The Most Scenic Trophy Trout Destination

The word is out. People come to Flaming Gorge from around the globe to fish for record-breaking trout and kokanee salmon. When they arrive diverse and colorful landscapes greet them.

Written By Matcha

Flaming Gorge
Flaming Gorge   |  Ryan Kelly

The word is out. People travel to Flaming Gorge from around the globe to fish for record-breaking trout and kokanee salmon. When they arrive, diverse and colorful landscapes greet them — and then stick around for the entirety of Flaming Gorge Reservoir’s 91-mile length. This unique ecologic and geologic environment climbs steadily from the charming high desert of southwestern Wyoming to the attractive subalpine terrain of the northeastern part of the state, making Flaming Gorge unlike any other fishery in the United States, and a favorite destination for fishing vacations.

Every angler who visits is simultaneously rewarded with a bountiful catch and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the west. Flaming Gorge’s name was actually inspired by John Wesley Powell’s Green River expedition of 1869. As his crew drifted into the north slope of the Uinta Mountains, rays of sunlight reflected radiantly off the red and orange hues layered within the canyon walls making them look like they were on fire. Today you can witness the same photo-worthy shale buttes, sandstone cliffs, and quartzite canyons that tower above the reservoir’s cobalt waters and that gave the area its name.

While it’s true there are plenty of trophy lake, kokanee, and brown trout to be caught, Flaming Gorge and the surrounding waters also offer a variety and abundance of other fish that are accessible to folks of any skill and age. Small mouth bass, channel catfish and burbot are also plentiful and are a riot to catch. From first-timers to seasoned anglers, regardless of the catch you’re after, everyone who visits the region can find the perfect amount of action.

Getting Started

If you’re new to fishing, all you’ll need to get started is a basic set up of a spinning rod with line, tackle, and bait and/or lures. There are so many easily-accessible fishing spots in the area that are perfect for children and first timers alike.

Adjacent to the 500-foot-tall Flaming Gorge Dam sits an ADA-accessible fishing pier. You can take in the views from atop the dam, then drop a line from the pier. Moose Pond is a small reservoir found along Scenic Highway 44 that is annually stocked with rainbow trout. Surrounded by mature lodge-pole pines, Moose Pond is easily accessed and if visited near sunset affords ample opportunity to view deer, moose and other wildlife foraging near its shores. Hanging above the gorge, the Greens Lakes at Red Canyon Lodge offer great catch-and-release fishing for rainbow and tiger trout. Little Hole on the Green River is also a must-visit, whether you’re fly-fishing or spin fishing. Located in the steep and scenic canyon below the Flaming Gorge Dam there is easy access to miles of trout-filled water where the average fish caught is over 15 inches. Buckboard, Lucerne, and Cedar Springs Marinas all offer great shore-side fishing as well.

If you’re new to fishing, all you’ll need to get started is a basic set up of a spinning rod with line, tackle, and bait and/or lures.

If you’re new to fishing, all you’ll need to get started is a basic set up of a spinning rod with line, tackle, and bait and/or lures.

Photo: Ryan Kelly

The Green River’s resident trout lure trophy hunters from around the globe.

The Green River’s resident trout lure trophy hunters from around the globe.

Photo: Ryan Kelly

 

Article at a Glance

If you’re new to fishing, all you’ll need to get started is a basic set up of a spinning rod with line, tackle, and bait and/or lures. There are so many easily-accessible fishing spots in the area that are perfect for children and first timers alike.

From house boats, speedboats, pontoons, fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, and even stand-up paddleboards, angling on the lake is by far the most productive and fun way to fish Flaming Gorge.

To learn more about fishing at Flaming Gorge and to find area outfitters and businesses, see the Visit Flaming Gorge site. 

About the Author – Matcha

Matcha (formerly RootsRated) is a media platform that connects users with the best outdoor experiences, hand-picked by local outdoor retailers and their networks of local experts. That’s why we’re the content marketing experts for e-commerce and lifestyle brands.

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