Recreation Construction along the Old Provo Channel

With work mostly complete on the Old Provo Channel’s water management structures (delta diversion and downstream small dam), Delta project crews have been focusing on building recreational features on the channel.

Fishing Platforms: Three fishing platforms are under construction and will be taking shape over the next month, with their completion expected in July. The pier locations were selected based on feedback from local anglers and will improve fishing access on the old channel. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has continued stocking fish into the channel to improve local fishing opportunities.

Non-Motorized Boat Ramps: Crews have completed initial construction of two non-motorized boat ramps on the channel. Boat ramp and fishing platform locations are shown in the map below. While the ramps are currently functional, additional work to secure their edges and connect them to the Provo River Parkway Trail will be completed during Utah County’s repaving of the trail – from Lakeview Parkway downstream to the West Trailhead - later this summer.

Keeping the Lower Provo Flowing During Severe Drought

Stick figure illustration of man fishing a river with no water and another fishing in ample water

The June Sucker Recovery Program helps the lower Provo River from going dry by purchasing and deliering instream flows

Below average snowpack in the Provo River watershed this year, means less water is making its way down the Provo River. Flows in the river are largely driven by snow melt in the Wasatch and Uinta mountains with the highest flows typically occurring in late May or early June. This year, peak flow occurred on May 18th at a much lower flow rate than typically observed. Since 2015, members of the June Sucker Recovery Program’s Flow Workgroup have worked together to purchase and deliver water to the Provo River to support the springtime June sucker spawning run. Delivery of these supplemental flows will continue this summer into fall, which will prevent the river from going dry. A portion of the water will also continue to be diverted into the Old Provo Channel to support the community fishery and recreational activities. 

June Sucker on the Run

This year’s June sucker spawning run is well underway, with thousands of suckers already being recorded in the lower Provo River. Adult suckers began displaying a behavior known as “staging” in early April, when adult fish started gathering in schools in the delta and Skipper Bay. Spawning activity in the river began in early May and has steadily increased. As a reminder, large numbers of June sucker often gather in the river pools to rest during the spawning run. These fish are especially vulnerable during this time and should not be disturbed. The species is protected by federal law, which prohibits any harassment or capture of June sucker. Spawning activity will continue into June, followed by the larval drift period which results in transport of these young June sucker to the Provo River Delta for future growth and survival.  

June sucker spawning in the lower Provo River

Provo River Delta Management

  • Delta/Skipper Bay Trail, Trailhead and Wildlife Viewing Tower

  • Old Provo Channel west trailhead, channel trail, north bank and ‘Alligator Park’ parking

  • Boat Harbor Drive

 
 

Permits and Delta Project Questions: a permit is necessary for any commercial activity, activity charging a participation fee, or activity involving groups larger than 12 participants in the delta. The permit is required to ensure the delta meets its purposes for supporting June sucker and allowing compatible recreational use. If you have any delta project questions, or to enquire about a permit please complete the form on our Contact Us page as you begin planning your event. (As a reminder, no motorized watercraft are ever permitted in the delta.)

How Did We Get Here?

Review past years of project construction and see how far we’ve come!