Jeff’s love for fly fishing began in childhood, fishing with his father and siblings near Price, Utah. At around 12 years old, he began tying flies and teaching himself to fly fish through outdoor magazines. His early waters—Lower Fish Creek, Scofield Reservoir, and Huntington Canyon—provided both a technical challenge and a deep appreciation for wild trout. Working in his family’s restaurant, he saved up for his own fly fishing gear and gradually connected with others who shared his passion.

After moving to Vernal, Jeff became part of the community at Big Foot Fly Shop, forming friendships with owner Lori Batty Burchard and respected guides like Charlie Card. Encouraged and mentored by them, Jeff gained confidence and sharpened his skills. During one memorable cicada hatch in May, he tied 52 dozen flies—all of which Lori sold. From then on, Jeff continued tying whatever flies the shop needed.

As a licensed guide on the Green River for Flaming Gorge Resort, Jeff shares his experience and love for fly fishing with others during the summer and when he’s not teaching welding at Uinta Basin Technical College (UBTech). His impact as a mentor extends to the classroom, where he’s introduced many students to fly fishing—two of whom have gone on to become guides themselves.

Jeff’s leadership in conservation is wide-reaching. He served 10 years—two and a half terms—on Utah’s Blue Ribbon Fisheries Council and continues to serve on the Forest Service Advisory Council. He previously advised the Forest RAC as a fisheries expert and has represented sportsmen on the Northeast Regional Advisory Council (RAC) of the Utah Wildlife Board since 2019.

Jeff has also been deeply involved in on-the-ground conservation work. His efforts include stream restoration on Big Brush Creek from Highway 191 to Red Fleet Reservoir, river cleanups twice a year, and educational outreach through programs like Trout in the Classroom. He hosts casting and fly-tying clinics at Sportsman’s Warehouse twice a month and volunteers with Boy Scout youth groups.

For more than 40 years, Jeff’s position at UBTech has allowed him to combine technical education and habitat improvement. With his students, he has performed maintenance for the Division of Wildlife Resources’ boats and trailers, manufactured boot-washing stations for the Green and Provo Rivers, and built functional structures for Vernal’s Urban Fishery—including benches, a bridge, an ornamental gate, and even a fly-fishing training course.

Beyond his work as a guide and teacher, Jeff is also a talented sculptor. His metalwork has been featured in The Drake, Field & Stream, and in Trout Unlimited’s On the Rise video series. He has donated his sculptures to support a range of causes including Reel Recovery, the Wyoming TU Council, the American Fisheries Society, TU’s Single Fly fundraiser, and the Utah Fly Fishing Hall of Fame.

Recognized by the Division of Wildlife Resources for his Blue Ribbon Fisheries work and celebrated for his artistic and conservation contributions, Jeff Taniguchi’s legacy is one of purpose, generosity, and action—reflected in the rivers he’s helped restore and the people he’s inspired.