Fishing Flaming Gorge Reservoir
AKA: The Gorge
Popular Fish Species Flaming Gorge Reservoir, UT
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.
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.
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.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir Fishing Video
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.
One of Utah's premier outdoor destinations, Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a 42,000-acre lake with excellent fishing. Located on the northern border part of the state, at Manila, the lake has over 350 miles of shoreline.
The reservoir is known for its excellent trout fishing. Rainbow trout and cutthroat trout are commonly found in abundance. These trout 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 here is lake trout, also known as mackinaw. For those interested in warm-water fishing, Flaming Gorge Reservoir offers excellent opportunities for smallmouth bass fishing. Kokanee salmon, a landlocked version of the sockeye salmon, is another popular species found in The Gorge. In addition to trout, bass, and salmon, Flaming Gorge Reservoir is also home to channel catfish, which grow to bragging size.
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.
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.
Primary fish species residing in Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
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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Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Utah.
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Fishing for bass, catfish, trout and salmon in northern UT.
