There are other hazards, of sorts. At some point in the past, probably in the 1950s, old cars were placed in the riverbank to control cutbank erosion. These are now the home of many a nymph and Panther Martin.

The UDWR is addressing this problem. They will dig up these old cars with a backhoe and bury them outside of the river, with landowner permission.

Finally, looking at the river, you may be tempted to float it. Don't try it! In Utah, private property includes the bottom of the river. If you float it, you would be trespassing and could jeopardize a lot of hard work by the UDRW to secure access. You will also have to navigate beneath two low-strung electric fences that cross the river. With an aluminum canoe and graphite rod, that could give you quite a charge.

ACCOMMODATIONS
The Blue Ribbon stretch of the Weber River is about 40 minutes from Salt Lake City and 30 minutes from downtown Park City.

Camping is available at the Rockport Reservoir campground at the base of the dam. This is a nice facility, but is closed in the winter.

Many fishing suppliers are in the area. Troutbum 2 and Jans Mountain Outfitters have updates on fishing conditions and recommended flies at their Web sites: www.troutbum2.com and www.jans.com.

Fishing licenses are available online at www.wildlife.utah.gov.

* * *

The sun was still shining over the snow-covered Wasatch Mountains, but a thin film of cloud drifted in from the west. The sun seemed to lose its heat. I crunched slowly through the frozen hay and old snow, my car barely visible in the distance.

My son David was there, waiting. A lone fisherman stood in the hole below, changing a fly.

Off to the north, a cluster of houses had appeared where alfalfa grew not too long ago. Salt Lake City's reach has come this far. I stopped beside the old battered body of a '50s vintage Chevrolet and looked back up the river. The fisherman was still there, unmoved, focusing on some knot.

Away from the ripple of the water, I heard the hiss of passing cars on the interstate.

Winter grips Utah in a vise, holds it there for months and lets go only with reluctance. It's four full months until the thaw begins, five until the run-off ends.

All winter long, the rivers run clear and cold in the Utah mountains. Trout sway lazily in the current and see it all -- the water, the storms, the snow and the brilliant sunshine as they wait for an insect to come by.