The Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Utah is a popular fishing destination that attracts anglers all over the United States. The reservoir’s crystal-clear water offers excellent fly fishing opportunities, with a healthy population rainbow, brown and cutthroat fish.
Flaming Gorge is a must-visit if you want to have an unforgettable fly fishing adventure. This guide will cover everything you need about fly fishing at Flaming Gorge Reservoir. From the best times to fish to the most efficient fly patterns.
Fly Fishing in Flaming Gorge
The best time for fly fishing in Flaming Canyon depends on the season, and the type of fish that you are after. The best time to fly fish for trout in Flaming Gorge is generally from May to October when the water is cooler and the fish more active.
Fly fishing in Flaming Gorge is at its peak from June to August, when the most fish are caught. Some anglers prefer the shoulder seasons between May and September, when there are fewer people.
Anglers with experience can also find success fishing in Flaming Gorge reservoir during the winter. The reservoir is not completely frozen and the fish are very active and aggressive.
Flaming Gorge Fly Fishing Tip
Here are some helpful tips for those who are new to fly-fishing in Flaming Canyon.
- Hire A Guide– Hiring an experienced fly fishing guide in Flaming Canyon is the best way to get started. A guide will help you choose the right equipment, show you how to cast properly, and show you where the best fishing spots are.
- Use the Right Equipment– The equipment that you use to fly fish in Flaming Canyon is critical to your success. A 5-7-weight rod is ideal for targeting trout at Flaming Gorge. A floating line with fluorocarbon tippet and a 9-foot leader is recommended.
- Learn how to read the water – Understanding the behavior of fish and the structure in the lake is essential for fly fishing at Flaming Gorge. Look for areas where the water is moving in the lake, such as inflows and outflows or underwater structures.
- Selecting the Right Fly– Choosing the correct fly pattern for your target fish is important. Some of the most effective fly pattern choices in Flaming Gorge include hare’s ear, woolly buggers, pheasant’s tails, and midge patterns.
- Be patient – Patience can be the key to success when fly fishing at Flaming Gorge, as fish are finicky. Take your time to observe the water and be stealthy as you approach the fish.
Best Flaming Gorge fly fishing spots
Flaming Gorge is a large reservoir, covering more than 42,000 acres and boasting over 300 miles of shoreline. Here are the best spots to fly fish in Flaming Gorge.
- The Dam The area below the Dam is one of Flaming Gorge’s most popular fly-fishing spots. This location offers excellent access to the river portion of the reservoir which attracts a large number of trout.
- Inflows and Exits– The inflows or outflows are the best places to fly fish. The water is usually cooler, and the oxygenation is high. This attracts large schools of fish.
- Cedar Springs Marina This marina is a great place to fly fish, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when there is little light.
- Little Hole This location is located on the Green River, below the dam. It provides some of best fly fishing opportunities for brown and rainbow trout.
- The Hatchery– The Flaming Gorge Trout Hatchery, located just below the Dam, is a great place for fly fishing. The fish are fed here daily, which makes them more aggressive and easier for you to catch.
Best Flys for Flaming Gorge fly fishing
The right fly can make a huge difference to your success as an angling. Here are the best flies to fly fish in Flaming Gorge.
- Hare’s Ear Nymph This versatile fly pattern mimics a variety of aquatic insects. It works well in varying water conditions.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph This fly pattern is popular with many anglers, and is particularly effective in Flaming Canyon.
- Woolly Bugger This streamer pattern should be in every fly box. It mimics a baitfish or leech and works in both still and flowing water.
- Midge patterns– Flaming Gorge is a place with an abundance of midges. They are a favorite food for trout. Fly anglers love the variety of colors and sizes that midges patterns offer.
- San Juan Worm This fly pattern is great for fishing in muddy waters or after a rain. It mimics an annelid or worm, which attracts trout looking for food.
Conclusion
Flaming Gorge is a fly-fishing paradise that offers some of the best opportunities for fishing in Utah. It’s a unique experience, from the crystal-clear water to the abundance of fish and scenic views.
It’s important for an angler to know the best times to fish in Flaming Canyon, the right gear to bring, and the best fly patterns to use to catch fish. Follow these tips and recommendations to make your next fly-fishing trip to Flaming Canyon a memorable experience.