Fishing the Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Wyoming

Fishing at Flaming Gorge Reservoir, located on the Wyoming-Utah border, is a top destination for anglers seeking trophy-sized fish and a variety of species in a stunning canyon setting. Here’s a detailed guide for fishing this reservoir:

1. Target Species

• Lake Trout (Mackinaw): Flaming Gorge is famous for its large lake trout, with fish regularly exceeding 30 pounds and some even over 50 pounds.
• Kokanee Salmon: A popular species in the reservoir, kokanee offer excellent sport and are prized for their taste.
• Rainbow Trout: These trout are stocked regularly and are abundant, making them one of the most common catches.
• Smallmouth Bass: The rocky shoreline provides excellent habitat for smallmouth bass, which are plentiful and fun to catch.
• Brown Trout: Although less common than rainbows, brown trout can be caught near inlets and colder sections.
• Burbot (Ling): A nocturnal predator, burbot are targeted in winter and at night.
• Channel Catfish: These fish are also present, though less commonly targeted by anglers.

2. Best Fishing Techniques

• Trolling for Lake Trout: Lake trout are often found deep, particularly in the warmer months. Trolling with downriggers using large spoons, crankbaits, or tube jigs tipped with sucker meat is highly effective. Target depths between 50-100 feet during the summer and 30-60 feet in the cooler months.
• Casting for Smallmouth Bass: Use crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or soft plastics (such as tube jigs) along rocky shorelines. Focus on areas with submerged structures or drop-offs.
• Jigging for Lake Trout: Vertical jigging with large tube jigs, spoons, or heavy jigs tipped with sucker meat works well for lake trout in deeper waters. Focus on drop-offs and areas with underwater humps.
• Trolling for Kokanee Salmon: Kokanee are typically found in open water, often suspended at depths of 30-60 feet. Trolling with dodgers and squids, or small spoons and spinners, tipped with corn or scented bait can be effective.
• Fly Fishing for Trout: For rainbow and brown trout, fly fishing is effective, especially near the Green River inlet and shallower areas. Use streamers, nymphs, and dry flies depending on the hatch.
• Night Fishing for Burbot: Burbot are most active at night, especially in the winter. Anglers often use glow-in-the-dark jigs or bait rigs tipped with cut bait or sucker meat, fished near the bottom in depths of 30-50 feet.
• Ice Fishing for Lake Trout and Burbot: In the winter, ice fishing is popular. For lake trout, jigging with large spoons or tube jigs is productive, while burbot are best caught at night using glow-in-the-dark jigs.

3. Key Fishing Spots

• Linwood Bay: One of the best areas for targeting trophy lake trout. This bay has deep water and plenty of structure that attracts large fish.
• Big Bend: A hotspot for kokanee salmon, particularly in the summer months. Troll in open water for best results.
• Jarvies Canyon: Excellent for smallmouth bass and rainbow trout, with rocky shorelines and submerged structures ideal for casting or trolling.
• Skull Creek: A productive area for rainbow trout and smallmouth bass, offering good shore access and deeper water near the banks.
• Firehole Canyon: Known for good kokanee fishing, especially in the late summer. Troll in deeper water or jig near schools of fish.
• Green River Inlet: Fly anglers often target this area for trout, particularly rainbow and brown trout. The cooler, oxygen-rich water from the river attracts fish.

4. Best Times to Fish

• Spring (April – June): Spring is a prime time for lake trout, as they move into shallower waters after ice-off. Kokanee are also starting to become active. Smallmouth bass fishing picks up as the water warms, and rainbow trout are active throughout the reservoir.
• Summer (July – August): Lake trout move deeper in the summer, requiring trolling with downriggers or jigging in deeper waters. Kokanee fishing peaks during the summer, with schools suspended in open water. Smallmouth bass are highly active near rocky shorelines.
• Fall (September – October): As the water cools, lake trout and kokanee are more active near the surface again. Kokanee begin their spawn, making them more aggressive and easier to target. Fall is also a great time for smallmouth bass.
• Winter (December – March): Ice fishing season at Flaming Gorge is excellent for lake trout, burbot, and kokanee. Lake trout can be caught through the ice using large jigs or spoons, while burbot are targeted at night using glow-in-the-dark jigs.

5. Bait and Lures

• For Lake Trout: Use large tube jigs, spoons, or crankbaits tipped with sucker meat. Bright colors like white, chartreuse, or glow-in-the-dark lures work well in deep water.
• For Kokanee Salmon: Small spoons, dodgers, and squids tipped with scented corn or artificial bait. Bright colors like pink, orange, or red are effective.
• For Rainbow Trout: Use spinners, small spoons, or flies (such as nymphs or streamers) in natural colors. PowerBait or worms work well for shore fishing.
• For Smallmouth Bass: Soft plastics like tube jigs, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits work well near rocky areas. Green, brown, or black colors mimic crayfish and other natural prey.
• For Burbot: Glow-in-the-dark jigs tipped with sucker meat or cut bait fished near the bottom. Night fishing is most productive.

6. Fishing Conditions

• Water Clarity: Flaming Gorge has clear water, so lighter lines and more natural-colored lures are often effective, especially for trout.
• Depth: Lake trout and kokanee are found in deeper waters (50-100 feet) during the summer, while trout and bass stay shallower in spring and fall.
• Wind: The reservoir is large and prone to wind, which can affect boating. Early morning and late evening typically offer calmer conditions.

7. Fishing Regulations

• Lake Trout Limits: Flaming Gorge has regulations to protect the population of trophy lake trout. In Wyoming, anglers are encouraged to keep smaller lake trout (under 28 inches) to help control the population and preserve the larger fish.
• Kokanee Season: Kokanee salmon fishing is often closed from September 10 to November 30 to protect the spawning fish. Check current regulations for any seasonal closures or restrictions.
• Burbot Management: Burbot are considered invasive in Flaming Gorge, and there are no limits on their harvest. Anglers are encouraged to catch and keep as many as possible.

8. Boating and Access

• Boat Fishing: Boating is essential for accessing the deep waters where lake trout and kokanee are often found. There are several boat ramps around the reservoir, including at Lucerne Valley Marina, Buckboard Marina, and Anvil Draw.
• Shore Fishing: Shore fishing can be productive, particularly for rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. Focus on rocky shorelines and areas near inlets for the best results.

9. Wildlife and Scenery

• Beyond the great fishing, Flaming Gorge Reservoir offers breathtaking views of the surrounding red rock canyons and the Uinta Mountains. Wildlife is abundant, and it’s common to see bighorn sheep, mule deer, and bald eagles while fishing.

Fishing at Flaming Gorge Reservoir offers a mix of challenge and reward, from catching trophy lake trout to experiencing the fight of kokanee salmon. Whether you’re fishing from a boat or through the ice, the reservoir’s diversity and beauty make it one of Wyoming’s premier fishing destinations.

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Fishing the Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Wyoming