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I am considering taking a quick trip up this Saturday with the boat to try to do my part in reducing the pup population. I have never fished from the boat at Flaming Gorge in January, but I know a lot of people do. Just curious as to which ramps are still open and if the docks are still in the water? Any other precautions or special advice for making a trip at this time of year? Thanks in advance!
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The ramp gets icy from trailers going in and out, and rain/snow. There was a 3-car/trailer pile up on it last weekend when a couple of trucks/trailers jacknifed turning around at the base of the ramp and one slid into the catwalk. One experienced fisherman died on the Cedar Springs ramp about a year ago due to a launching mishap. Be careful. Go slow. There's no snow removal. There's one courtesy dock. Don't step on or walk on any part of the ramp that looks wet in the morning. It won't be pretty.
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Thanks for the great info guys! Appreciate it!
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i Carry a set of chains with me just in case, I’ve been going to get a couple of those bags with the sand salt mix, so far I haven’t had to chain but having them has given me confidence to launch in places I would not have tried without them.
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Thanks for the reminder to have chains! Great suggestion!
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The Mustang Ridge launch is currently dry and has a southeastern exposure. Courtesy docks are in.
Antelope Flat is dry, but the courtesy dock has been pulled.
A good option in terms of pup abundance would be the Buckboard area. It was still open and accessible last week, but you could also call the marina at (307)875-6927 for more recent intel.
Good luck, Ryno
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Thanks Ryno! I was planning on probably using the Lucerne boat ramp, or would you recommend Buckboard over Lucerne. Like I said, this will be the first winter trip I've made with the boat...
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I think you’ll find pups if you launch at either location, but there was a lot in the main channel near Buckboard when I was there a couple weeks ago. And there’s always a lot there this time of year when we have ice.
Good luck! Ryno
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Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it! I'll let you know how we do.
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Well, I would say it was a successful trip. We brought home about a dozen pups for dinner and caught one just under 30 inches that we released. Was really nice to be out on the boat in January and for the most part was pretty good weather. Thanks again for the tips.
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Thanks for your report
looking at your first picture you have a swivel on the spoon
I have done that before,
but now I use a Duo-Lock snap on the spoon and put the Swivel
about 40" away from the spoon, you will get more action from the spoon and catch more fish.
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I ran out of the duo-lock swivels. Like you said though, I did notice the spoon with the duo-lock did have much better action. Thanks again for the helpful tips!
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