Mentoring Program Sign Up
High Country Fly Fishers is proud to offer a mentoring program for our members. New and inexperienced fly fishers are paired with experienced HCFF anglers for a few hours of free, hands-on instruction on local rivers and lakes. Participants must be HCFF members in good standing. We extend our sincere thanks to the generous mentors who make this program possible.
Our programs are supported entirely by member contributions. If you are not yet a member—or have not made your annual donation—please consider supporting HCFF so we can continue to offer opportunities like this.
Attractor Fishing with Pat Ronneburg
Mentor: Pat Ronneburg
Description: What to fish when it's not obvious what the fish are eating. Streamers, nymphs, wets or dries?
Minimum Skill Level: Novice level and above. Student knows the basic knots, casting, how to hook, land and release a fish on their own.
Session Length: About 2 hours.
Number of Students: 1 or 2.
Equipment: Students must have all their own equipment.
When & Where: This will be decided by students and mentor based on current conditions. We'll most likely focus on rivers, but may slip over to stillwater if there are some fun seasonal opportunities for bank fishing.
Fishing Dry Flies and Nymphs with Jack Campbell
Mentor: Jack Campbell
Description: Fishing nymphs and dry flies in rivers.
Minimum Skill Level: Beginner through intermediate.
Session Length: Approximately 2 hours.
Number of Students: 1 only.
Equipment: Jack can lend some equipment, if needed.
When & Where: Beginning in March or April, depending on conditions.
Fishing Dry Flies and Nymphs with Larry Croft
Mentor: Larry Croft
Description: Effective fishing the Weber, Provo and South Slope of the Uintas. Rivers, streams and some stillwater, depending on conditions.
Minimum Skill Level: Beginner through expert. All levels are welcome.
Session Length: Flexible.
Number of Students: 1 or 2.
Equipment: Larry can lend some equipment, if necessary.
When & Where: March or April, depending on snow conditions.
Trolling Wet Flies on Sinking Lines
Mentoring Session: Trolling Wet Flies on Sinking Lines
Presented by Bill Quapp
Description
This mentoring session focuses exclusively on the techniques and tactics for catching fish by trolling flies on sinking lines. This session is not for chironomid fishing.
To maximize our time on the water, we will schedule a phone consultation before our outing. Bill will review the specific purposes, depth profiles, and applications of various sinking lines used when targeting trout. He wants to understand what equipment you have and verify its suitability.
On the day of the trip, you will receive approximately one hour of intensive, on-the-water coaching. For the remainder of the day, you will put these techniques into practice to haul in your rewards, with additional tutoring provided as needed.
- Session Length: Full-day outing - typically 4 to 6 hours depending on weather.
- Capacity: 1 to 2 students
- Minimum Skill Level: Experienced river and stream anglers looking to transition their skills to stillwater tactics.
Gear & Equipment Requirements
- Watercraft: A motorized pontoon boat (kickboat) is ideal, as fins are used for precision steering while under motor power. Other stable floating craft may be suitable—please call to discuss. (Note: Kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards are not suitable for this specific style of serious fishing).
- Licensing: If your watercraft utilizes an electric or gas motor, a current state boat registration/license is required by law.
- Personal Gear: Standard safety gear (PFD), normal fishing tackle, and dependable rain gear if the weather threatens.
- Fly Rod Tethers: Every year, someone loses their expensive fly rod. A tether is highly recommended. You can buy tethers. Bill makes his own using parachute cord will be happy to advise.
- Handheld Radio: A handheld radio is used to communicate what is working and also for safety reasons.
Sinking Line & Fly Specifics
Sinking lines are absolutely critical for this technique. To get the most out of the session, you will need:
- An Intermediate Line: Sink rate of 1 to 1.5 inches per second (IPS).
- A Type 4 Sinking Line: Sink rate of 4 IPS.
The Type 4 is typically the most important line for this style of fishing, though conditions sometimes dictate an intermediate line.
Flies: Bring any wet flies you currently own, and Bill will help you select the best starting options. Woolly buggers in black and white can be purchased in most fly shops. Ask for their recommendations. Of course, until we are on the water and decode the bite, it’s always a guessing game—and the best fly of the day is invariably the one you left at home!
If you are a fly tyer, Bill can provide specific pattern recommendations to tie in advance.
Logistics
- When: Dates will be mutually determined based on your schedule and a favorable, low-wind weather forecast.
- Where: Location is highly dependent on the time of year. Primary options include local stillwaters such as Strawberry, Starvation, Jordanelle, or Deer Creek reservoirs.
Questions? If you have any questions regarding gear setup, boat compatibility, or fly selection, please contact Bill at 435-503-6558 to discuss.