Fishing Lake Flaming Gorge
The Crown Jewel of Fishing
The 91-mile-long Flaming Gorge Reservoir is the crown jewel for fishing in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. In fact, these waters were home to the state’s record-breaking 50-lb. lake trout, plus the state’s record-holding catches for brown trout, channel catfish, kokanee salmon and smallmouth bass. To this day, it’s one of the best places to fish in Wyoming with some of the state’s largest fish found in the reservoir.
Everything You Need is Here
Flaming Gorge Reservoir has everything you need for your relaxing fishing vacation or weekend trip. Camp out in a tent among the stars and eat your catches by the campfire at nearby campgrounds, enjoy the amenities of home at an RV park or go for a bit more luxury at a Flaming Gorge lodge. Check out the three full-service marinas along the reservoir that offer anglers everything from launch sites and boat rentals to mooring and fuel.
Download a map of Lake Flaming Gorge here.
When To Fish at Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Spring and Summer Fishing
Rainbow trout are found throughout the reservoir and usually become active in April. When fishing top water down to 50 feet, rainbows, browns and 20”-26” lake trout are plentiful.
By May or early June, kokanee salmon action picks up. They will stay in shallow waters (typically between 25-30 feet deep) in the winter and spring and go deeper in the hotter months. During the summer, lake trout can be found at 70-120-foot depths, where they gorge and grow to enormous sizes. At this time of year, even smallmouth bass can be found along the rocky shoreline habitat throughout the gorge.
Discover some of the best cold-water fishing in Sweetwater County.
Fall and Winter Fishing
The large lake trout that anglers find during the summer months can often still be caught through the ice. Burbot are also plentiful during the colder months of the year.
Winter is the perfect time to take part in ice-fishing contests. Sweetwater County hosts several fishing derbies throughout the season, including the annual Burbot Bash. Every year the bash aims to get rid of as many invasive burbot from the reservoir as possible.
For more information on ice fishing, check out our guide to ice fishing.
Where to Fish Around the Reservoir
To help anglers navigate the huge reservoir, we’ve put together a few hot spots, starting from north to south. They’re a great starting point for any Flaming Gorge fishing trip.
Firehole Canyon
This unique area in Flaming Gorge is toward the northern side of the lake. Since Firehole Canyon’s fishing waters are located under towering North and South Chimney Rocks, fishermen won’t be at a loss for spectacular views between catches. And since an average angler can expect to put in many hours between fish, these views will not go unappreciated. Take advantage of the boat ramp, picnic area, camping sites and public restrooms to extend your fishing trip before heading further south.
Currant Creek & Buckboard Marina
Currant Creek, across from Buckboard Marina, is a great place to anchor and catch some fish. Stock up on bait and pick up some new lures at the marina on the west side of the reservoir, and head over to the east side to drop a line for a busy day of fishing. Depending on the time of year, you might want to plan on joining one of the marina’s fishing events, such as the Mac Attack Derby.
Holmes Crossing & Anvil Draw
If you visit the area late in the season, Holmes Crossing and Anvil Draw are alive with action and worth a stop. Float between the two areas, and find yourself coming home with large Wyoming fish.
Linwood Bay & Lucerne Marina
Travel a little further south to Linwood Bay, located on the Utah side of Flaming Gorge Reservoir near Lucerne Marina, which is always a hot spot to catch the big ones. The area is famous for trophy fishing, unparalleled scenic canyon views and abundant wildlife — including fish! Linwood Bay is one of the best places on the lake to reel in kokanee. Check out the Lucerne Marina schedule of events and plan on taking part in an unbeatable experience like the Flaming Gorge Fish Derby.
Flaming Gorge Dam
Although the Wyoming side of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir is known for its huge fish, the Utah side has at least one stop you can’t miss. Finish your trip floating on the Green River, just below the Flaming Gorge Dam, and experience one of the most renowned trout fisheries in the world. The clear waters of this area support a huge population of trout, with rainbows more abundant just below the dam and browns more common downstream.
Download a map of the Flaming Gorge to find these fishing hot spots.
For more information on Wyoming fishing licenses, rules and regulations, visit the Wyoming Game & Fish Department.