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!.

High Country Fly Fishers Stillwater Fishing Group Email List!

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: March 27, 28, 29, 2025

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

Description: HCFF has partnered with other TU chapters and FFI to help organize the Wasatch Expo. As in past years, we need volunteers for various tasks. Help is needed on Thursday afternoon, March 27, for setup and throughout the day on March 28 and 29. This event is a major fundraiser for HCFF, supporting our conservation and community activities throughout the year.

The volunteer shifts during the Expo are just a few hours long on March 28 or 29. Before or after your shift, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the show, watch fly tying and casting demonstrations, and connect with exhibitors.

If you’re available to help, please using the link below. 

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!

As always, thank you for your support!

When: April 23 – 27, 2025

Where:Minersville Reservoir

Description

This early-season outing to Minersville Reservoir (map) and the Beaver River offers the opportunity to catch trophy trout, smallmouth bass, and wipers. It is one of Utah’s renowned Blue Ribbon Fisheries. While rainbow trout are the most common catch, brown, cutthroat, and tiger trout are also possible.

Fishing is restricted to artificial flies and lures only—bait, scented plastics, and salted plastics are not allowed. Anglers may keep only one trout over 22 inches in length, while all trout under 22 inches must be released.

Campsites with RV hookups are available at the lake. Visit Beaver County’s website and click on the Minersville Lake link for more information. If you encounter any issues, contact Jennifer at 435-438-5472.

For those who prefer fishing in moving water, the Beaver River below the dam offers excellent opportunities, as does the Beaver River eastward, stretching into the mountains east of Beaver.

There is no cost for the trip.

For more information, contact Bill Quapp at bill@quapp.com.

When: Tue, May 20, 21, 22, 2025

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 – 6-8p.m. at Keller Williams Real Estate Office, 1750 Sun Peak Drive, Park City, UT 84098 (map)

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 – 6-8pm at the Deer Valley ponds

Casting clinic at the Deer Valley ponds. We provide all the gear but bring your own if you like.

Day 3 – 8a.m.  – 2p.m. Meet at Smith’s Kimball, 1725 Uinta Way, Park City, UT 84098 (map)

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.

Enrollment is limited to 20 students so that we may provide a personal training experience. If the class is sold out, please consider signing up on the Beginner Fly Fishing Clinic in May – Wait List.

The $125 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.

When: Tue, June 10, 11, 12th

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 – 6-8p.m. at  Keller Williams Real Estate Office, 1750 Sun Peak Drive, Park City, UT 84098 (map)

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 – 6-8pm at the Deer Valley ponds

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 – 3 – 8a.m. Meet at Smith’s Kimball, 1725 Uinta Way, Park City, UT 84098 (map)

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.

Enrollment is limited to 20 students so that we may provide a personal training experience. If the class is sold out, please consider signing up on the Beginner Fly Fishing Clinic in June – Wait List.

The $125 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: June 25 – 29, 2025

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.

There is no cost for the trip.

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

Where:(Somewhere in the Boulder Mountains, Ut)

Description:
The biggest challenge in scheduling this outing has been making decisions. The area is filled with lakes, rivers, and streams. The second biggest challenge is the snowfall during the rest of the 2025 season. Without more snow, the area may not have enough water to fill the reservoirs. However, in addition to fishing in the area, Capital Reef National Park is only seven miles east of Torrey if you want to take a break from fishing.

Camping options are too numerous to mention although it seems that most camping in the area is dispersed camping in the Fish Lake National Forest. There is an RV Site In Loa (elevation 7064) and another in Torrey (elevation 6830) with full hookups. Lodging is readily available in Loa and Torrey. From Park City. it is 198 miles to Loa, UT, and another 16.5 miles to Torrey.

Our March Meeting features a fishing guide from Loa, UT. Mike James, The Quiet Fly Fisher guide service. He will undoubtedly bring photos, ideas, and options to expand the choices.

At this time, the most likely camping location will be along the Fremont River north of the Mill Meadow Reservoir (elevation 7720). The area has dispersed camping and vault toilets. That means, bring your own water. Mill Meadow Reservoir is about 13.7 miles Northeast of Loa. The camping area is about two miles farther north along the reservoir. Mill Hollow has a good population of browns, wipers, rainbows, and tigers. The Fremont River has good trout fishing. The nearby Forsythe Reservoir (elevation 7900) has a good population of Tiger and Splake trout and, by one report, bigger fish than Mill Meadow. There is also dispersed camping near that lake.

The other option being considered is in the National Forest south of Torrey — Lower Bounds Reservoir (elevation 7000). Lots of Rainbows and they will be active all summer. Lots of hatches in summer evenings. The reservoir is about 22 miles from Torrey. There are a couple of National Forest Campgrounds along the road to Lower Bounds. River fishing options in this area are unknown.

Fishing in the nearby Bolder Mountains is mostly small lakes but it can be fantastic. However, access is challenging. Most people who have fished the Boulders recommend using an ATV or Side-by-Side. You can rent them in Torrey.

Anyway, if this outing interests you, sign up or come back to the calendar as details will be firmed up as we approach summer.

When: August 20 – 24, 2025

Where:(Washington Lake in the Uintas)

Description:Make campsite reservations at target=”_blank”, title=”Washington Lake Campground Reservations”>Washington Lake Campground Reservations

Washington Lake Campground is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby lakes, including Washington, Trial, and Crystal Lakes, offer excellent fishing for brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. A near state record tiger trout was caught in Trial Lake a few years ago. The National Forest Campground is located at 10,000 feet so the evenings can be cool even in August. It is approximately 23 miles east of Kamas up the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway.

This location was chosen for the August outing since the typically high temperatures at lower elevations guarantee poor fishing. It is important to book your campsite early in the season as this very popular location fills up fast. If campsites at Washington Lake are filled, try the Campsite at Trial Lake. These National Forest campgrounds have no hookups. More information can be found at https://thedyrt.com/camping/utah/utah-washington-lake.

The lakes can be fished from the shore or from a kayak, canoe, float tube, or pontoon boat. For river fishing, there are numerous small creeks in the area flow into the headwaters of the Provo River.

If you want to take a break from fishing, there are numerous hiking trails, such as the Notch Mountain Trail and the Lofty Lake Loop, that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The area is also popular for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Mirror Lake is a few miles up the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway

Wildlife is abundant, with frequent sightings of deer, moose, and various bird species. The clear night skies make it a perfect spot for stargazing. Remember to pack warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly at night.

There will be a potluck dinner on Friday or Saturday evening. A grill will be furnished to prepare your main course. Bring an appetizer or side dish to share. Sign up on the website so you get the final details.

There is no cell service in the area so know where you are going before you leave. Smoke signals are permitted but no one can translate them.

When: Wed, September 3, 2025, 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

When: September 17 – 21, 2025

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.

When: October 15 – 19, 2025

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 3, 2025, 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 favorite 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

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

Saturday, January 3, 2026, starting at 8 AM at the Hub Cafe in Hub Cafe in Heber City, UT.

You’ll want to dress warmly, but trust us—it’s worth it! The fish are usually hungry, and so are we! This is a multi-organization event, bringing together anglers from Stonefly Society, Bonneville Fly Fishers, Wasatch Women’s Group, and High Country Fly Fishers—so it’s a great chance to meet new friends and swap fish tales.

If you plan to hit the water before 10 AM, DON’T BE LATE for breakfast!

Not up for winter fishing? No problem! You’re still welcome to join us for a hearty meal and good company.

Please RSVP with a headcount by clicking on the button below—we have a reservation for 40 spots.

Hope to see you (and all our fishing besties) there!

Date: Saturday, March 8, 15, 22, 2025

Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm

Frequency: Saturdays, Mar 8, 15 & 22nd

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 sign up on the Beginner Fly Tying Class – Wait List.

Classes will be held on three Saturdays (Mar 1, 15 & 22nd) mornings from 9 a.m. until noon. Room 103A&B

The club will provide fresh coffee and breakfast pastries.

The cost is $125 per person.

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

Date: Saturday, March 14th and/or 15th

Location: Minersville Reservoir and the Beaver River

On March 14th and/or 15th, Jayne Guyse will lead a River Fishers outing to Minersville, UT. This can be a long day trip or an easy overnight trip. Some people plan to stay overnight, but it’s your choice. Many fish Minersville as a day trip because it’s an easy drive from Salt Lake City/Park City.

We will be fishing Minersville Reservoir and the Beaver River below the reservoir. If conditions allow, we may also fish the Beaver River above the town of Beaver in the Tushar Mountains, depending on snow levels (TBD). Other nearby options include Otter Creek and Kingston Canyon if Minersville isn’t productive. This is a joint trip with Bonneville Fly Fishers of SLC.

Why March?

HCFF has a club trip to Minersville scheduled for late April, but by then, the big fish in the reservoir will have likely moved into deeper water, making them difficult to reach from the bank. That’s why we’re going in March, when they are more accessible.  Check out KSL Outdoors video. The Beaver River below the reservoir will still be fishable in April, but access to the upper river in the Tushar Mountains will depend on snowfall, which often remains until June or July.

As always with early spring trips, weather conditions will determine whether the trip happens as planned. Please be flexible.

Trip Details

• Target Species: Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, and wipers.
  • Reservoir rainbows & cutthroats are typically 17” to 23” and can be large.
• Drive Time: ~3 hours from Salt Lake City International Airport.
• Fishing Difficulty:
  • If we figure out what the fish are eating, it’s easy and a lot of fun.
  • A 5 or 6 wt. rod is recommended.
  • The trip leader will be fishing from the bank at the reservoir and on the Beaver River below the reservoir.
  • Boat anglers are welcome to join with float tubes or other watercraft.

Access & Amenities

• Roads: Mix of paved and dirt roads.
• Facilities: The State Park has flush toilets, which should be open.
• 💲 Park Fee: $10/day entrance fee.
  • Annual passes are available for purchase before you arrive since the park may not be staffed this time of year.

Accommodations & Food

• Camping Options:
  • Beaver has campgrounds.
  • The Minersville Reservoir campground has extremely rustic cabins (essentially sheds without heat or running water) available for rent.
• Hotels & Dining:
  • There are several motels and restaurants in Beaver.
  • A couple of small grocery stores are available in town.

Conditions & Terrain

• Weather: Cool to very cold, with possible winds.
  • Minersville Reservoir is exposed—be prepared for wind.
• Terrain:
  • Reservoir: Public access with local boat ramps and moderately steep to gentle banks.
  • Beaver River: Some “walk-in” access points exist below the reservoir.
  • You may need to apply for a walk-in access number to be safe.
• Wading:
  • Relatively easy, with a sandy to silty bottom.

Trip Communication

The trip leader will send additional details to those who sign Up. She will also start a group text the night before the trip for real-time updates and communication.

If you have any questions, email Jayne at groovyjayne@gmail.com .