Cottonwood Creek - Big

About Cottonwood Creek - Big

Big Cottonwood Creek, a 26-mile-long stream in the Wasatch Mountains east of Salt Lake City, Utah, offers excellent trout fishing opportunities. This vibrant waterway is home to rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, and the native Bonneville cutthroat trout, making it a prime destination for anglers. The fish aren't as big, but make up for it by being less selective with flies and a willingness to go after dry flies any time of the year. You can fish this creek with success from the lowest part of the canyon, all the way to below Solitude Resort. Keep moving once you park, fishing as many of the little pools as you can. The creek's diverse ecosystem supports various insect activities throughout the fishing season. Anglers can enjoy fishing in the upper reaches near Brighton, where the creek originates from numerous mountain lakes, or in the lower sections as it flows towards the Jordan River. The creek's water quality is exceptional, as it serves as a vital drinking water source for Salt Lake City, though this also means strict management controls are in place, prohibiting dogs and horses. This protected watershed provides a scenic and productive environment for fly fishers seeking a variety of trout species.