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
March Meeting
Wed, Mar 4th, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
March Guest Speaker is Mike Hadley of the Utah DWR
Mike Hadley — Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Subject: Southern Utah Waters
Each year, High Country Fly Fishers organizes trips to several outstanding fisheries in southern Utah.
This season, our travels include Otter Creek and Minersville Reservoir, with Panguitch Lake remaining another favorite destination we frequently explore.
Many members know these waters well and understand why they are worth the journey.
For those who may wonder why we drive so far, a short YouTube video featuring Adam Eakle and Mickey Anderson offers a compelling look at the quality of fishing—especially at Otter Creek—and helps answer that question.
At our March meeting, Mike Hadley will discuss these familiar fisheries along with others we have yet to visit.
Depending on the destination, anglers can enjoy both cold-water and warm-water opportunities, making southern Utah one of the most diverse and rewarding regions in the state.
Mike Hadley serves as the Southern Region Aquatics Manager for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR).
He has worked in southern Utah for more than 20 years, most of that time as a regional sportfish biologist. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing for just about anything that swims.
High Country Fly Fishers is pleased to welcome Mike as our featured speaker for March.
His work with UDWR includes field research, habitat restoration, and fisheries management projects that support both native trout conservation and high-quality recreational angling across Utah. He has played an important role in efforts to locate, protect, and enhance populations of Bonneville cutthroat trout, working closely with partner agencies, conservation organizations, and private landowners to preserve Utah’s unique aquatic heritage.
Beyond his scientific work, Mike is deeply committed to outreach and education within Utah’s angling community.
His presentations connect fisheries science with practical, on-the-water understanding—helping anglers better appreciate fish behavior, habitat needs, and the stewardship required to sustain world-class fisheries.
Join us in March for an informative and engaging evening as Mike shares insights from the field and discusses the ongoing work shaping the future of fishing in Utah.
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The American Fisheries Society invites fly fishers to their Angler Social Night, March 3rd, at the
Officers’ Club at the University of Utah
Click here for a download and more information.
A light dinner will be served and you will hear updates from AFS, DWR, and TU on a variety of topics in Utah.
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Buffalo Midge Day on the Middle Provo River
Join HCFF’s Walk & Wade Society February Outing
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Late winter on the Middle Provo River offers one of the most exciting and reliable dry-fly opportunities of the year—the Buffalo Midge Hatch. As water temperatures climb into the low 40s, trout often rise eagerly to feed, creating classic surface action that rivals spring hatches.
We’re planning a club fishing day to be on the water when it happens.
Why this day matters
The Buffalo Midge hatch is short-lived, weather-dependent, and highly anticipated. When it comes off, the river can light up with steady risers and confident eats—often in the middle of winter. It’s one of those days where timing, observation, and good presentations are rewarded.
What to expect
- Late-morning to early-afternoon action as water temperatures rise
- Opportunities for true winter dry-fly fishing
- Trout feeding on emergers and adults in the surface film
- A great chance to fish alongside fellow club members and share insights
Gear & prep notes
- Midge dries and emergers, typically sizes 16–18
- Long leaders with light tippet (6X–7X recommended)
- Be ready to adjust—hatches often come in waves
- Cold-weather layers and waders strongly advised
- Check out YouTube Videos on the Buffalo Midge Hatch
The plan
Sign-up and the Safari Leader will provide the specifics via email.
If you’ve ever wanted to see trout rising in February—or you already know how special this hatch can be—this is a day you won’t want to miss. Join us on the water and let’s see if the Buffalo Midges show up right on cue.
Contact Pat Ronneburg if you’d like to help out or have questions.
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
Wasatch Expo April 9, 10, 11, 2026
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.
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.