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Fishing Flaming Gorge Reservoir

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Flaming Gorge Reservoir, UT

Popular Fish Species Flaming Gorge Reservoir, UT


Flaming Gorge Reservoir Popular Fish - Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon Fishing

Sockeye salmon which remain landlocked, never migrating to the ocean, are called kokanee salmon. On-going stocking of kokanee salmon helps to maintain a nice population for the fishery. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. As one of the premiere kokanee fishing lakes in the region, Flaming Gorge Reservoir delivers plenty of fish above normal averages. These tasty fish school in lakes at depths which remain at ideal temperatures of between 48 and 58 degrees. Once this depth is identified, use a fish finder to locate schools. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space. In winter, once the ice is safe, try ice fishing for kokanee.


Flaming Gorge Reservoir Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fishing for rainbow trout at Flaming Gorge Reservoir can be effective using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic prey. Use the lightest fishing line for the best possible results, based on conditions. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing can still provide some nice fishing. On going stocking has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout. While fishing from a boat is often the preferred method, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.


Flaming Gorge Reservoir Popular Fish - Lake Torut

Lake Trout Fishing

Year round, fishing for lake trout in Flaming Gorge Reservoir is often quite good and the fish are plentiful. These large trout prefer water below 60 degrees, however they can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 30 feet in Spring and Fall, to as deep as 150 feet or more during Summer and Winter. It is a monumental assistance to use fish finders, or other electronics to help in locating these roaming schools of lake trout. They feed on baitfish and other small fish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for big lake trout with spoons can deliver some great catches.


Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and kokanee salmon at Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Utah.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir Fishing Video

One of Utah's premier outdoor destinations, Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a 42,000-acre lake with excellent fishing and boating. Located on the northern border part of the state, at Manila, the lake has over 350 miles of shoreline.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a large and scenic reservoir located in the northeastern corner of Utah, straddling the border with Wyoming. It is renowned for its outstanding fishing opportunities and breathtaking red cliffs that surround the water, making it a popular destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The reservoir is known for its excellent trout fishing. Rainbow trout and cutthroat trout are commonly found in abundance, and anglers can enjoy both catch-and-release and harvest opportunities. These trout species thrive in the cold, clear waters of Flaming Gorge and provide an exciting challenge for fly fishermen and lure enthusiasts alike.

Another sought-after species in Flaming Gorge is the lake trout, also known as mackinaw. These large and powerful fish are a favorite among anglers looking for a thrilling fight and a chance to catch a trophy-sized fish. The lake trout population in Flaming Gorge has grown significantly over the years, making it a premier destination for those seeking a chance to land a big fish.

For those interested in warm-water fishing, Flaming Gorge Reservoir offers excellent opportunities for smallmouth bass fishing. The reservoir's rocky shorelines and clear waters create an ideal habitat for these feisty and hard-fighting bass, providing anglers with an enjoyable experience.

Kokanee salmon, a landlocked version of the sockeye salmon, is another popular species found in Flaming Gorge. Anglers can target these silver-sided fish during the warmer months, and they offer both fun fishing action and delicious table fare.

In addition to trout, bass, and salmon, Flaming Gorge Reservoir is also home to channel catfish. These bottom-dwelling fish provide a fun challenge for anglers who enjoy fishing with bait and targeting a variety of species.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir's fishing season typically extends from spring to fall, with the best times varying depending on the species. Spring and early summer are excellent for trout fishing, while kokanee salmon fishing is typically at its peak during the summer months. Smallmouth bass fishing is great during the warmer months, and lake trout can be targeted year-round.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir offers a diverse and exciting fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels, making it a top destination for those seeking a memorable fishing adventure in the scenic landscapes of Utah.

Over half of the reservoir is in Wyoming, but plenty of great fishing and the Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center is in Utah. Stunning views await anglers and boaters on this scenic waterway. Record lake trout and German browns have come out of these fertile waters, which also have healthy populations of bass, catfish, rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. The lake is surrounded by Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area with camping and marinas in both states. Access to the shoreline, for fishing from the bank, is available at numerous locations around the lake. Area fishing guides and boat charters are available which know the better fishing areas and techniques. In winter, once the ice is safe, there can be some excellent ice fishing.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Utah

Primary fish species residing in Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Smallmouth bass Channel catfish Rainbow trout Brown trout Lake trout Kokanee salmon

Flaming Gorge Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Cedar Springs Marina
Rentals: Kayaks and pontoon boats
435 889-3795

Lucerne Valley Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
435 784-3483

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Cedar Springs Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off N Cedar Springs Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lucerne Valley Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Lucerne Valley Recreation Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Mustang Ridge Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, east side, off Mustang Ridge Boat Launch Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Sheep Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off County Road 092, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Marinas

Cedar Springs Marina
2675 North Cedar Springs Rd
Dutch John, UT 84023
435 889-3795

Lucerne Valley Marina
1 Lucerne Blvd
Manila, UT 84046
435 784-3483

Fishing Guides On Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Recon Angling Fishing Guide Service - trout, salmon

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Utah Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Flaming Gorge-Manila KOA Journey Campground - 435 784-3184

Sheep Creek Bay Campground - 435 789-1181

Hideout Canyon Boat-In Campground - 801 226-3564

Canyon Rim Campground - 435 784-3445

Skull Creek Campground - 435 784-3445

Firefighters Memorial Campground - 435 789-1181

Cedar Springs Campground - 877 444-6777

Deer Run Campground - 435 889-3000

Arch Dam Group Campground - 435 889-3000

Mustang Ridge Campground - 877 444-6777

Dutch John Draw Group Campground - 435 789-1181

Flaming Gorge Reservoir Fishing & Camping in Wyoming

Flaming Gorge Reservoir UT Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
25 Utah 43
Manila, UT 84046
435 784-3445

 

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