High Country Fly Fishers Activities

This list is your direct pipeline to insider tips, updates, and events focused solely on river fly fishing. Expect valuable info from the group leader, tailored to your passion, delivered only when something exciting surfaces. No inbox overflow here!.

This list is your direct pipeline to insider tips, updates, and events focused solely on stillwater fly fishing. Expect valuable info from the group leader, tailored to your passion, delivered only when something exciting surfaces. No inbox overflow here!.

We regret to inform you that the May Fly Fishing Clinic has reached full capacity. However, we’d be happy to add you to our waitlist. In the event of a cancellation, we will promptly notify you. Additionally, please be assured that we plan to offer the Fly Fishing Clinic again next year.

When: Oct 3 – 8, 2024

Where: Island Park, ID, USA (map)

Description: High Country Fly Fishers will return to Island Park for our seventh annual fish out.

There are a large number of lodging options in this area. The Lakeside Lodge, located 320 miles north of Park City, has rooms, cabins, RV spaces, dry camping sites, a restaurant, and a bar. The Sawtelle Mountain Resort also has rooms, cabins, and RV spaces and is perhaps more conveniently located to fishing destinations to the north. Camping options are numerous around Island Park; however, at this time of year, it can be very cold or unseasonably warm.

Fishing opportunities in the Island Park area include the Henry’s Fork, the Warm River, Henry’s Lake, Sheridan Lake, and numerous creeks and streams. A few miles up the road is West Yellowstone, with even more lakes and rivers, including the Madison and Firehole Rivers. Hebgen and Quake Lakes are in nearby Montana.

If you are interested in potentially floating one of the rivers with a guide, we encourage you to contact Henry’s Fork Anglers or Trout Hunter. Both shops have supported HCFF with speakers and donations and are sure to tell them that HCFF appreciates their support.

Be aware that depending on where you fish, you may need multiple fishing licenses. Island Park is in Idaho, and other waters like Hebgen and Quake Lakes are in Montana. Yellowstone National Park, while it spans land in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho requires its own license. So, make sure you have the correct fishing licenses for the waters you intend to fish.

Other group activities may be added, and you will be notified via email.

When: Wed, December 4, 2024, 6pm – 9pm

Where: Sun Peak Recreation Center, 1950 Bear Hollow Drive, Park City, Utah 84098 (map)

Description: Toast the holidays at the High Country Fly Fishers Christmas Party.

It’s a potluck, so please bring a main dish, side dish, appetizer, salad, or dessert to share with your fellow revelers. You should bring your own adult beverage. HCFF will have water for you.

The highlight of the evening is the White Elephant Gift Exchange, so bring a wrapped gift with a suggested value of around $15 to $20 if you would like to participate. If there is more than one member of your party who would like to participate, bring a gift from each. Both gag and traditional gifts are appropriate. You never know what you will go home with. It can be your own gag gift.

Gift ideas to help your imagination – a bottle of whisky, a bottle of premium red wine, fly fishing tools, artwork, a great book on fly fishing, fishing supplies, fishing gloves, classic coffee mugs, ice cleats for the snow, shoveler, etc.

We recommend the following schedule to help distribute the food, but, of course, if you have a special dish that you enjoy, you’re welcome to bring it.

• A-F: Main Dish
• G-M: Dessert
• N-S: Appetizer
• T-Z: Salad or Side Dish

Sign up now on our Activity Sign Up page.

If you have any questions, call Todd or Jen at 801-319-2769 or email him at johnsonflyfishing@gmail.com.

Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round and behold the spectacle of the century! Behold the extravaganza that is High Country Fly Fishers’ “Advanced  Knot  Tying” – a riveting, mind-boggling, and soul-enriching 250-hour odyssey into the enigmatic realm of knot mastery, tailored exclusively for the elite connoisseurs of fly fishing!

Picture this: You, dear disciple of the angling arts, embarking on a journey so profound that even the ancient mariners would blush in admiration. With each meticulously woven strand, you’ll unravel the mysteries of the Improved Clinch Knot, the Non-slip Loop Knot, and the Blood Knot, rendering even the most seasoned fishermen speechless with your newfound expertise.

But wait, there’s more! As you emerge from the crucible of knot-tastic enlightenment, your fishing comrades will gaze upon you with awe and wonderment. With the agility of a ninja and the finesse of a maestro, you’ll change your fly faster than a cheetah on roller skates – a feat so spectacular, they’ll dub you “The Haddock Hack,” a title that shall echo through the annals of angling history! As you wander the aisles of the Wasatch Expo, the seasoned fly fisher will point you out to the newbies, admiring your finesse and skill. Cheech will kibitz about you in his videos, showcasing your mastery of knots and your uncanny ability to outwit even the trickiest of trout. John Schultz himself will seek out your skills, eager to learn and incorporate your techniques into his own legendary repertoire. So, don’t hesitate—grab your spot in “Advanced  Knot  Tying” now and become the stuff of fly fishing legend!

But that’s not all – oh no! Prepare to strike fear into the hearts of trout far and wide as you effortlessly execute the Blood Knot with the speed of lightning and the precision of a Swiss watchmaker. Your legend shall precede you like a mighty tide, with piscine adversaries quivering in anticipation of your piscatorial prowess.

Now, you may be wondering, what’s the cost of admission to this veritable cornucopia of piscatorial perfection? Fear not, dear friend, for the price of entry is a mere pittance – a paltry sum of $1! Yes, you heard that right, just a solitary dollar bill stands between you and piscatorial immortality.

So, heed the call of the wild, my fellow fisherfolk! Secure your spot in “Advanced  Knot  Tying” today and embark on a journey that will leave you breathless, bedazzled, and begging for more. Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers like a wily trout – seize it with both hands and reel in the adventure of a lifetime!

Date: Saturday, February 3

Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm

Frequency: Weekly on Saturday, 3 times

Location: Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, 1505 White Pine Canyon Rd, Park City, UT 84060, USA

High Country Fly Fishers’ beginner fly-tying course is designed to teach you the basics of fly tying. Although we supply all equipment and materials, you are welcome to bring your own vise and tools if you like.

You will learn to tie several versatile patterns, such as the woolly bugger and hare’s ear nymph, which you will get to take with you to try on the water.

Enrollment is limited to 10 students so that we may provide one-on-one instruction. If the class is sold out when you try to register, please send a note to HCFF599@gmail.com, and we’ll put you on the waiting list.

Classes will be held three consecutive Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. until noon. Room 103A&B

The club will provide fresh coffee and breakfast pastries.

The cost is $95 per person.

If you have any questions, call Todd at 801-319-2769 or email him at johnsonflyfishing@gmail.com.

When: Mar 15 – 16, 2024

Where: South Towne Exposition Center, 9575 State St, Sandy, UT 84070, USA (map)

Description: The Wasatch Fly Fishing and Fly Tying Expo is a great show where noteworthy fly tyers from around the western states gather to demonstrate their skills, equipment vendors show the best of their products, and guide services and fishing lodges show you what fishing opportunities are in their locales.

The Expo features classroom and on-the-water workshops on such topics as Euro nymphing, wet fly and streamer fishing, beginner women’s fishing, rod building, and many more. Click here for a list of offerings.

The Stonefly chapter of Trout Unlimited sponsors the Expo. HCFF supports Stonefly in this event in a variety of ways. We need volunteers to help sell raffle tickets, conduct the silent auctions, and do other tasks as needed. You may volunteer for a half-day, a full day, or both days. It is a fun event, and you will meet some of the West’s best fly fishers.

Admission to the Wasatch Expo

• Adults ages 16 and up:
  • One-day Pass, Price Online $8 – Price at the Door $10
  • Two-Day Pass, Price Online $14 – Price at the Door $16
• Ages 15 and under are free with a paying adult.

Click here to buy online tickets.

The Wasatch Expo is a cornerstone of High Country Fly Fishers’ community engagement efforts. By graciously volunteering our time, we secure a share of the event’s proceeds, vital for sustaining our activities. Your participation is crucial! Join us by signing up today and contribute to our cause. Together, we can make a difference!

Otter Creek/Sevier River Fishout Report for 2024

Wednesday Upon arrival at 3:00 PM, John and Susie S were greeted by fierce weather conditions, daunting white caps, making fishing seem daunting.

Thursday: Despite the initial weather setback, Thursday turned out to be a delightful fishing day. Teaming up with Jack C, John and Susie reeled in a whopping 46 Rainbow Trout between them. Susie’s best was a massive 21″ catch, while John managed several at 19″. The fish were notably plump and lively.

Friday: Rain and wind plagued Friday’s expedition, leading Susie to retreat to the truck. Undeterred, John persisted until 1:00 PM, snagging 26 fish, including a notable 20″ catch. Jack, who had landed a remarkable 23″ fish on Wednesday, continued his success with over a dozen catches.

Key Flies: Our successful flies varied; Susie favored the RC Fly on her intermediate line, while John found success  with size 10 dubbed burgundy leech on an Intermediate line, and a brown barred Energizer Bunny on a type 7 line.  Friday, John did well with size 8 Manitoba Minnows on intermediate and type 4 lines, and a size 10 dubbed Midnight Fire leech on an intermediate line.  Jack caught quite a few on Energizer Bunny and White Polar Bunny.

Water Conditions: The lake boasted clear waters with 8 feet of visibility and a temperature of 53 degrees, despite being at full capacity.

Attendees: Devon and Sherry, Gordon, Jen, Pat R., and Carl R joined the group at various times throughout the trip. A few members of Color Country Anglers were able to join us and they caught some really nice rainbows…thanks for the photos!

Campground and Scenery: Despite the turbulent weather, all appreciated the scenic beauty of the campground. Even the journey home, amidst a near hurricane, offered breathtaking sights.

Other Fishing Spots: Exploration of alternative fishing spots like Kingston, Clear Creek, and Marysvale Canyon proved futile due to excessive snow and rain, rendering the fish safe from our hooks, at least for now. River conditions were unfavorable for fishing, forcing us to abandon our plans.

The Otter Creek Fishout proved to be an adventurous escapade filled with triumphs, challenges, and camaraderie, leaving us eager for the next excursion, the Starvation Reservoir Fishout.

When: Apr 24 – 28, 2024

Where:Otter Creek State Park, 22 UT-22, Antimony, UT 84712, USA (map)

Description

Otter Creek Reservoir is a beautiful fishing destination at an elevation of 6,372′. It is an easy 3.5-hour drive from Park City with no mountain passes to cross, and it is known for its abundance of healthy rainbow trout.

The nearby East Fork of the Sevier River provides excellent fishing as well. The Kingston Canyon section below Otter Creek Reservoir (another great fishing destination) is a fine tailwater fishery.

Here is a video from KSL Outdoors: YouTube.

Year-round fishing and boating on the 3,120-acre reservoir are the park’s featured activities, along with convenient access to three ATV trails, including the popular Paiute ATV Trail. During the spring and fall, many types of birds pass through Otter Creek on their journey along the Pacific Migratory Bird Flyway.

Facilities:

The Otter Creek State Park Campground is located on the southern end of the reservoir along the shoreline. RV hookups are available. They do not take reservations until May, so it is walk-up only.

Nearby Attractions:

• Piute State Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park

Motorboats are allowed on the lake, but, as you know, most of our crew fish from motorized kickboats. Fishing from shore is excellent in many parts of the lake, including near the campground. Trolling and stripping streamers, and indicator fishing with chironomids are the recommended methods.

We will host a potluck dinner at least once during the trip.

Sign up on the HCFF website. There is no cost for the trip.

For more information, contact Eric Luna at eluna@bonairfinancial.com.

Where: Keller Williams Real Estate Office,1750 Sun Peak Drive, Park City, UT 84098 (map)

Description: This three-day clinic is an introduction to fly fishing. Space is limited as we try to pair each student with an individual instructor.

Day 1 – Class instruction covering tackle, entomology, reading the water and other essential subjects. You will also have an opportunity to place an order for a highly discounted fly fishing rod, a real, and fly line combo at that time. This class runs from 6 pm to about 8 pm.

Day 2 – Casting clinic at the Deer Valley ponds. We provide all the gear but bring your own if you like. This class runs from 6 pm to about 8 pm.

Day 3 – Fishing at one of our local rivers or lakes. As before, we will pair you with an experienced angler and provide all equipment. We’ll rendezvous at the Smith’s parking lot in Park City and carpool to the selected water. We leave at 8 a.m., so don’t be late. The cars will return around 3 pm but it can be later.

The $95 fee includes this calendar year’s membership in HCFF, so after you pay for the clinic, please visit our Join HCFF page and provide your contact information so we can add you to our roster and keep you informed about all our activities and programs.

Email Larry Finch if you have questions at Finch_Bird@yahoo.com.

Where: Keller Williams Real Estate Office, 1750 Sun Peak Drive, Park City, UT 84098 (map)

Description: This three-day clinic is an introduction to fly fishing. Space is limited as we try to pair each student with an individual instructor.

Day 1 – Class instruction covering tackle, entomology, reading the water and other essential subjects. You will also have an opportunity to place an order for a highly discounted fly fishing rod, a reel, and fly line combo at that time. This class runs from 6 pm to about 8 pm.

Day 2 – Casting clinic at the Deer Valley ponds. We provide all the gear but bring your own if you like. This class runs from 6 pm to about 8 pm.

Day 3 – Fishing at one of our local rivers or lakes. As before, we will pair you with an experienced angler and provide all equipment. We’ll rendezvous at the Smith’s parking lot in Park City and carpool to the selected water. We leave at 8 a.m., so don’t be late. The cars will return around 3 pm but it can be later.

The $95 fee includes this calendar year’s membership in HCFF, so after you pay for the clinic, please visit our Join HCFF page and provide your contact information so we can add you to our roster and keep you informed about all our activities and programs.

Email Larry Finch if you have questions at Finch_Bird@yahoo.com.

We regret to inform you that the June Fly Fishing Clinic has reached full capacity. However, we’d be happy to add you to our waitlist. In the event of a cancellation, we will promptly notify you. Additionally, please be assured that we plan to offer the Fly Fishing Clinic again next year.

When: Jun 19 – 23, 2024

We had a fantastic time at our annual Panguitch Lake Fishout!

We had a total of 16 participants, with 14 joining for the Potluck dinner event. For the first time this year, we were able to enjoy the outdoors. The previous two fishouts had wind and rain during the dinner event, forcing us to cram into a travel trailer. However, our Friday night dinner was warm, with just enough breeze to keep us comfortable. The culinary extravaganza was delicious! Special thanks to Devon and Sherry for their donation of a King Salmon fillet. Although they had to leave before the party, they left us with a beautiful piece of salmon, which Susie and I prepared and grilled on a cedar plank. Unfortunately, there were NO leftovers!

We were thrilled to have Sammi and Dave Tall join us from Ivins. They are still great HCFF members and friends, but we don’t get to see them nearly enough.

Fishing was excellent for some and okay for others, but I think everyone was able to catch fish. I heard of numbers approaching 50 fish! The average size was similar to last year, with lots of “planter” size fish. The largest fish I heard of was 19 inches, but most of them were fat and sassy!

The best patterns were damsel nymph patterns, Quapp’s “Garden Hackle”, an olive and orange seal bugger, and a dragonfly nymph pattern. Fish were caught on a variety of different flies and lines. Susie and I had our best luck on intermediate sinking lines, but my largest fish were caught on my type 4 line.

It was a most congenial crowd, and I think everyone had a great time! It’s a beautiful place to camp and fish!

Thanks to everyone who participated and helped!

Sincerely,
John and Susie

After leaving Panguitch on Saturday, my wife, Cathe, and I took a detour to Otter Creek for two days. Otter Creek State Park is a great facility. Most importantly, the fishing there was fantastic, with good numbers and large rainbow trout. Fishing from a motorized pontoon allowed me to cover a considerable distance on the water, and at the end of the day, I could “park” the boat on the shore next to my camper overnight. The fish were big and powerful fighters. Fishing alone, I couldn’t get any photos, but most of my fish were over 16 inches, with my three bests about 20 inches. Watching a 20-inch fish jump three feet out of the water once hooked caused an adrenaline rush! The Garden Hackle was the magic fly on both my intermediate and Type 4 lines.

Bill Quapp

Where: Panguitch Lake North Campground, UT-143, Panguitch, UT 84759, USA (map)

Description: The word “Panguitch” means “big fish” in the local Paiute language, and the lake is full of them. Club members have reported 50-fish days, with a number of big rainbows, tigers, and cutts. Lake fishing is best accomplished with a kickboat, float tube, kayak, or powerboat. Many club members use a motorized Kickoat.

Panguitch Lake, located 270 miles south of Park City, is convenient to a number of national parks and monuments, including Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase Escalante, Cedar Breaks, and Zion.

Most of our group stays at the forest service’s Panguitch North Campground, which has numerous RV spaces but the reservable ones fill up early. There are also cabins and full-hook-up RV spaces available at the Panguitch Lake Resort, and other resorts around the lake, as well as abundant vacation rentals that some members have rented in past years.

Current Conditions: http://www.sevierriver.org/reservoirs/panguitch-reservoir/

We will host an informal gathering on Friday night and will communicate details to those who sign up. Generally, this is a potluck dinner where you bring your main dish and a side dish to share. BBQ grills will be available. Cocktail hours occur nightly. Cell service in the area is nearly non-existent.

The Safari Leader for this outing is John Shultz. You can contact him via email at schultzjohn356@gmail.com.

When: Jul 18 – 22, 2024

Where: Alpine, WY 83128, USA (map)

Description: Alpine Wy is four hours from Park City and 45 minutes south of Jackson Hole, WY.

The Greys River runs into the Snake River at Alpine, with 50-plus miles of access up the forest road. Many small tributaries run into the Greys. It is in the Bridger National Forest and runs down a beautiful Valley with many primitive camping opportunities. Greys River Sports can help you with flies and techniques to help you be successful. They are located on Greys River Rd. just off the main highway.

The Salt River follows SR 89 into Alpine from the south. It flows through the town of Afton. This river is accessed better by Boat; many outfitters offer guided trips; try Salt River range Outfitters Float Fishing Adventures, or Feathered Hook to arrange a day of floating this incredible river.

There are numerous Hotels and VBROs in and around Alpine Wy some are The Flying Saddle Resort and Bull Moose Lodge and Saloon.

Campgrounds are Wapiti Village RV Park, Aspen Grove RV Park, Alpine Valley RV Resort, and many more.

Besides fishing, there is much to do in the area, including Hiking, biking, and a day trip to Jackson Hole.

When:Canceled

Where:Green River, Ut

Description:TBA

When: Wed, September 4, 2024, 5:30pm – 8:30pm

Where: 35 Rotary Park, Payday Dr, Park City, UT 84060, USA (map)

Description:

The HCFF Steak Fry is one of our most popular events. This is a time to meet and visit with old and new members. You are encouraged to bring your spouse or significant other. All social talk – no fish talk!

You bring your own meat, fish, or chicken and a side dish to share. We will supply bottled water, hot charcoal grills, paper plates, cups, napkins, salt & pepper, and some other items. The grills will be ready around 6:30.

Your side dish can be a salad, a hot side dish, or a dessert. If you want an adult beverage, bring the one of your choice. We will have a corkscrew if you need one.

While the days may be warm, the location for this event is in the shadow of the mountain and it can get very chilly in the evening.

Larry Finch is the Safari Leader again for this event. You can call him at 435-640-4213 if you have any questions.

Contact: finch_bird@yahoo.com

High Country Fly Fishers Strawberry Reservoir Fishout

Club President Eric Luna captured the spirit of the event perfectly: “I’m writing this from Strawberry, fulfilling my presidential duties instead of being out there fishing with Schultz and the gang. Yesterday, a few of us fished Renegade, and let me tell you, the lake was on fire! At one point, I had fish on all three flies I was fishing—landing them all was no small feat. If you haven’t fished Strawberry in the Fall, you’re missing out on something truly special.”

Bill Quapp recounted the finer details of the trip: “We had fourteen dedicated anglers at the Strawberry Campground for two to six days, all eager to experience what this iconic stillwater had to offer. Fishing started early each morning and typically wrapped up around 3:00 p.m. Although there are many fishing options around, this group focused on stillwater, targeting East Portal, Renegade, and Mud Creek. Like clockwork, the ‘breeze’ picked up at 11:00 a.m. daily. On just one occasion, the wind forced us off the lake—but not before everyone had a chance to score double-digit catches!

The Cutthroats were as impressive as ever, with most measuring between 18 to 20 inches, and a few even larger. The Rainbows, though smaller, packed an incredible punch—an 18-inch Rainbow felt like a ‘rod full.’ We even had reports of a stunning 21-inch Rainbow!

Our Potluck Dinner was as delightful as the fishing. There was no shortage of food, drink, or laughter, and the evening weather allowed us to dine outside, free from the confines of a small trailer. But Strawberry’s magic doesn’t end at dusk.

By Saturday evening, most HCFF members had packed up, but I stuck around with my son and grandson for a little shore fishing at East Portal. From 5:00 p.m. until dark, the water came alive with rising fish. Big hoppers were the ticket, and my 10-year-old grandson landed his personal best—a beautiful 18-inch Cutt. We even hooked into some feisty Rainbows. Next time, I might just delay happy hour; casting to large, rising fish was an experience worth savoring.”

Club founder Cal Massey also made an appearance, bringing along a couple of Bonneville Fly Fishers. They joined us on Friday at Mud Creek, proving that this is an easy day trip from Salt Lake City or Park City. Of course, no Fishout would be complete without our beloved club mascot, Paco the Fishing Dog, who was always right in the middle of the action.

The 2024 Strawberry Reservoir Fishout was one for the books—great company, fantastic fishing, and memories that will surely bring everyone back next year. If you weren’t there, you truly missed out!

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When: Sep 8 – 13, 2024

Where: Strawberry Bay Campground Loop C, FR452, Utah, USA (map)

Description: Strawberry Reservoir is best known for its abundant supply of large Cutthroat trout — a past president of HCFF caught a 28-inch Cutt — and it also has hard-fighting Rainbows, occasionally up to 20 inches. This outing will be held in the early fall when the days are warm and the nights are crisp. After Labor Day, the crowds are smaller, and camping is on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Strawberry Reservoir is most often fished from a boat or other floating craft; however, this time of year some folks have found dry fly fishing from the shore very productive. They are fishing over weed beds with hoppers of other large attractors. Stillwater fishing requires some of John Schultz’s flies, and we will tell you more as the year progresses. If you are a fly tier, you can find some of John’s favorite flies on our website Fly Tying Videos page. Sign up now on our Activity Sign Up page.

If someone in your group likes the water but does not fish, canoeing or kayaking are good alternatives.

The HCFF Sarafi Leader is planning to camp in the Strawberry Bay Campground Loop C, but that could change if it is filled or closed when he arrives. In 2021, all sites were available if empty on arrival after Labor day. Loop A is not reservable all year so if there is a space, you can grab it. All campsites at Strawberry are suitable for camping from tents, trailers, or RVs. There are flushable toilets and water faucets near many campsites for filling your RV. Water and electric hookups are only available in Loop B.

Current Weather Conditions: https://www.weatherforyou.com/report/strawberry+reservoir-ut-hourly

Bill and his wife Cathe will help you have a good time. There will be a potluck group dinner on Friday night, and a cocktail hour nearly every night. If you have questions, you can contact Bill at 435-503-6558 or at bill@quapp.com.