Dave Whiteman PhD., a long-time member of High Country Fly Fishers, will be the featured speaker at our May 6 meeting. He will present the results of an ongoing Middle Provo River conservation project now entering its fourth year. HCFF has been collecting and analyzing water temperatures along the river—an essential baseline variable affecting the health of both the fishery and the macroinvertebrates on which trout depend.

This project has been conducted in collaboration with students from Wasatch High School in Heber City, who assist in collecting and identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates. The effort has also involved regular interaction with other Provo River stakeholders.

Dave’s presentation will introduce the Middle Provo River, including its history, geology, hydrology, insect life, and fishery. He will also summarize findings from the water temperature monitoring study.

While the Blue-Ribbon brown trout fishery remains healthy, portions of the lower river are experiencing ongoing water quality challenges, including elevated summer water temperatures. Future concerns include impacts from rapid urbanization in the Heber Valley, increasing development around Jordanelle Reservoir, and a proposed highway bypass around Heber City.

Long-term climate warming trends in the western U.S. are also a factor. This year is especially concerning, as a warm winter has reduced snowpack levels. Lower flows and rising summer water temperatures are likely across many Utah streams. Dave will discuss potential changes in fishing practices that can help protect these valuable fisheries. Despite increasing angling pressure, the Middle Provo fishery remains strong, as confirmed by recent Utah Division of Wildlife Resources electrofishing surveys.

Dave is an avid fly fisherman and fly tyer. He retired from the University of Utah’s Department of Atmospheric Sciences in 2018 and now spends much of his time exploring and fishing waters throughout the western United States.

Hosting Fish for Garbage on the Provo River

Fish for Garbage: Provo River
Saturday, April 25, 9:00-1:00 pm
Mt. Timpanogos Park, Provo Canyon (map)

HCFF will be providing lunch for about 400 volunteers on April 25 during the Fish For Garbage clean-up on the Lower Provo River—and we’d love your help!

This is a fun and meaningful way to give back, and there are two ways to get involved:

Help with Lunch (HCFF Volunteers):
We really need your help setting up the cook area, prepping food (slicing onions and tomatoes, setting out condiments), and cooking burgers.
👉 Sign up to help with lunch
Please sign up here so we know we have enough helping hands.

Join the River Clean-Up:
If you'd like to help pick up trash along the river, please register directly with Fish For Garbage.
👉 Sign up for the clean-up

Thanks for pitching in—it’s a great way to enjoy the river and support a great cause alongside fellow members!

Beginner Fly Fishing Clinics

"Beginner Fly Fishing Clinic in May & June"

HCFF's Beginner Fly Fishing Clinics are being offered twice in 2026.

Here is an opportunity for you, your spouse, or your friends to learn the basics about fly fishing. No equipment is needed, just a little enthusiasm. HCFF's experienced anglers are the instructors. They are eager to share their knowledge with you during this three-day clinic. Space is limited as we try to pair each student with an individual instructor.

This three-day class will give a beginner enough skills to start on his or her lifelong journey into fly fishing. Tell your friends. The $250 fee includes this calendar year's membership in HCFF.

If you have questions about the Beginner Fly Fishing Clinic, email Larry Finch.

Support the Henry's Fork Foundation

Nearly every Utah fly fisher has fished or dreams of fishing the Henry's Fork. The Henry's Fork Foundation (HFF) has been the lead organization since 1984 for preserving and enhancing the Henry's Fork River, aka, the North Fork of the Snake River. A few years ago, the HFF expanded its mission to include the South Fork of the Snake River. These two premier rivers offer both outstanding fishing and beautiful boating. A trip down the South Fork through the stretch called the canyon should be on everyone's bucket list. You could travel 1000's of miles and not find any place more inspiring.

Next week, on March 20, the HFF holds its annual reception in Utah. This enjoyable event is a major fundraiser for the Foundation and helps to support the great work on both stretches of the Snake. More details are found in the attachment and on their website.

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.

50% off for New Members

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.

Monthly meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month at St. Mary's Church, so mark your calendar.

Please check our Calendar page for upcoming events, and always feel free to email us at HCFF599@gmail.com with questions or suggestions.

Chapter 599

Catch & Release Tool

Annual HCFF Donation

As always, thank you for your support.