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Gear Review | Sitka Cross Current Wading Boot

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Gear Review

Sitka CrossCurrent
Wading Boot

First impressions on the river — here’s what stood out.

★★★★★   Overall Rating   4.5 / 5

Use Case  Fly Fishing — Rivers & Streams  |  Experience  Initial Impressions  |  Verdict  Highly Recommended

Fresh out of the box, the Sitka CrossCurrent Wading Boot makes one thing immediately clear — this is not a boot designed to cut corners. Built for anglers who demand serious performance across grip, durability, and all-day comfort, these boots carry Sitka’s trademark attention to detail from the backcountry into the river. Here’s a breakdown of the first impressions across the three areas that matter most on the water.

River Grip

This is where the CrossCurrent immediately earns its keep. The rubber sole version features a customizable aluminum cleat system that lets anglers dial in traction for variable riverbeds and submerged conditions — a genuine plus for anyone fishing diverse water. One boot that can handle both slick bedrock and loose cobble depending on how you set it up is a meaningful advantage.

The aluminum cleats bite confidently into wet rock and gravel, and the ability to customize placement means you’re not locked into a one-size-fits-all traction setup. For guides and serious anglers rotating across different river systems, that adaptability is exactly what you want underfoot.

GRIP VERDICT: The customizable aluminum cleat system is a standout feature — versatile traction you can tailor to any river system.

Durability

Sitka clearly thought hard about where wading boots take a beating. TPU overlays at the toe and heel protect against abrasion and repeated strikes — the areas most prone to wear — and hydrophobic materials shed water quickly to reduce weight and speed dry times. Fast drying isn’t just a comfort feature; it extends the life of materials by limiting prolonged water saturation and breakdown.

The construction philosophy carries through season after season — reinforced where it counts, without adding unnecessary bulk. This is consistent with Sitka’s broader reputation for building gear that holds up in demanding conditions without sacrificing function.

DURABILITY VERDICT: The TPU overlays and rubber sole construction suggest these are built to outlast cheaper alternatives with proper care.

Comfort

A supportive midfoot fit system and molded ankle structure lock in stability, while a cushioned EVA midsole absorbs impact and reduces fatigue during long approaches and extended days in the current. For anyone spending six to eight hours on their feet moving between hiking in and standing in the current, that EVA cushioning is felt by mile three.

The CrossCurrent strikes a balance that many wading boots get wrong — lightweight yet supportive — without sacrificing one for the other. The midfoot fit system also adds a customized, snug feel that reduces foot movement inside the boot, a common irritant on uneven river terrain.

COMFORT VERDICT: Well above average for a wading boot, especially for long days that mix hiking and wading.

Overall Verdict

Sitka CrossCurrent Wading Boot

The Sitka CrossCurrent makes a strong first impression as a thoughtfully engineered boot that doesn’t compromise on grip, durability, or comfort. The customizable rubber sole with aluminum cleats and TPU overlays are the standout design wins. At the price point Sitka commands you’d expect this level of build quality — and from initial impressions, it delivers. Time on the water over a full season will be the real test, but the foundation is very solid.

★★★★★  4.5 / 5 — Highly Recommended

2026 utah snowpack report

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Utah Snowpack Far Below Normal as of March 20, 2026

Source: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Utah SNOTEL Network — Snow Water Equivalent as a percent of the 1991–2020 median, end of day March 20, 2026.

Utah SNOTEL Snow Water Equivalent map showing percent of 1991-2020 median for March 20, 2026. Most of the state is below 50% of normal, shown in red.
Utah SNOTEL — Snow Water Equivalent, Percent of NRCS 1991–2020 Median — March 20, 2026

Overview

Utah’s snowpack is well below normal heading into late March 2026, a critical period that typically marks peak snow water equivalent (SWE) for most of the state. The USDA NRCS SNOTEL data paints a concerning picture: the vast majority of Utah’s watersheds are showing less than 50% of median SWE — the lowest category on the map, shown in red.

Conditions by Region

Best Conditions (50–89% of Median)

The northeastern corner of the state is faring the best, though still below normal:

  • Raft River — 75%
  • Northeastern Uintas — 63%
  • Duchesne — 63%
  • Bear — 60%
  • Beaver — 56%
  • Provo–Utah Lake / Jordan — 51%

Moderate Deficit (33–47% of Median)

Much of the Wasatch Front and western Utah basins are in significantly below-normal territory:

  • Weber–Ogden — 47%
  • Tooele Valley / Vernon Creek — 35%
  • Southwestern Utah — 33%

Severe Deficit (Under 30% of Median)

Central and southern Utah are in critical condition, with almost no snowpack remaining relative to historical norms:

  • Upper Sevier — 30%
  • San Pitch — 28%
  • Price / San Rafael — 28%
  • Dirty Devil — 28%
  • Escalante–Paria — 22%
  • Lower Sevier — 20%
  • Southeastern Utah — 4% — essentially no snowpack at all

What This Means

With snowpack season at or near its peak, these numbers are alarming for water managers, farmers, and municipalities across the state. Snowpack is Utah’s primary water storage mechanism — it slowly melts through spring and early summer, replenishing rivers and reservoirs. A deficit of this magnitude heading into the melt season suggests:

  • Reduced streamflows through spring and summer
  • Lower reservoir inflows, particularly in central and southern Utah
  • Increased drought stress for agriculture and ranching operations
  • Elevated wildfire risk later in the season due to dry vegetation

Southeastern Utah’s reading of just 4% of median is particularly striking — a number that points to an extremely dry and potentially difficult year ahead for that region.

Data provided by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Map created 3-21-2026. For the latest SNOTEL data, visit nrcs.usda.gov.

Fly Fishing for Beginners: Your Complete Guide to Getting Started on Utah’s Rivers and Streams

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By the Guides at Park City Fly Fishing Guides | Park City, Utah

Learning to fly fish can feel downright overwhelming at first, the gear, the lingo, the knots, the casting. Trust us, we’ve all been there. Here at Park City Fly Fishing Guides, we work with beginners every season on some of Utah’s most beautiful waters, from the Provo River to the Weber River and beyond. Over the years, we’ve zeroed in on the tips that make the biggest difference for new anglers. Whether you’re signing up for your first guided trip or just curious about the sport, this guide is for you.

And here’s the best part: even our most experienced guides are still learning. That’s what makes fly fishing so addictive. Let’s get you started.

1. Don’t Get Overwhelmed by Gear – Start Simple

Walking into a fly shop for the first time can feel like you’ve wandered into a foreign country. The good news? The basics are actually pretty straightforward once someone breaks it down for you.

Here’s a simple starter setup for trout fishing:

1. Rod: A 9-foot, 5-weight rod is a great all-around choice for Utah trout.

2. Fly Line: Match the weight to your rod – a 5-weight line for a 5-weight rod.

3. Reel: Look for one rated 3–5 weight.

4. Leader & Tippet: A 9-foot, 3x or 5x leader does the trick for most trout fishing. Tippet runs 0x (thickest) to 6x (finest).

5. Backing: Goes on the reel first. Ask the shop to spool it for you.

Our tip: stop by one of the local Park City area fly shops and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Staff are used to building setups from scratch with beginners, and most shops have tools to spool your fly line properly, save yourself the headache of doing it at home.

2. Check the Local Fishing Report Before You Head Out

One of the smartest things a beginner can do is read the local fishing report before hitting the water. Most Park City area fly shops publish weekly reports online, telling you what flies are working, current water conditions on the Provo, Weber, and other local rivers, and what the fish are feeding on. You don’t need every fly ever tied, just the right ones for the conditions that day. Over time, you’ll build up a solid selection that covers you through all four of Utah’s beautiful seasons.

3. Use Free Resources to Practice at Home

YouTube is a fly fisher’s best friend. There are hundreds of free tutorials covering everything from knots to fly tying to casting fundamentals. Two knots every beginner should learn first: the improved clinch knot (for attaching your fly) and the blood knot (for adding tippet). Practice them at home while watching TV so they’re second nature when you’re standing knee deep in the Provo River.

4. Expect Messy Days – They’re Part of the Process

Tangles, lost flies, botched knots welcome to fly fishing! Even seasoned guides get skunked. Some days the fish just aren’t cooperating, and that’s completely normal. When you hit a nasty tangle, sometimes it’s worth the patience to work it out; other times you cut your losses and re-rig. Moving to a heavier tippet (3x or 4x instead of 5x or 6x) can also reduce frustrating tangles for beginners. And when the fish aren’t biting, remember you’re still on the water in Park City, Utah. That’s never a bad day.

5. Casting Matters Less Than You Think

This one surprises a lot of beginners. Casting is the most visible part of fly fishing, but it’s far from the whole game. Especially when a nymph rig on the Provo, what your line does on the water often matters more than how elegant it looks in the air. A basic, functional cast is more than enough to have a great day. What really separates good anglers is knowing where trout hold in a river. Reading the water is a skill you’ll develop over time, and it’s one of our favorite things to teach on guided trips.

6. Think Like a Bug

Fly fishing is really just about convincing a trout that your fly is food. Whether you’re drifting a dry fly on the surface or swinging a streamer through a deep run, the goal is a natural presentation. Utah rivers are full of mayflies, stoneflies, and caddis. Spend a minute watching how they move on the water, then try to mimic that drift.

7. Find Your Fly Fishing Community

Fly fishing is more welcoming than ever, and you don’t have to learn alone. The Park City area has a great angling community, and local fly shops often host workshops and beginner events. Groups like Utah Women’s Fly Fishers, High Country Fly Fishers, and University of Utah Fly Fishing Club are doing fantastic work to make the sport more inclusive. Fishing with others is one of the fastest ways to improve — and honestly, it’s just more fun.

8. Take Care of Utah’s Waters

Utah’s rivers are spectacular resources and they need our protection. As an angler here, you play a role in conservation. Practice proper catch-and-release techniques, keep trout in the water as much as possible, use barbless hooks, and fight fish quickly. During summer months, stop fishing when water temperatures climb above 68°F, as warm water stresses trout.. Pick up trash and support local river conservation efforts. We take these responsibilities seriously at Park City Fly Fishing Guides, and we hope our guests do too.

9. Book a Guided Trip – It’s the Fastest Way to Learn

There’s no faster way to level up than spending a day on the water with a knowledgeable guide. At Park City Fly Fishing Guides, we specialize in taking complete beginners and giving them a genuinely great day of fishing on Utah’s iconic rivers. We’ll handle the gear, teach you the fundamentals, read the water, and put you in position to catch fish. We offer half-day and full-day trips, give us a call. Group lessons and workshops are seasonally available for those looking for a lower-cost entry point.

10. Stay Curious – This Sport Never Gets Old

Fly fishing is a lifetime pursuit. The guides at Park City Fly Fishing Guides have been at it for years and are still discovering new techniques, new hatches, and new stretches of water. That sense of endless discovery is what keeps us coming back. Stay curious, be patient with yourself, and enjoy every moment on the water whether you’re landing fish or just soaking in the scenery of the Wasatch Back..

Ready to Get on the Water?

Park City Fly Fishing Guides is here to make your first (or tenth) fly fishing experience one to remember. We know these rivers, we love what we do, and we’d love to share it with you.

Booking your trip couldn’t be easier, our online booking portal makes it simple to browse available dates, choose your trip type, and reserve your spot in just a few clicks. No phone tag, no waiting. Just pick your date and get ready to fish.

💻 Book online: www.parkcityflyfishingguides.com

📍 Where we fish: Provo River, Weber River, and other premier Utah trout waters

🎯 Skill levels: All welcome — complete beginners encouraged

Park City Fly Fishing Guides • Park City, Utah

Book your guided fly fishing trip online — fast, easy, and available 24/7

www.parkcityflyfishingguides.com

Gear Review | Skwala RS Wader

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Gear Review

Skwala RS Wader

One full season on rivers and streams — here’s what I found.

★★★★★   Overall Rating   5 / 5
Use Case  Fly Fishing — Rivers & Streams   |   Experience  One Full Season   |   Verdict  Highly Recommended

After a full season putting the Skwala RS Wader through its paces on rivers and streams, I can say with confidence this is one of the most impressive pieces of fly fishing gear I have ever owned. Skwala set out to build a flagship wader that refuses to compromise on durability, waterproofing, breathability, or comfort — and by every measure, they delivered.

Performance Scorecard
Positives
Durability & Build Quality ★★★★★ 5 / 5
Waterproofing & Dryness ★★★★★ 5 / 5
Comfort & Fit ★★★★★ 5 / 5
Breathability ★★★★★ 5 / 5
Value for Money ★★★★★ 5 / 5
Negatives
Sizing ★★★☆☆ 3 / 5

What I Loved

Durability & Build Quality ★★★★★

The RS Wader is built around a proprietary 4-layer breathable laminate topped with an ultra-dense 100% polyester microfiber double-weave face textile. In practice, this means the fabric shrugs off snags on streamside brush, rocky scrambles, and submerged debris that would quickly wear through lesser waders. After a full season of hard use, I have not found a single puncture or tear — a testament to how seriously Skwala took durability when designing this wader from scratch.

Waterproofing & Dryness ★★★★★

I stayed completely dry across a wide range of conditions — from deep chest wading on tailwaters to extended sessions in cold, fast-moving freestone streams. The C6 DWR finish sheds water with ease, and the waterproof centre zip has proven completely leak-free. For those who spend long days in the water, the RS delivers peace of mind that you simply cannot put a price on.

Comfort & Fit ★★★★★

This is where the RS Wader truly sets itself apart. Skwala’s use of fourchette seams — a technique borrowed from glove-making — places articulation points throughout the legs exactly where movement demands it. The result is a wader that moves with you rather than against you. The built-in integrated wading belt provides genuine lumbar support, and the buckle-less shoulder yoke with G-hooks distributes load evenly without creating pressure points. After a long day of hiking and wading, my body felt noticeably less fatigued than with previous waders.

Breathability ★★★★★

Bombproof durability and high breathability rarely go hand in hand — but the RS manages both impressively. On warmer days and during longer hikes to the water, I stayed far more comfortable than expected for a wader of this weight class. The anti-microbial treatment on the interior scrim also helped keep things fresh throughout the season.

Value for Money ★★★★★

The RS Wader sits at the premium end of the market, but the lifetime repair/replace warranty, the quality of materials, and the thoughtfulness of the design make it a worthwhile long-term investment. When you factor in the durability and longevity compared to cheaper alternatives that need replacing every few seasons, the cost per use works out strongly in Skwala’s favour.

What Could Be Better

Sizing ★★★☆☆

My one gripe with the RS Wader is sizing. The cut runs on the slimmer side, and if you plan to layer up for cold-weather fishing, you may find the torso area a little tighter than expected. I would recommend ordering based on your layering needs rather than just your base measurements, and taking advantage of Skwala’s free return shipping if you are unsure. The suspenders also have limited length adjustment — I found myself wishing for one additional extension position. It is a minor complaint given how excellent everything else is, but worth noting if you are taller or broader in the chest.

At a Glance

Pros
  • Exceptional durability — resists punctures and tears
  • Completely waterproof in all conditions
  • Fourchette seams deliver unmatched freedom of movement
  • Genuinely breathable even during long hikes
  • Integrated wading belt reduces fatigue on long days
  • Lifetime warranty — outstanding long-term value
Cons
  • Slim cut — size up if layering heavily
  • Suspender adjustment range could be wider
  • Premium price may give casual anglers pause
Final Verdict

The Best Wader I Have Ever Worn

After a full season of demanding use across rivers and streams, the Skwala RS Wader has earned its place at the top of my kit. There is nothing else on the market that combines this level of durability, waterproofing, breathability, and articulated comfort in a single garment. The sizing nuances are a minor consideration easily managed with careful ordering. If you are a serious fly angler who wants a wader that will outlast anything else in your rotation, the RS is the answer.

★★★★★ 5 / 5  —  Highly Recommended
Fly Fishing Waders Gear Review Skwala RS Wader Rivers & Streams

Park City Fly Fishing – Getting you ready for Spring 2026

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The Best Flies to Use on the Provo River This Spring

Spring is the most exciting time to fish the Provo, here’s exactly what to tie on, when to tie it, and why it works.

If you’ve been waiting all winter for trout to start looking up, your time has come. Spring on the Provo River is a fly fisher’s dream, hatches are building, fish are feeding aggressively, and the crowds haven’t fully arrived yet. But spring fishing on the Provo rewards anglers who show up prepared. Here’s your complete guide to the best flies for the Middle and Lower Provo River in spring 2026, broken down by hatch and time of day.

March: The Buffalo Midge Hatch

Early spring on the Middle Provo means one thing: the Buffalo Midge. These are the biggest midges you’ll find on Utah rivers, sized around #16–18 and dark in color, and when they hatch, the surface of the river comes alive with aggressive, splashy rises. It’s some of the best dry fly fishing of the entire year.

The hatch typically kicks off around 12:30–1:30 PM. Don’t bother sleeping in, though, arrive early and nymph in the morning while you wait for it to build.

Top Flies for the Buffalo Midge Hatch:

  • Thread Midges (sizes 22–26) in black, brown, red, grey, and tan, for morning nymphing before the hatch
  • Mother Shucker (sizes 16–20) in black, grey, and brown, the go-to dry fly during the hatch, imitating a midge with a trailing shuck still attached
  • Grey or Brown Midges (sizes 20–24) reliable nymph patterns before the hatch fires up

Pro Tip: These fish are picky. Lengthen your leader to 9–12 feet and drop down to 6x or 7x tippet. When the hatch is in full swing, the river can be blanketed with naturals, use a slightly larger or more visible pattern so the fish can pick your fly out of the crowd.

April: Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs)

By April, the BWO hatch is building momentum and becomes the dominant event on the river. Blue-winged olives are grayish-olive mayflies with sail-like wings, and trout key in on them hard, sometimes to the exclusion of everything else. After a long winter of feeding on midges, fish go a little reckless when BWOs appear, making April one of the most exciting dry fly months of the year.

The hatch is best on overcast days and typically picks up in the afternoon.

Top Flies for the BWO Hatch:

  • RS2 (sizes 20–22) in black, grey, and olive, a must-have nymph for pre-hatch fishing
  • Foamback Baetis (sizes 16–18) in black and chocolate, excellent subsurface options
  • CDC Compara-Dun (sizes 16–18) deadly during the dry fly hatch
  • CDC Sparkle Dun (sizes 16–18) another top-tier dry fly when fish are rising to emergers
  • Parachute Adams (sizes 18–22) a reliable all-around match when the hatch is light

Pro Tip: Fish the Middle Provo mid-morning through the afternoon using a light nymph rig (5.5–6x tippet, 4–7 feet in length) before switching to dries when you see consistent rises along soft seams and tailouts.

May: Mother’s Day Caddis & Pre-Runoff Action

May brings one of the most iconic hatches in the West, the Mother’s Day Caddis. Unlike most caddis hatches that come and go in an hour, the Mother’s Day hatch can stretch over several days, with each bug spending longer than usual transitioning from pupae to adult. That means longer feeding windows and more opportunity to get fish on a dry fly.

Act fast, spring runoff can raise and color the water by late May, especially on the Upper Provo. The Middle and Lower sections, being tailwaters, remain fishable longer.

Top Flies for the May Caddis Hatch:

  • Elk Hair Caddis (sizes 14–18) the classic surface pattern; go a size bigger than the natural so you can track it through the hatch
  • X-Caddis (sizes 14–18) excellent emerger pattern when fish are keying on bugs just under the surface
  • Lawson’s Emerging Caddis (sizes 14–18) another proven emerger for reluctant risers
  • BH Hare’s Ear (sizes 14–18) a versatile nymph when fish aren’t yet looking up
  • San Juan Worm — don’t overlook this one as flows begin to rise; trout love it when water starts moving

Pro Tip: When the hatch is in full swing, there will be so many naturals on the water that fish won’t be able to find your fly. Size up one size from the natural, give the trout a target that stands out.

Essential Spring Gear Notes

  • Tippet: Drop to 5x–6x fluorocarbon for nymphing; go 6x–7x for dry flies in clear, low water
  • Rod: A 9-foot, 5-weight handles most spring conditions beautifully
  • Timing: Morning is prime for nymphing; midday to afternoon is when hatches fire and dry fly opportunities open up
  • Water Flows: The Middle and Lower Provo are tailwaters, they fish well even as snowmelt picks up. Check flows before heading to the Upper Provo, which can blow out in May

Book a Spring Trip with Park City Fly Fishing Guides

Spring is one of the best, most technical, times to fish the Provo. Having a guide who fishes these waters daily means you’ll know exactly which flies are working, where the fish are holding, and when to make the switch from nymphs to dries.

Park City Fly Fishing Guides specializes in the Provo River and welcomes anglers of all skill levels, from families and first-timers to seasoned anglers chasing trophy browns.

Visit www.parkcityflyfishingguides.com to book your spring 2026 trip before the best dates fill up.

The hatch is coming. Be ready.

Park City Fly Fishing Guides | www.parkcityflyfishingguides.com

Park City Fly Fishing Report March 8, 2026

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Location | Middle Section Provo River

If you’re an outfitter, a guide or a dedicated angler and you’re thinking about the consequences of a lean winter and an underwhelming snowpack. It has been a tough winter. However, we are doing our best to remain resolute in our positive affirmations and efforts to be optimistic. Afterall, it is currently one of the best times of the year to be on the Middle Provo.

For the moment, we’re just going to live in the moment and at moment the midge hatch is good!

Flows | 149.23 cfs release from Jordanelle Resevoir

Fishing | Good to Excellent  

Hatches | Buffalo Midge & Smaller Midges

Time of Day | 11am-2pm

Flies | Mother Schuckers, Black, Gray and Brown. 

Tippet | 6-7x depending on fly selection and size

Techniques | Dry Fly Fishing

Keep your eyes open, the trout will be keying into bugs that are emerging and stuck in the film.

Pro Tip: Fish two dries. A larger, easier to see fly can be used as a sighter with your more realistic smaller fly (harder to see) tied behind 18 inches, or so, on light tippet.

Park City Fly Fishing Report March 5, 2024

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Location | Weber River

Flows | 148 cfs out of Echo Reservoir

Fishing | Good

Hatches | Midges, Baetis, Sowbugs and various subsurface junk food.

Time of Day | 9am – 2pm

Flies | Thread Midges, Tailwater Sowbugs, Mayhems and Leeches.

Tippet | As small as you can go with the increasing flows.

Techniques | Nymphing

Good flow and water clarity. Winter conditions continue to persist, however good fishing can be found with the elevated flows they have kept this section of the river at this winter. We do have an above average snowpack and we do anticipate flows to increase sometime soon.