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Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 27, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Transitioning from winter deep water to shallow spawning areas, staging on secondary points and following primary migration routes Active feeding periods during warming trends, targeting baitfish schools in pre-spawn feeding activity Moving shallower on sunny days, seeking warmer water temperatures in protected areas	Secondary points with direct access to deeper water Rocky shorelines and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range Protected bays with gravel or rock substrate	Blade Baits worked with slow, vertical presentations along drop-offs Tubes dragged slowly across rocky transition areas Ned Rigs worked methodically around boulder fields Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses over points and flats	Minnows and small baitfish schools Smaller crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Trout	34-45	Lake trout transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn activity, becoming more aggressive and moving to staging areas near spawning grounds Fish actively feeding on pelagic baitfish, with increased activity during low-light conditions due to moderate water staining	Deep humps and underwater rises (confirmed by recent fishing reports) Steep breaks near deep water access points, particularly in Pipeline and South Canyon areas Complex shoreline points transitioning to deep water	Trolling Deep (20'+) with flatfish lures (validated by recent 20+ pound catches) Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) focusing on marked fish near structure Ice Fishing Jigs worked aggressively (successful in recent reports)	Kokanee salmon (primary forage for trophy fish) Pelagic baitfish schools	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Warm Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-62	Transitioning from winter deep water to shallow spawning areas, with males actively searching for and preparing nesting sites in protected areas Aggressive territorial behavior near spawning areas, with fish responding well to reaction baits and protecting nests from intruders	Protected rocky bays and coves with gravel or small boulder bottom composition Secondary points leading into spawning bays, especially those with rock transitions Shallow flats adjacent to deep water access points	Bladed Jigs worked slowly along rocky transitions and spawning flats Ned Rigs worked methodically around potential spawning areas Tubes dragged and hopped across rocky areas	Small baitfish schools moving into spawning areas Awakening crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Trout	38-48	Lake trout moving shallow (15-30ft) as water temps rise, staging near spawning areas with rocky substrate Most active during dawn and dusk, with increased daytime activity due to spring conditions and moderately stained water	Rocky points and steep breaks near spawning areas, particularly in the Pipeline and South Canyon zones Shallow rocky humps and reefs in 15-30 foot depth range Transition areas where deep water meets spawning flats	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Tubes	Kokanee Salmon Juvenile Lake Trout Pelagic Baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	45-55	Post-spawn smallmouth bass transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are relating heavily to boulder fields and rock structure, following baitfish movements in cool 48°F water	Boulder fields and rock piles in transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water Rocky points and shoreline structure in 8-15 foot depth range Protected coves with rock structure where water warms faster	Spinnerbaits worked slowly around boulder fields and rock transitions Tubes dragged and hopped through rocky areas Ned Rigs worked methodically around structure	Minnows congregating around rock structure Smaller baitfish schools in transition areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Trout	42-52	Lake trout transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper, thermally-optimal zones as water warms Fish actively feeding to recover from spawn, primarily targeting pelagic baitfish in transitional areas	Deep points and steep breaks adjacent to spawning areas Pipeline and South Canyon areas with access to deep water Suspended locations over main basin areas where kokanee schools congregate	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along breaks and points Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are marked Spoons worked through suspended bait schools	Kokanee salmon schools in transitional areas Smaller lake trout concentrating in similar areas Various baitfish species moving shallow with warming water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-82	Transitioning between shallow and deep water throughout the day, with early morning/late evening topwater activity and midday deep structure holding patterns Actively feeding on crawfish around boulder and rock pile areas, particularly in 15-20 foot depth range	Rock piles and boulder fields in 15-20 foot depth range near points and ledges Shallow rocky flats and points during low light periods Gradual chunk rock points transitioning from shallow to deep water	Drop Shot in 15-20 FOW near points and ledges Hard Topwater (Prop) during early morning and late evening Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) around boulder fields	Crawfish - primary forage around rocky structure Bluegill - secondary forage in shallow areas during low light periods	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Lake Trout	45-52	Lake trout moving deep to seek cooler water during summer stratification, primarily holding in 20'+ depth zones near structural elements Actively feeding on kokanee salmon and other pelagic baitfish, with increased activity during low-light periods due to moderate water staining	Pipeline area with deep water access points, particularly where steep breaks meet the main basin South Canyon and Buckboard areas featuring prominent structural elements and access to deep water Deep points and humps adjacent to pelagic zones where kokanee schools concentrate	Trolling Deep (20'+) with downriggers targeting suspended fish following bait schools Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are concentrated on specific structure Spoons worked vertically through suspended bait schools	Kokanee salmon, particularly in deep pelagic zones Rainbow trout, especially smaller specimens	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Actively feeding on baitfish in preparation for winter, with increased activity during low-light periods Moving between deep structure and shallow feeding zones, following baitfish schools	Rocky reefs in 15-25 foot depth range Secondary points with access to deep water Steep shoreline breaks near baitfish concentrations	Bladed Jigs worked along reef edges and through baitfish schools Drop Shot with small baitfish imitations near structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish	Minnows Small Yellow Perch Remaining Crawfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Fall	Lake Trout	48-58	Lake trout moving shallower as water temperatures cool, following kokanee salmon migrations to spawning areas Increased feeding activity in low-light conditions, particularly during dawn and dusk periods Fish transitioning from deep summer refuges to mid-depth hunting zones, becoming more aggressive in cooler water	Deep points and steep breaks adjacent to spawning flats Pipeline area structure with access to deep water South Canyon areas where thermal breaks concentrate baitfish	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with downriggers along breaks Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') on suspended fish Spoons worked through bait schools	Kokanee Salmon staging for spawning runs Smaller baitfish suspended in mid-water column	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	38-45	Smallmouth bass are concentrating in deep, wintering holes near primary structure, typically suspending near bottom in 20-30 foot depths Feeding windows are shorter and less aggressive, with fish making minimal movements to conserve energy Most active during mid-day periods when water temperatures peak slightly	Deep rock piles and boulder fields adjacent to primary points in 20-30 foot range Sharp breaks and ledges near winter holes Deep structure adjacent to primary summer holding areas	Blade Baits worked vertically with slow lifts and long pauses Drop Shot with subtle movements, keeping bait near bottom Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with methodical presentations	Small baitfish schools concentrated in deep water Inactive crawfish in deep rock structures	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Winter	Lake Trout	32-34	Lake trout are actively feeding in shallower water during winter, concentrating around structural elements like points and humps. The moderately stained water (3.1m Secchi) suggests peak activity during low-light periods. Fish are showing aggressive behavior towards artificial presentations, particularly responding to tubes and ice fishing jigs worked near bottom structure.	Points with access to deep water, particularly those near main lake basins Offshore humps and underwater rises Steep breaks and deep water access points near Pipeline and South Canyon areas	Tubes worked vertically along structure edges Ice Fishing Jigs with aggressive jigging motion Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Kokanee Salmon Pelagic Baitfish	Light Neutral Colors Warm Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Secondary points with direct access to deeper water	Rocky shorelines and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Deep humps and underwater rises (confirmed by recent fishing reports)	Steep breaks near deep water access points, particularly in Pipeline and South Canyon areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected rocky bays and coves with gravel or small boulder bottom composition	Secondary points leading into spawning bays, especially those with rock transitions
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Trout	Rocky points and steep breaks near spawning areas, particularly in the Pipeline and South Canyon zones	Shallow rocky humps and reefs in 15-30 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields and rock piles in transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water	Rocky points and shoreline structure in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Deep points and steep breaks adjacent to spawning areas	Pipeline and South Canyon areas with access to deep water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and boulder fields in 15-20 foot depth range near points and ledges	Shallow rocky flats and points during low light periods
Summer	Lake Trout	Pipeline area with deep water access points, particularly where steep breaks meet the main basin	South Canyon and Buckboard areas featuring prominent structural elements and access to deep water
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky reefs in 15-25 foot depth range	Secondary points with access to deep water
Fall	Lake Trout	Deep points and steep breaks adjacent to spawning flats	Pipeline area structure with access to deep water
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep rock piles and boulder fields adjacent to primary points in 20-30 foot range	Sharp breaks and ledges near winter holes
Winter	Lake Trout	Points with access to deep water, particularly those near main lake basins	Offshore humps and underwater rises

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows and small baitfish schools	Smaller crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Kokanee salmon (primary forage for trophy fish)	Pelagic baitfish schools
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Small baitfish schools moving into spawning areas	Awakening crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Trout	Kokanee Salmon	Juvenile Lake Trout
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows congregating around rock structure	Smaller baitfish schools in transition areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Kokanee salmon schools in transitional areas	Smaller lake trout concentrating in similar areas
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage around rocky structure	Bluegill - secondary forage in shallow areas during low light periods
Summer	Lake Trout	Kokanee salmon, particularly in deep pelagic zones	Rainbow trout, especially smaller specimens
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows	Small Yellow Perch
Fall	Lake Trout	Kokanee Salmon staging for spawning runs	Smaller baitfish suspended in mid-water column
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Small baitfish schools concentrated in deep water	Inactive crawfish in deep rock structures
Winter	Lake Trout	Kokanee Salmon	Pelagic Baitfish

Bait Colors by Season for Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Warm Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Fall	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Winter	Lake Trout	Light Neutral Colors Warm Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

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