer, Fall
Target Species
Rainbow Trout
About This Water
Southwest Utah reservoir with rainbow trout. Scenic mountain setting.
Fishing Recommendations
Pine Valley Reservoir is one of Southern Utah’s true alpine gems. Tucked away at the base of the majestic Pine Valley Mountains within the Dixie National Forest, this reservoir offers a high-elevation escape from the desert heat of St. George. At an elevation of roughly 6,800 feet, it provides a classic mountain fishing experience characterized by crystal-clear water, ponderosa pines, and eager trout.
🎣 Location Overview
Pine Valley Reservoir is a relatively small, scenic impoundment fed by the Santa Clara River. What makes it special is its "bowl" setting—surrounded by towering granite peaks that resemble the Swiss Alps. The water is cold, clear, and stays oxygenated throughout the summer when lower-elevation lakes become too warm for trout.
Anglers love it because it is highly accessible yet feels remote. It’s a perfect "family-friendly" spot that still offers technical challenges for the seasoned fly fisher, especially when the evening hatch begins and the water turns into a mirror reflecting the peaks above.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
While you may occasionally find a rogue Brook Trout or Brown Trout moving down from the Santa Clara River, the Rainbow Trout is the king here.
- Behavior: These fish are a mix of wild-reared and stocked fish. In the early morning and late evening, they cruise the shallow edges and the "inlet" area where the river enters the reservoir.
- Holding Areas: Look for fish along the dam face, near the submerged aquatic vegetation on the western shore, and specifically where the Santa Clara River flows in. The drop-offs near the fishing piers are also prime holding spots.
- Feeding: They are opportunistic. They feed heavily on midges, small mayflies (Caddis and PMDs), and terrestrial insects (ants/beetles) blown off the surrounding trees.
📅 Best Times to Fish
Optimal Seasons
- Summer (June – August): This is peak season. While St. George is 100°F+, Pine Valley is a comfortable 75°F. The fish are most active now due to high insect productivity.
- Fall (September – October): My personal favorite time. The crowds thin out, and the trout begin feeding aggressively to bulk up for winter. The colors of the mountain mahogany and aspens are spectacular.
Best Times of Day
- The "Magic Hour": The last two hours of light are legendary here. As the wind dies down, the reservoir becomes a "flat" and the fish rise consistently to midges and caddis.
- Early Morning: Just as the sun hits the water, fish will be patrolling the shallows.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Top Fly Patterns
- Dry Flies:
- Parachute Adams (Size 16–20) – The gold standard for this water.
- Elk Hair Caddis (Size 14–18) – Great for the evening hatch.
- Black Ants or Foam Beetles (Size 14–16) – Lethal in the late afternoon when the wind blows.
- Nymphs:
- Zebra Midge (Size 18–22) – Black/Silver or Red/Silver.
- Pheasant Tail (Size 16–18) – Effective when fished under a dry fly (Dry-Dropper).
- Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear (Size 14–16).
- Streamers:
- Woolly Bugger (Size 10–12) – Olive or Black. Best fished on a slow strip near the dam.
Techniques & Presentation
- The Dry-Dropper: This is the most effective way to cover the water. Use a buoyant dry fly (like a Stimulator or high-vis Adams) and hang a Zebra Midge 18–24 inches below it.
- The "Stillwater Strip": If using a streamer, use a slow, erratic "twitch-twitch-pause" retrieve. Often, the Rainbows will hit on the pause.
- Fine Tippet: Because the water is so clear, I recommend using 5X or 6X fluorocarbon tippet to avoid spooking the fish.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The Inlet is Key: The area where the Santa Clara River enters the reservoir is the most oxygenated and food-rich part of the lake. Focus your efforts here, but stay back from the bank to avoid casting a shadow over the fish.
- Fish the Santa Clara River: Don't just stay at the reservoir. The small stream feeding into it and the stretch below the dam hold smaller but very feisty wild trout. Use a 2-weight or 3-weight rod for a world-class small-stream experience.
- Watch the Wind: The wind usually picks up in the afternoon and blows toward the dam. This pushes "clumped" insects toward the dam face. If the wind is blowing, fish the dam—the trout will be there waiting for the conveyor belt of food.
⚠️ Important Information
- Access: Located at the end of Highway 18, about 45 minutes north of St. George. There is a day-use fee for the Pine Valley Recreation Area (part of the Dixie National Forest).
- Regulations: Utah fishing regulations apply. Ensure you have a valid Utah Fishing License. There are specific limits on take, though many fly anglers choose Catch and Release to preserve the fishery.
- Wading: The bottom can be silty and soft in places. Felt soles or studs aren't strictly necessary, but be careful of "muck" near the inlet that can trap a boot.
- Amenities: There are excellent campgrounds (Dean Gardner, etc.) and restrooms nearby. It is a high-traffic area on weekends, so arrive early to claim a prime spot.
Guide’s Final Word: Pine Valley is the "soul" of Southern Utah fly fishing. Respect the water, pack out your trash, and keep your flies small and your tippet light. Tight lines!
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Callibaetis (Speckled Drakes) Callibaetis ferrugineus | mayfly | June, July, August | Morning/Early Afternoon | #12-16 | Adams Interstellar #14-16, Callibaetis Spinner #14-16, Hares Ear Nymph #12-16 |
| Chironomids (Midges) Chironomidae | midge | May, June, September | All Day | #18-24 | Zebra Midge #18-22, Ice Cream Cone #16-20, Griffith's Gnat #18-22 |
| Spotted Sedge Hydropsyche | caddis | June, July | Evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, LaFontaine's Deep Sparkle Pupa #16, Godzilla Caddis #14 |
| Black Carpenter Ants Camponotus | terrestrial | July, August | Afternoon | #12-16 | Black Foam Ant #14-16, Chernobyl Ant #12-14, Fur Ant #16 |
| Blue Winged Olive (BWO) Baetis | mayfly | April, May, October | Midday | #18-22 | RS2 #20-22, Parachute Adams #18-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #18-20 |
| Little Brown Stonefly Zapada | stonefly | April, May | Morning | #14-16 | Little Brown Stone #14-16, Pats Rubber Legs #14, Early Brown Stone #16 |
| Damselfly Enallagma | terrestrial | June, July | Late Morning/Afternoon | #10-14 | Marabou Damsel Nymph #12-14, Adult Damsel #12, Braided Butt Damsel #14 |
| Terrestrial Beetles Coleoptera | terrestrial | July, August | Afternoon | #12-16 | Foam Beetle #14-16, Peacock Beetle #16, Cochy-Bondhu #14 |