When it comes to nymphing the Provo River, one of the most effective techniques is the bounce rig—a setup designed to keep your flies bouncing naturally along the bottom, right where trout are feeding. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to fly fishing, mastering this rig can significantly improve your catch rate.
What is the Provo River Bounce Rig?
The bounce rig is a variation of a traditional nymphing setup that allows your flies to drift naturally while keeping them in the strike zone. The key components include multiple tag flies, a strategically placed weight, and an adjustable indicator. By suspending flies above the riverbed while your split shot leads the drift, you can achieve a perfect dead-drift presentation—a must for fooling picky Provo River trout.
How to Set Up the Provo River Bounce Rig
Our bounce rig infographic breaks this down visually, but here’s a quick rundown:
1. Leader & Tippet Setup
Start with a 3ft section of old 5X leader.
Attach 6ft of fresh 5X tippet using a triple surgeon’s knot.
2. Connecting to Fly Line & Indicator Placement
Connect the leader loop to your fly line loop.
Place the indicator on the leader section. Adjust its position to control depth based on water flow.
3. Tag Fly Placement
First Fly: 4ft down from the leader connection, tie a triple surgeon’s knot to create a 2-5″ tag of 5X-6X tippet for your first fly.
Second Fly: 12-18” below, repeat the triple surgeon’s knot to create another 2-5″ tag for the second fly.
4. Weighting the Rig
8-12” below the last fly, place a BB-size split shot before a stop knot to prevent it from sliding down.
Add more weight if needed based on water speed.
Best Flies for the Bounce Rig
Matching the hatch is key, but some consistent producers for the Provo River include:
Midges: Zebra Midges (black, red, or olive, size 18-22), WD-40s, and Bling Midges.
Mayflies: Pheasant Tail Nymphs, Frenchies, and Two-Bit Hookers (size 16-20).
Sow Bugs & Scuds: Provo River Sow Bugs and orange/olive scuds (size 14-18).
Why the Bounce Rig Works
The bounce rig excels because it:
- Keeps flies suspended at different depths, covering multiple feeding zones.
- Ensures a natural drift that mimics insects being washed downstream.
- Allows for quick depth adjustments by sliding the indicator.
Tips for Fishing the Bounce Rig
- Adjust Often: Move the indicator or add weight to keep flies near the bottom.
- Watch for Subtle Takes: Strikes can be light, so set the hook on any unusual movement.
- Experiment with Fly Combinations: Mix sow bugs, midges, and mayfly nymphs to see what trout prefer.
Final Thoughts
If you fish the Provo River, the bounce rig is a must-learn technique that consistently produces fish. With the right setup, fly selection, and adjustments, you’ll increase your chances of hooking into those famous Provo browns and rainbows.
Check out our Provo River Bounce Rig Infographic for a step-by-step visual guide, and stop by Fishwest for the gear you need to build the perfect setup!
