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South Fork Access Map.png

South Fork Access Guide

The South Fork of the Ogden River provides some of the most consistent and accessible fly fishing on the entire Ogden River system, particularly during low-flow periods and the colder months. With multiple access points located on U.S. Forest Service and Weber County land, anglers can easily reach productive water with minimal walking and little pressure during the off-season.

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To make navigating this stretch easier, we’ve created a custom South Fork Ogden River access map that highlights public access points, parking areas, and fishable sections. Use the interactive map below to orient yourself before heading out, then reference the descriptions that follow for on-the-ground details.

How to Use the Access Map

The map above shows the primary public access points along the South Fork, including Magpie Campground, Botts Campground, South Fork Campground, Willows Campground, Lower Meadows Campground and Memorial Park & Campground. Each location is marked to help you identify where to park and how to reach the river.

Before fishing:

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  • Read through the descriptions associated with each section. Become familiar with where to park, how to access the river and how to return to your vehicle.

  • Zoom in to see parking areas and road access

  • Cross-reference each location with the descriptions below for fishing characteristics

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All marked locations are on public land and are legally accessible for fishing. Some private land borders the public access so please avoid trespassing and honor private property signage.

General Access & Regulations

All access points shown on the map are located on U.S. Forest Service and Weber County land and remain open to foot access even when campgrounds are closed for the season. Labor Day to Memorial Day, closures significantly reduce traffic while still allowing anglers to reach the river easily.

Anglers should:

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  • Respect posted signage and private property boundaries

  • Follow current Utah DWR regulations

  • Exercise caution when wading, especially during winter conditions where snow can be deep and rocks may be icy.

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For the most up-to-date rules, consult the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

What to Expect

Outside of spring runoff, the South Fork typically runs low and clear, which makes both access and wading straightforward. However, clear water also means fish are easily spooked.

General river characteristics:

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  • Narrow to moderate width (20' to 40')

  • Pocket water, shallow runs, and deep pools

  • Boulder, gravel and cobble bottom

  • Some cut banks with over hanging plants and trees

  • Trout holding tight to structure during low flows

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For best results, wear neutral clothing, move slowly, and be mindful of your shadow—especially later in the day when shadows are long.

Magpie Campground

Overview:

Magpie Campground offers classic pocket water and shallow runs that can fish well under the right conditions. Fish are present throughout this stretch, but tend to be cautious when flows are low and light levels are high. This section takes 1.5 to 2 hours to fish is just over 1/4 of a mile long. This section borders private property to the downstream and to the upstream. If you pass under the bridges you will be trespassing.

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Parking & Walk-In:

Parking is available outside the gate during the off season. Parking during the summer is limited to pullouts along highway 39. Walk-in access to the river is short and generally flat.

 

Water Type:

  • Pocket water

  • Shallow riffles

  • Short defined runs

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Best Techniques:

  • Euro nymphing with 10' 3wt rod with micro leader, 24" 4x sighter and 30" to 48" 6x tippet 

  • Short, controlled drifts around structure

  • Dry fly fishing with 8' 5", 3wt rod with 7' to 9' 4x leader with 24" 5x tippet

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Seasonal Notes:

Botts Campground

Overview:

Botts Campground consistently produces some of the most reliable fishing on the South Fork. This section features better depth, defined seams, and more consistent holding water, making it a standout option during low, clear conditions. This section takes 1.5 to 2 hours to fish and is almost exactly 1/4 of a mile long. You can extend your fishable water if you continue to hike downstream from the parking area. You can also extend your fishable water upstream because this section connects to the South Fork Campground section. You can fish this section for 2 hours or you can make a half day of it and fish 1.25 miles of water. Just be prepared for the hike back to your vehicle.

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Parking & Walk-In:

Parking is available outside the gate during the off season. Avoid completely blocking the gate during the off season. Parking during the summer is limited to pullouts along highway 39. Walk-in access to the river is short and generally flat.

 

Water Type:

  • Pocket water

  • Shallow riffles

  • Short defined runs

  • Large rocks and log structures

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Best Techniques:

  • Euro nymphing with 10' 3wt rod with micro leader, 24" 4x sighter and 30" to 48" 6x tippet 

  • Short, controlled drifts around structure

  • Dry fly fishing with 8' 5", 3wt rod with 7' to 9' 4x leader with 24" 5x tippet

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Seasonal Notes:

South Fork Campground

Overview:

The South Fork Campground area offers easy public access to classic South Fork water, including shallow runs, pocket water, and short pools. This stretch fishes well under low, clear conditions and is best approached slowly with precise presentation. This wading section is .75 miles long and takes 2-3 hours to fish. The lower section meets up with the top of the Botts Campground section and as you work upstream you will need to observe the private property and exit the river. walk around the private property section and re-enter the river upstream.

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Parking & Walk-In:

The best thing about the South Fork Campground is there is plenty of parking year-round. Avoid completely blocking the gate during the off season. Walk-in access to the river is .40 of a mile long but downhill. The return to your vehicle is about .25 miles and along Highway 39. Be careful of oncoming traffic and avoid walking this at night.

 

Water Type:

  • Pocket water

  • Shallow riffles

  • Short defined runs

  • Large rocks and log structures

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Best Techniques:

  • Euro nymphing with 10' 3wt rod with micro leader, 24" 4x sighter and 30" to 48" 6x tippet 

  • Short, controlled drifts around structure

  • Dry fly fishing with 8' 5", 3wt rod with 7' to 9' 4x leader with 24" 5x tippet

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Seasonal Notes:

Willows Campground

Overview:

The Willows Campground area provides easy public access to a slower, more open stretch of the South Fork Ogden River. This section features longer runs and softer seams that can fish well under low, clear conditions when approached carefully. With short walk-ins and light pressure outside the camping season, it’s a good option for anglers looking to cover water methodically and focus on precise presentation. If you park next to the bridge head down stream along the river bank to the pavilion and bench that looks over the river. The best access point is just down stream of the bench. The walk in is just under .20 of a mile. This wading section is just under a half mile and takes 1.5 to 2 hours to fish. The lower part meets up with the top of the Lower Meadows Campground section so if you have more time you can walk down to the beginning of the Lower Meadows Campground section and almost double your fishable water. You can conclude your fishing at the bridge where you parked or you can continue upstream to the Willows Campground. You will walk through the campground and connect with Highway 39 to return to your vehicle. Ba careful walking along Highway 39.

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Parking & Walk-In:

Parking can be limited at this location. If the parking next to the bridge is taken there is more parking across the bridge on the down stream side of the road. Avoid completely blocking any gates during the off season. Walk-in access to the river is .20 of a mile along the river and the return to your vehicle is about .33 miles and along Highway 39. Be careful of oncoming traffic and avoid walking this at night.

 

Water Type:

  • Pocket water

  • Shallow riffles

  • Short defined runs

  • Large rocks and log structures

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Best Techniques:

  • Euro nymphing with 10' 3wt rod with micro leader, 24" 4x sighter and 30" to 48" 6x tippet 

  • Short, controlled drifts around structure

  • Dry fly fishing with 8' 5", 3wt rod with 7' to 9' 4x leader with 24" 5x tippet

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Seasonal Notes:

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