Upcoming
Green River Fishout - July 30 - Aug 2, 2026
August Meeting - Wed, Aug 5, 6 - 8:30 PM
Volunteers Needed Soapstone Creek Restoration - Aug 8, 12, 14, 15, 2026
Fish For Garbage: Green River - Sat, Aug 8, 9 AM - 12 PM
Volunteers Needed Scouting America Troop #1262 Casting Clinic - Aug 11, and Aug 15 2026
Soapstone Creek Restoration Update
Soapstone Creek Restoration Update
Restoration efforts on Soapstone Creek—an important tributary of the Upper Provo River impacted by the 2024 Yellow Lake Wildfire—continue to gain momentum. Project funding has reached $24,590, with an additional $45,000 in potential U.S. Forest Service support expected to be confirmed in May.
Volunteer workdays are planned for August, including a large coordinated effort involving up to 100 volunteers, with on-site food and possible grant-sponsored refreshments.
High Country Fly Fishers contributed early leadership through a $10,000 Trout Unlimited Embrace-a-Stream grant, helping launch rehabilitation work and position the project for broader state and federal support. Together, these combined resources mark an important step toward restoring habitat and long-term resilience in the Upper Provo watershed.
Be part of the Restoration of Soapstone Creek
August Meeting
August Meeting:
Wed, Aug 5th, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Your donation helps support our operations and sustain our mission. As always, thank you for your continued support.
August Monthly Meeting: Patagonia: Fly Fishing at the End of the World
Jeff Wells’ connection to the wilds of Patagonia spans more than five decades—an enduring relationship shaped by adventure, enterprise, and a deep commitment to conservation. His journey began in Argentina’s Mendoza region and evolved into ownership of Estancia El Palenque, a vast and storied ranch supporting over 5,000 mother cows, 20,000 sheep, and—most remarkably—hundreds of miles of pristine rivers, streams, and lakes.
Those waters became the heart of a world-class fly fishing destination, attracting discerning anglers, celebrities, and devoted fly-fishing enthusiasts from around the globe. Estancia El Palenque earned an international reputation, featured on ESPN, PBS, the Discovery Channel, and the Travel Channel, and recognized as one of Patagonia’s premier fishing experiences.
Following a successful career as a special underwriting correspondent for Lloyd’s of London, Jeff shifted his focus toward preserving the landscapes that had defined his life. Working alongside longtime friends Douglas and Kristine Tompkins—renowned conservationists and founders of major outdoor brands—he has dedicated himself to protecting Patagonia’s natural heritage for future generations.
Today, Jeff is actively involved in developing an ambitious conservation-based resort in central Patagonia, Chile. This project will serve as a gateway to millions of acres of largely untouched wilderness.
At the center of this vision is the Fundo Los Leones Eco Fly Fishing Lodge, part of a broader resort experience that combines world-class angling with immersive ecotourism. Visitors can explore extraordinary landscapes while encountering diverse birdlife, marine ecosystems, and Andean flora and fauna.
In his presentation, Jeff will take audiences deep into Patagonia—answering essential questions such as: What exactly is Patagonia? Where is it? When should you go? And how do you choose the right experience in such a vast and varied region? He’ll share insider knowledge on timing your trip for trophy fishing, making the most of a first visit, and planning return journeys that reveal even more of Patagonia’s unmatched beauty.
Attendees will experience detailed maps, compelling video footage, and curated resources highlighting the region’s national parks, cultural richness, and fascinating geological and political history.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jeff is a devoted grandfather whose 17 grandchildren share his passion for the outdoors. Many of them are already following in his footsteps, inspired by his adventures and his YouTube channel, Patagonia Tenkara Addict.
Handout materials will be provided to help you begin planning your own Patagonian adventure.
A special thanks to Jeff Wells. He donated a week’s lodging
to the 2026 Wasatch Expo conservation-focused auction.
The Expo is a major source of funds for HCFF.
Strawberry Reservoir Fishing Report – East Portal
July 9, 2026 | Report from John Schultz
Bill Quapp and I launched at East Portal about 8:30 a.m. The water was calm, with temperatures around 65–66°F and approximately eight feet of visibility. There was very little surface activity.
Mike Sonzini and Walter arrived after we were already on the water. Walter was guiding a senior woman from his raft and headed directly to Bryant's Fork, where he anchored and spent the day indicator fishing. His client had a ball! Mike stayed until about noon and left with a handful of fish.
I put an RC fly on my intermediate line and basically dragged it around all day. It produced fish pretty regularly from start to finish.
On my Type 4 line, I started with a Chinchilla tied with pearl olive chenille. It worked well for a couple of hours before slowing down. Then the fly experimentation began!
Gene's Rusty Nail—immediate hookup. End of story.
Orange Blossom Special—immediate hookup. End of story.
Angstrom—immediate hookup. End of story.
The Midnight Bunny finally gave me two fish. Yea!
I switched to a Chinchilla with UV Estaz and picked up a few more. I finished with a white bunny with peas and carrots, which produced pretty well until we called it quits around 3:00 p.m.
Bill and I ended the day with approximately 44 fish between us, including some great Rainbow Trout and several nice Bonneville Cutthroats.
A really nice day on Strawberry—and some of the best weather we've had this year!
— John Schultz
Protecting the Weber River Sucker
Protecting the Weber River Green Sucker
Researchers from Utah State University, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources are investigating the decline of the Weber River Green Sucker, a native fish species whose struggles may reveal broader ecosystem problems affecting the river food web. The study focuses on possible thiamine deficiencies and aquatic food-web imbalances that could influence fish survival, river health, aquatic insect productivity, and ultimately the long-term condition of the Weber River trout fishery. Learn more.
Cutthroad Slam on KSL Outdoors
John Schultz's Montana & Idaho Report ( May 22, 2026)
Check out John Schultz's latest fishing report from Island Park, Hebgen Lake, and Henry's Lake. John shares current conditions, productive fly patterns, water temperatures, and details on some outstanding fishing, including numerous trout over 20 inches. His report also includes an encouraging update on Henry's Lake, where improving management efforts may be helping restore one of the West's premier stillwater fisheries.
Complementary Trout Unlimited Membership for first time applicants
Click the button below to receive a free first-time on your first year of Trout Unlimited membership.
With your membership, you’ll enjoy a subscription to Trout magazine, discounts on travel and fishing gear, and many other valuable benefits.
Your membership also helps support our political clout in Utah.
When adverse legislative actions are proposed, we ask our TU members to speak up. Legislators listen when there are enough voices.
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