2026 Utah Chapter

Annual Meeting

Meeting Program

Award Nominations

Registration - CLOSED

Abstract Submissions - Closed

"Back to Basics: Standard Practices in Fisheries Management"

Date: March 2 - 4, 2026

Location: University Guest House and Conference Center - Officers Club

University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT

Join us this coming year in Salt Lake City, Utah for the Utah Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting - hosted by the Utah Chapter AFS

Registration and Abstract Submissions are CLOSED

The 2026 Utah AFS meeting is schedule for March 2nd - 4th in Salt Lake City, Utah (Monday - Wednesday)

The the theme this year is "Back to Basics: Standard Practices in Fisheries Management"

Meeting Program

Our format will look similar to previous years with a few minor changes. We will continue the Lighting Talks, which will be short talks limited to 5-7 minutes with a few minutes for questions. If you have some research/methods you're currently working on and would like to share, but you don't feel it's enough for a typical 20-minute time slot, these lightning talks are a perfect way to share your information quickly and effectively.

Talks and posters are part of the vital information sharing we do at annual chapter meetings, so please consider giving a talk (20 minutes) or a poster to share what you're doing so that others can learn from it. We have a wide range of sessions planned and can create more to fit any presentation you might be interested in. To register for a talk or poster, please submit an abstract at the following LINK. The deadline for abstracts will be announced shortly.

New this year, we’ll be hosting an Angler Social at the Officers Club on Tuesday night (3/3) featuring presentations, a multi‑agency panel Q&A, pizza and a small raffle.

Additionally, we’re launching a book exchange and trade this year. Bring your old college textbooks, unused fisheries statistics books, or any other titles you’d like to pass along, and swap them for something new.

As alsways, join us for our continuing education: Habitat Improvement Project Workflow Training. This is a comprehensive training for biologists and project managers on habitat project workflow and to clarify the regulatory landscape for permitting aquatic restoration in Utah.

See below for more information!

Angler Social

Continuing Education

Meeting Program

Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City is a vibrant city situated at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains, offering a unique mix of outdoor recreation and urban energy. Known as the "Crossroads of the West," it is a major hub for skiing, national park access, and cultural attractions, making it a destination for both adventure and relaxation.

City overview

Location and setting: The city is nestled in a valley at the southeastern end of the Great Salt Lake, with the Wasatch Range providing a stunning backdrop.
Activities and recreation: It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering world-class skiing just a short drive from downtown, along with hiking, biking, fishing, and scenic drives in the nearby mountains and canyons.
Culture and attractions: Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah and a center for art, history, and entertainment. Visitors can explore historic sites likeTemple Square, visit the Natural History Museum of Utah, or take in a show at the Eccles Theater.
Urban life: The city has a growing downtown core with a variety of shopping, dining, and nightlife options, alongside distinct neighborhoods like the historic Sugar House and the creative Granary Districts.
Vibe: Salt Lake City is known for being a friendly and laid-back city that blends natural beauty with a lively urban spirit.

Travel and Parking Information

Conference Center Information

Officers Club @ University Guest House and Conference Center

Address: 150 South Fort Douglas Blvd. Salt Lake City, UT 84113

Phone: (801) 587-1000

Website: https://www.universityguesthouse.com/Officers-Club/

Parking Information

There are three main parking areas we can utilized for the event. The walking and driving routes are listed below. Parking areas are marked on map in red, the Officers Club Is circled in green.

1. University Guest House and Conference Center Parking

252 Fort Douglas Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States

2. Shoreline Ridge Parking Garage

326 Medical Plaza, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States

3. Potter Street roadside parking

2000 Potter St, Salt Lake City, UT 84113-5046, United States

Hotel Information

University Guest House and Conference Center

Address: 110 South Fort Douglas Boulevard, Salt Lake City, Utah 84113

Phone: (801) 587-1000

Website: https://www.universityguesthouse.com/

Opening Social Information

Kiitos Brewing, Monday 2nd, 18:00 - 22:00

Address: 608 West 700 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84104

Phone: (801)-215-9165

Website: https://kiitosbrhttps://kiitosbrewing.com/brewery/ewing.com/brewery/

Parking is available at Kiitos and in bays opposite, all free. Public transport is by Trax:

Option 1: Red line Fort Douglas station (5 minutes walk from Officers club) to 900s station, 17 minute walk to

Kiitos

Option 2: Red line to Courthouse, Blue line to Salt Lake Central, 10 minute walk to Kiitos

Awards Banquet Information

Orangerie Room, Red Butte Garden, Wednesday 4th, 17:30 - 21:30

Address: 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108

Website: https://redbuttegarden.org/

You are able to access the gardens themselves from 4:30, but please do not enter the Orangerie until 5:30 to allow for set up.

Red Butte Garden is an 18 minute walk from the Officer Club. Parking will be available in the main lot, no charge.

Continuing Education Information

U of U Campus: Officers Club (See Conference Center Information)

Awards and Nominations

AWARDS

Help us celebrate the aquatics professionals that are doing great work in Utah by nominating someone for an award today! Utah Chapter awards will be presented at the 2026 Annual Utah Chapter meeting in Salt Lake City. Award categories are:

· Award of Merit

· Lifetime Achievement Award

· Professional of the Year

· Habitat Conservationist of the Year

· Partner of the Year

· Leaky Boot Award

Criteria for each award are found on the AWARDS tab. Nominations should be no longer than one page in length and should demonstrate how the individual has fulfilled the criteria for the award for which they are being nominated. Please send all nominations to Erik Woodhouse by the new deadline of TBD. Please address emails to: utahafs2@utahfisheries.org

Executive Committee Officer Nominations

Please consider nominating yourself or one of your peers for an officer position within Utah AFS. Officer positions provide an opportunity to become more involved in AFS and grow professionally. In addition, you have an active voice in deciding where meetings are held, symposium topics, and what continuing education opportunities will be available. Positions that are open for election this spring are:

· Vice President (4-year commitment)

· 1st Year Committee Member (2-year commitment)

· Webmaster/Communications Officer (2-year commitment)

Please send all nominations to Erik Woodhouse by the new deadline of TBD. Please address emails to: utahafs2@utahfisheries.org . Any questions about officer duties can be sent to Erik prior to submitting a nomination. Election results will be announced at the end of 2026 Annual Utah Chapter meeting.

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