Currant Creek

Location and description

US-40 crosses Currant Creek at the bottom of Deep Creek Canyon, approximately four miles west of Fruitland. This is a moderately large, productive stream. A gravel road follows the stream making for generally easy access.

Game fish species and methods

Currant Creek is known for good brown and, in the upper reaches, cutthroat trout fishing maintained through natural reproduction. Angler tip: imitate natural foods, primarily terrestrial and aquatic insects. Small, shiny lures imitate minnows and larger aquatic insects and artificial flies are available for almost every aquatic and terrestrial insect. Talk to a local fly shop and bring a selection.

Access and facilities

Public access along most of Currant Creek has been acquired as partial mitigation for the Central Utah Project. Currant Creek flows primarily through state or federal lands from the reservoir downstream to Little Red Creek, a distance of some 6 miles. Anglers can also access the creek where the Big Dry Road crosses the stream. The remaining 7 miles of stream downstream of that point is a mix of public and private land with scattered angler access easements.

Negotiations with landowners in some key areas are still ongoing. As agreements are reached, expect expansion of the parking area program and informational signing. Until then, however, it may not always be easy to determine where to legally access the stream, particularly in the lower reach.

Modern lodging and conveniences are available in Daniels Summit, Heber and Duchesne. Gas and food are available at the US-40 junction, Fruitland, and the Strawberry Marina. The Forest Service maintains a campground at Currant Creek Reservoir. Primitive camping is allowed on public lands out of the river corridor. There is no camping permitted in the stream corridor.