Welcome to High Country Fly Fishers
HCFF is a proud Trout Unlimited chapter dedicated to fly fishing, conservation, and community in the scenic beauty of Park City, Utah serving Summit and Wasatch counties. HCFF is a member of the Park City Chamber of Commerce. Since 1989, we’ve been passionate about protecting cold-water fisheries, supporting healthy trout populations, and sharing the art of fly fishing and fly tying. Our club offers hands-on conservation projects with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Trout-in-the-Classroom programs for local students, and monthly fishouts where members enjoy camaraderie and refine their fly fishing skills on some of the region’s best waters. Join us at our our monthly meetings to hear from expert fishing guides, fly tyers, and fisheries biologists from across the West. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, HCFF offers friendship, learning opportunities, and memorable fishing adventures. Check our Activities page for details and upcoming events—new members and visitors are always welcome!
March Meeting
April Meeting
Wed, Apr 1st, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Stillwater Report – Echo Reservoir – Mar 4th
Yesterday, for the first time in two years, after getting a great fishing report from my friend Roger Wilson on his Saturday trip with his grandson, I checked the weather and yesterday was as good as it was going to get for a while so I ran over and gave Echo Reservoir a quick fish!
Roger said he didn’t have any luck until about 10:00 Saturday, so I got to the lake about 9:45 and in the water by 10:15. I launched at the Red Rocks ramp, about the same time as 4 other kick boats started. It was mostly sunny and calm when I got there, but had about a 5” chop on the water by the time I made my first cast, and about 40 degrees. The water was pretty clear, about 7’ of visibility , I forgot to look at water temperature, but I’d guess about 40 degrees?
As is my standard practice, I began with the flys I finished with on my last trip, Genes Electric Purple on my intermediate lins, and an Energizer Bunny on my type 4 line. I began marking numerous fish once I got into about 25 feet of water, and hooked a good fish on the intermediate on my second crazy Ivan! Unfortunately, it was bashful and didn’t want to meet me face to face! I fished for another 15 minutes or so and had another grab on the intermediate line. Didn’t get a touch on the Energizer so I switched (Roger had told me he did well on a Peacock Glimmer, I wasn’t sure what that was, so I tied a few sizes six flies with a black marabou tail, Peacock Ice Dub, with a black hackle twisted into the dubbing loop) and I put it on my 4 line. Almost immediately hooked an 18” Rainbow, with my line all the way out.
It wasn’t fast and furious, but I probably had a chance at a fish every 15 minutes or so, definitely more grabs on the Electric Purple, but couldn’t make them stick! I needed to quit at 12:30, and about 12:15, I got a double, with a 19” rainbow on the intermediate, and a 17” on the type 4 line. I also earlier landed a 19” Brown on my type 4 line. Ended up with 5 to the boat, 3 Long Distance Release’s, and a bunch of hits, mostly on the Electric Purple!
I talked with 2 of the other kick boaters when I was quitting, one had 2 and the other had 5. I saw the other two with a fish on, and Roger was on the lake in a power boat with a friend. They were struggling fly fishing with the wind giving them fits, so they switched to down riggers and hardware and ended up with 7 between them.
Didn’t have to put gloves on, or my jacket on, and naturally the wind slowed way down as I was loading my boat! All and all it was a pleasant surprise, and “I’ll Be Back “!
John Schultz
March 5, 2026
Wasatch Expo April 9, 10, 11, 2026
Our club president, Eric Luna, has reserved two tables at the banquet. If you’d like to sit with the club, please sign up using the button below.
The banquet will be held on Thursday, April 9 from 6:00–9:00 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn, 277 West Sego Lily Drive, Sandy, Utah. Tickets are $80 and Fees are $2.
One of our major activities each year is the Wasatch Fly Tying and Fly Fishing Expo, which features 100 exhibitors, 50 fly tyers, educational workshops, casting demos, raffles, silent auctions, and other activities for children and adults. HCFF has participated in planning and conducting the Expo for over 10 years.
Adam Eakle, one of our greatest supporters and host of “KSL Outdoors,” a weekly TV show, featured High Country and the Expo on his December 6, 2026, episode, “Strawberry Stillwater with High Country Fly Fishers.”
The Expo is a joint venture of four Trout Unlimited chapters and two Fly Fishers International chapters, with net proceeds going to support fisheries-related conservation, education, and outreach.
HCFF members hold leadership positions in the joint venture. If you would like to assist in the planning of the Expo, please contact Eric Luna or Bill Quapp. Specific skills needed are project management, audio/video setup, and website support.
Approaching Club Activities
Day Trip to Sportsman’s Paradise (a.k.a. White’s Ranch) in Paradise, UT on Sunday, March 8th. Join the Walk and Wake Society at the Disneyland for fly fishers with 200 acres of moving water and small ponds full of large rainbow, tiger, brown, cutthroat, and golden trout, some over 20 inches. Rod fees are waived for this outing. Space is limited. A few spots are still available.
Overnight Fishout to Otter Creek/Sevier River at Otter Creek State Park in Antimony, UT from March 25th – 29th, 2026. The State Park offers RV sites with hookups, tent camp sites, and a few cabins. Click on the video with Adam Eakle and Mickey Andersen above to learn about the rainbows in Otter Creek.
Day Trip to Strawberry Reservoir as Ice Pulls Back from the Banks – Join the Walk & Wade Society for a great time fishing from the banks, as the fish hang just under the edge of the ice waiting for a meal. The trip date is flexible for optimal ice conditions
50% Discount for new Trout Unlimited Membership
Click the button below to receive a 50% first-time discount 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.
As always, thank you for your support.