What's new
Browne Lake: ★★★
The U.S. Forest Service gate is now open, allowing access to Browne Reservoir. No recent angling reports. (April 27, 2022)
Flaming Gorge Reservoir (Blue Ribbon): ★★★
Surface temperatures in the lower reservoir are in the low to mid-40s. All boat launches are open.
Lake trout: Recent fishing reports indicate that lake trout fishing success has been good to excellent on the north end near Buckboard. Patience is key when fishing for lake trout. Lake trout are currently both shallow and deep with anglers catching fish in the 35-90 feet range along the main channel. Good lures to try are jigging spoons such as Northland Buckshots or Crippled Herrings, jigging raps, blade baits like Berkley Vibratos and 3.5-inch tube jigs in 1/4- to 3/8-ounce weight and tipped with sucker or chub meat. White and chartreuse are good colors to start with. Trolling crankbaits, swim baits and dodger/squid combos shallow behind planer boards can work well for active fish. If trolling, watch for concentrations of fish on your fish finder and if located, try vertically jigging for them. Please help the resource by harvesting some of the overabundant lake trout under 25 inches. This size class of fish makes exceptional table fare.
Kokanee salmon: Fishing has been spotty as kokanee are still concentrated in schools. Try locating schools suspending between 30-80 feet and either vertically jig for them using spoons or troll with downriggers using small spoons, spinners or dodger/squid combos.
Rainbow and cutthroat trout: Anglers report catching numerous rainbows in Wyoming and also near launch ramps and inflows in Utah. Fish in 10-20 feet of water, using typical lures like spinners, spoons, jigs, bobber and worm and streamer patterns.
Smallmouth bass: No recent reports but success usually increases once water temperatures get above 50 degrees. Remember the limit in Utah is three fish and catch-and-release only in Wyoming.
Burbot: Due to the lack of ice, there haven't been any recent angling reports. The best time period to target burbot is at night. Anglers should fish rocky points and shorelines in 10-40 feet of water using glow-in-the-dark lures like Yamamoto grubs, Radical Glow tubes and Northland Buckshot spoons. Tip the lure with sucker/chub meat, recharge glow frequently and jig or deadstick the presentation a couple inches from the bottom. Good locations to try include the reach of the reservoir between Brinegar Ferry Crossing down to the Pipeline. Please remember all burbot must be killed. (April 27, 2022)
Moose Pond: ★★★
The ice is off but there are no recent angling reports. Catchable rainbow trout will be stocked in early to mid-May. (April 27, 2022)
Seasonal forecasts
Big Sand Wash Reservoir:
Winter/spring fishing forecast (March through May):
Nearly seven years ago, an illegal introduction of walleye was detected at the reservoir . Since that time, walleye numbers have steadily increased and our attempts to combat fertile walleye with triploid (sterile) walleye have been unsuccessful. Yellow perch numbers have decreased, but size structure appears to have increased. You can target both walleye and perch in water 25 to 55 feet deep. You will need to move around and find fish off breaks and structures. Yellow perch schools are much smaller now so keeping the school interested as they pass through is critical to success. Walleye are considered overabundant now. Targeting them and harvesting limits of this species will help the system maintain itself into the future. Walleye are an apex predator and can severely impact forage bases in smaller systems. Rainbow trout and brown trout are catchable species. They can be found closer to the shorelines and even in the deeper water cruising around feeding on zooplankton. Smallmouth bass are occasionally caught through the ice. Most are found in deep water near boulders. Pay attention to moon phases, as these can greatly impact ice fishing. (April 17, 2022)
Browne Lake:
Spring fishing forecast (May through June): U.S. Forest Service access roads typically open in mid-May. Ice-off is usually before roads are open to vehicles. Water clarity is stained until snow melt runoff ends in early summer. Spring gillnet survey indicate that there are good carryover numbers of rainbow and brook trout with fish up to 18 inches. The first stocking of catchable rainbow trout typically occurs before Memorial Day. Shore angling is the main fishing technique used but launching a small boat is possible near the dam. Anglers have good results using typical fishing presentations such as spoons, spinners, fly and bubble, worm and bobber and Powerbait. Cool water temperatures allow trout to remain close to the shore and the surface so shore anglers can target them. (April 27, 2022)
Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam:
Spring fishing forecast (March through May): Angler pressure is usually low until weather improves or hatches begin to occur. Streamer fishing can be good on cloudy or warm days using white, black or ginger colors. Nymphs in size 20-22 gray soft hackles and zebra midges can produce well. Midge and BWO hatches usually occur by April. Unscented marabou and tube jigs in earth tones, white/chartreuse and ginger are good options. Rainbow or brown trout patterned stickbaits and spoons can also work well. Pinch down the barbs for a quick release, and use good fish-handling techniques such as a rubber-coated net, wetted hand/glove and minimized handling time. This is usually a good time of year to fish the Green before recreational traffic begins. (April 05, 2022)
Moose Pond:
Spring fishing forecast (May through June): Ice-off is usually late April to early May. Water clarity is stained until snow melt runoff ends. The DWR stocks 10- to 12-inch catchable rainbow trout in mid-May. Shore angling access is good with a path around the entire pond. Anglers catch fish using typical fishing presentations such as spoons, spinners, fly and bubble, worm and bobber, Powerbait and fly presentations. The water is only about 5 feet deep. This is a good location to take children or anglers with limited mobility due to good access and amenities. (April 27, 2022)
The Fish Utah website offers an in-depth, interactive map that will help you find a place to fish near you! You can also rate waters based on your most recent fishing trips. Your ratings will help us improve the management of Utah's fisheries. Visit Fish Utah to plan your next trip or leave a rating.
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