This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Flaming Gorge Fishing Report from UDWR Flaming Gorge Project Leader Ryan Mosley.
What a spring! We need the snow, or at least some form of precipitation, but these 60-degree days are sure agreeable for early season angling! It's almost as if everything is on fast-forward, and April/May fishing patterns are already occurring. The hot bite on Flaming Gorge is currently rainbow trout. Many of these stocked fish go into spawning mode each spring and they provide lots of opportunity in a variety of situations. It's not uncommon to catch 2-4 lb specimens and the males will be the most brightly colored, hence their name. Spawning rainbows are commonly found along shallow rocky points, near or in tributaries, and close to launch ramps where they were initially stocked. There's even more variety in the techniques that can be employed like fly fishing, trolling spoons or pop gear, soaking a worm and marshmallow, and casting jigs. My favorite technique for targeting rainbows on the reservoir is to cast marabou jigs. I prefer 1/4-3/8 oz weights and use a variety of colors including pink, olive, and black. I'll even slip a Berkley trout worm on the hook so it looks like tail, for some additional action and scent. Many of the spots I like to target are shallow rocky points along the length of the reservoir as these areas often go underutilized. Tributaries are also good areas but tend to have more angler pressure. Anglers should look for large groups of rainbow trout staging to spawn or even constructing redds along the shoreline. Polarized glasses are a big asset, but also watch for the occasional surface disruption, resultant of spawning pairs chasing each other in shallow water. Upon finding fish, cast jigs and let them fall on a tight line so you can see or feel the strike. Give the jig some occasional "pops" and slowly work it back to the boat or shore. Many of the hits tend to come on the fall, so watch the rod tip and line for subtle movements. Spawning rainbows are not eating, so the strikes can be quick and/or light. Spring is obviously here so get out NOW and enjoy the unseasonably warm weather and catch some stunning Flaming Gorge rainbows! Pictured is Natalie Boren, UDWR Reservoir Biologist from Vernal, UT, with a big Flaming Gorge rainbow.