This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Ryan Mosley with the DWR's Flaming Gorge Project sent in this info Thursday afternoon. Kamloops are fiesty and fast. Here's his report.
Here's just another great opportunity for anglers venturing to Flaming Gorge Reservoir this fall. Due to some changes in the hatchery system, approximately 1,400 excess Kamloops rainbow trout broodstock produced at Whiterocks Hatchery were stocked at Cedar Springs today. Another 1,500 fish will remain at Whiterocks for future hatchery production. Two different size groups were stocked by hatchery personnel. Of the smaller (if you can call them that), the average fish was about 20-inches and 3 pounds. Some bigger fish were also included and they averaged a whopping 25-inches and 6.2 lbs. Anglers can take advantage of this prime opportunity, by fishing the lower lake the next few weeks. Kamloops are notorious for there exceptional growth, power, and willingness to strike lures. After the fish acclimate to their new environment, spin fisherman should expect to catch them while casting spoons, spinners, and jigs or while still fishing with bait (Powerbait, worms). Fly fisherman should also be able to entice a bruiser while stripping wooly buggers or large nymph patterns.Kamloops were historically stocked in Flaming Gorge back in the 1990s but that ceased in 1997. After some effort, a broodstock was reestablished at Whiterocks Hatchery and their offspring were stocked in 2009. It's a great fighting fish and they'll offer another exciting venue for anglers in years to come.
Picture idents - Kamloops launching into their new home.Nick Stocker holding one of the brood fish released into Flaming Gorge.