A celebration of the

Brown trout

City of Heber, Wasatch County

In November 2023, Wildlife Walls partnered with Heber City and Heber Community Alliance for Main Street to install a 70 foot brown trout mural on the Mountain View Laundromat at 400 South Main Street. Located just a few blocks from the Bart the Bear mural, "Foam is Home" features two brown trout in foamy, bubbling water, celebrating the abundant trout fishing opportunities in Heber and the beauty of coldwater rivers. The name Foam is Home reflects a well-known phrase in fly fishing, referring to the foam lines in rivers where trout often feed and anglers often find success

Our partnership with Heber City revitalized an area of Heber's Main Street that was blighted and an eyesore. The choice to celebrate brown trout was made because of the world-class brown trout fisheries of the nearby Provo River and the shape of the wall. While we recognize that Brown Trout are non-native and natural predators of native cutthroat trout, we felt it is important to recognize their presence in our rivers and streams, and as a way to talk about the complicated relationship wildlife managers have with the species. Not withstanding their impacts to native fish, they provide nearly unmatched opportunities for fishing across the state.

This Wildlife Walls project was made possible through key partnerships.

This project was made possible through partnerships with Heber City, Heber Community Alliance for Main Street. This mural is part of this statewide project to install monumental murals in every county of Utah. A QR code is installed on each mural to educate visitors about the species and provide recommendations for nearby firsthand wildlife encounters.

Brown Trout

Brown trout are one of Utah’s most popular game fish and are widely distributed throughout the state. Originally from Europe and not native to Utah, they were introduced to North America in the 1880s and have since become naturalized in many Western waters. They can outcompete native species like cutthroat trout in some systems, especially where water temperatures are warmer or habitat has been altered. Their ability to tolerate a wide range of conditions, including warming streams where native trout may struggle, has allowed them to thrive in Utah.

Known for their golden-brown bodies and black and red spots, brown trout are elusive, powerful fish.
Brown trout can live for over 10 years and grow to more than 20 inches in the wild.
They feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish, including other trout species.

Brown Trout "Foam is Home" mural

Designed and installed by Chris Peterson Studio

Heber City reached out to Wildlife Walls in 2023 to explore the possibility of installing a wildlife mural in the downtown area. As a gateway and destination community for a wide range of recreational opportunities in Utah, Heber City officials recognized the importance of wildlife to the lifestyle and culture of their town. We looked at a variety of buildings along Main Street that would be excellent mural candidates. Mockups were made for a few of them that included osprey, elk and trout.

Ultimately, the Mountainview Laundromat was chosen due to its high visibility and the rough shape it was in. The project received a majority of its funding from the Heber City Community Alliance for Main Street in Fall 2023 and installation happened in November.

The City wanted the mural to depict swimming brown trout, and quality reference photos of swimming trout are rare. This was the first project I used AI on to help me generate a design. Somehow through the mockup and initial installation phases, we didn't notice an extra fin on the fish that AI had added. Already partway into the install, this mistake took a little time to fix, but provides a perfect lesson on the pitfalls of AI.

From the Artist

Did you know? Heber has two Wildlife Walls! Don't miss the Bart the Bear mural a few blocks from this wall @ 100 S. Main Street.

Celebrating Utah's wildlife with big art and wildlife encounters across the state on the Wildlife Walls Mural Trail.

Where to find brown trout

There are many places across Utah to see brown trout if you know how to fish for them, If not, the best way to see brown trout is to go fishing with a licensed guide or outfitter. These partners can take you to productive rivers and reservoirs and teach you how to spot and catch Utah’s famous trout. The Provo River in Heber Valley is a blue-ribbon trout stream where brown trout are plentiful and excellent public access is available.

Recommended Fishing Outfitters

Fish Heads Fly Shop (Heber City): A trusted local outfitter offering guided fly fishing trips and gear. Their shop on Main Street also has two Chris Peterson murals inside, including a fishing map of the Middle Provo River.
Hatch Academy (Provo and Weber Rivers): Specializing in teaching beginners how to flyfish on the rivers of the Wasatch.
Spinner Fall (Green River, Dutch John): Providing guided float fishing trips on the legendary Green River at Dutch John.

Nearby Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Osprey @ Charleston Day Use Area: Nesting platforms near the Provo River attract osprey from spring through late summer. Bring binoculars and scan the treetops.
Otters and mule deer @ Cascade Springs: Located above the Alpine Loop, Cascade Springs is a lush wetland area fed by natural springs. River otters, mule deer, and a variety of birds are often seen along the boardwalk trails, particularly in early morning or dusk.
Brown trout and otters @ Provo Riverwalk and Fishing Site: Just west of Heber, this easily accessible stretch of river is a great spot to observe brown trout in the pools and riffles. Lucky visitors may also see river otters.
Osprey @ Jordanelle State Park: During summer months, osprey can be seen fishing and nesting around the reservoir. Visit the Hailstone Day Use Area or take a paddleboard or kayak out for a better view.

Wildlife Etiquette: Always observe from a distance, stay on marked trails, and never feed wild animals.

Wildlife Walls Mural Trail Map

Layers will include:

-Wildlife Walls Murals

-Wildlife Viewing Opportunity Site

-Local Attractions

-Partners (Outfitters, Lodging, Conservation, Outdoor Industry)

Under construction

Plan your trip

Travel Amenities

Bathrooms and Water:
Accomodations:
Fuel and Supplies:

While in Heber, Consider Exploring:

Trips offered by Guides and Outfitters (Currently seeking partners. contact us)

Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit: Wildlife is most active in early mornings and late afternoons, especially in spring and fall, when temperatures are cooler.
Stay Informed: Before embarking on outdoor activities, check local weather forecasts and trail conditions.
Safety First: Wear appropriate footwear, carry sufficient water, and be aware of local wildlife, including rattlesnakes.
Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance, refrain from feeding them, and adhere to guidelines set by local wildlife authorities