Flaming Gorge

[liketrolling]

Effective Oct. 1, lake trout in the Wyoming portion of Flaming Gorge will be classified as nongame fish, and the creel limit for lake trout 28 inches and under will be unlimited. Anglers will only be allowed to have one lake trout over 28 inches in their possession. The creel limit for kokanee will be reduced from four to three.

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/news-events/new-wyo...out-begins

https://wgfd.wyo.gov/fishing-boating/fishing-news


Zebra mussels in hand
A watercraft harboring live, invasive zebra mussels was intercepted on Sept. 22 at the northeast Wyoming border by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department


AIS watercraft check stations reduce hours, close for season

[Cowboypirate]

Will that change what/how you fish there ?

[BearLakeFishGuy]

When WYGF decided to raised the cost of the reciprocal permit and raised the cost of the WY AIS sticker, that is when I stopped fishing the WY side of Flaming Gorge. I have since figured out the Utah side for kokes that are similar in size to the WY side and I don't have to pay $60+ to fish on WY side. The cost alone made it an easy decision. The area from Hide Out up to the state line has really been producing some nice kokes the last few years. Admittedly, it is not as fast as it used to be since the overall koke population is down throughout the reservoir, but the ones I've caught are really nice. Lakers can be caught anywhere along the cliffs or humps off Swim Beach/Lucerne area and farther down the reservoir all the way to the dam. Just look for bottom humps/points and you can troll over those and pick off pups, or even jigging for them on the same structure works too.

[BoatBallast]

When WYGF decided to raised the cost of the reciprocal permit and raised the cost of the WY AIS sticker, that is when I stopped fishing the WY side of Flaming Gorge.  I have since figured out the Utah side for kokes that are similar in size to the WY side and I don't have to pay $60+ to fish on WY side.  The cost alone made it an easy decision.  The area from Hide Out up to the state line has really been producing some nice kokes the last few years.  Admittedly, it is not as fast as it used to be since the overall koke population is down throughout the reservoir, but the ones I've caught are really nice.  Lakers can be caught anywhere along the cliffs or humps off Swim Beach/Lucerne area and farther down the reservoir all the way to the dam.  Just look for bottom humps/points and you can troll over those and pick off pups, or even jigging for them on the same structure works too.

I feel the same way.  I'm pretty furious that Wyoming did that to us.  But, at the same time, it's giving them what they want, which is fewer people from out-of-state fishing at the Gorge.  And now the lake trout are everywhere because they made fewer people want to fish there.  How the turn tables turn.

And what did Utah do in response?  Sent them 4,000 smallmouth from Utah. 

I hunted at the Gorge this year.  But it's the first time I've been there in 4 years now.  I just don't want to give Wyoming a dime.  And the worst part is that it doesn't have to be this way.  Wyoming just wants to prove that they aren't like Utah. 

Way to catch Zebra mussels coming in from South Dakota and Nebraska.

[BearLakeFishGuy]

That is exactly true about pushing away out-of-staters. I'm sure there are many others just like you and I. If they want more pressure on lakers then drop the B.S. with reciprocal permits and recognize AIS stickers from either UT or WY on the entire lake.

[BoatBallast]

That is exactly true about pushing away out-of-staters.  I'm sure there are many others just like you and I.  If they want more pressure on lakers then drop the B.S. with reciprocal permits and recognize AIS stickers from either UT or WY on the entire lake.

Yeah, that's exactly right.  I used to be at the Gorge all the time.  And I quit, because Wyoming made it too hard to go. 

I killed a lot of lake trout up there to "help" the lake.  But I kill zero now because of Wyoming. 

I used to be an inspector for WY in the early days of their program, just so I could inspect my own boat.  When I did the class, I pointed out to them that there was no point in doing all this for Flaming Gorge because they don't control the whole lake.  If they couldn't cooperate with Utah, there was no way they could prevent something from getting in the lake.  They didn't care.  And, the only reason I can think of that they don't care is because they are trying to keep us out-of-staters out.

[Bduck]

I agree with all that has been said here. My thought is why does Utah always say they align with Wyoming when they make any changes to their fishing regulations? As of this year I quit buying the reciprocal when I fish Wyoming side, instead I purchase just a 1-day nonresident license and only the annual AIS decal, I also fish other Wy lakes. I don't know how many trips I will get to the Gorge but its always a 1-day turn & burn at a time. Last time I purchased a Wy reciprocal was in 2023 which I only fished 1-day for that summer. Also, the last time I launched out of Lucerne was in 2023 which Wyoming was conducting AIS inspections, I do support AIS inspections but wonder if this is right.  

[BoatBallast]

I agree with all that has been said here. My thought is why does Utah always say they align with Wyoming when they make any changes to their fishing regulations? As of this year I quit buying the reciprocal when I fish Wyoming side, instead I purchase just a 1-day nonresident license and only the annual AIS decal, I also fish other Wy lakes. I don't know how many trips I will get to the Gorge but its always a 1-day turn & burn at a time. Last time I purchased a Wy reciprocal was in 2023 which I only fished 1-day for that summer. Also, the last time I launched out of Lucerne was in 2023 which Wyoming was conducting AIS inspections, I do support AIS inspections but wonder if this is right.  

It feels like Utah has given up at Flaming Gorge and just ceded their authority to Wyoming.  They say it's for "harmony" in the regulations.  I kind of wonder if they just don't care anymore. 

The reciprocal stamp is a horrible deal now.  And what did Utah do about it?  Nothing. 

I'm really frustrated with all of this especially when I see the number of Wyoming license plates at our hospitals and airports.  Not that I want to deny anyone access to those things, but it seems like we are giving a lot more than we are getting from our neighbors.

[dubob]

Utah should be telling Wyoming to go pound sand.  

[BearLakeFishGuy]

I don't think UDWR has given up on FG at all. However, there are some questionable decisions being made by UDWR. The biggest one is the asking anglers to harvest pup lakers like WYGF instituted. UDWR has chosen to wait until the new regulation cycle on Jan 1st, but they are then missing an entire year of spawning fish. They could have easily did an emergency regulation change like they do, and have done, on MANY waters in Utah so both state's regulations would line up. These are decisions not being made by the field biologists, this is made by management in the Salt Lake office. It would have been nice to know why they chose to wait. Seems like the overpopulation of lakers is an emergency, but then they chose to not go that route. Interesting. Anyway, after being a biologist and working with my counterparts in Idaho for my entire career, I understand there are some differences of opinion, but there NEEDS to be compromise from both states (UT and WY) so regulations are easier on everyone and universal across the state lines. WYGF will not do away with the reciprocal stamp since Utah anglers spend WAY, WAY more on WY stamps than Wyoming anglers spend on UT stamps. Its is a total money maker for WYGF. Sad but true that that the all mighty dollar seems to be more important than easier regulations.

[BoatBallast]

I don't think UDWR has given up on FG at all.  However, there are some questionable decisions being made by UDWR.  The biggest one is the asking anglers to harvest pup lakers like WYGF instituted.  UDWR has chosen to wait until the new regulation cycle on Jan 1st, but they are then missing an entire year of spawning fish.  They could have easily did an emergency regulation change like they do, and have done, on MANY waters in Utah so both state's regulations would line up.  These are decisions not being made by the field biologists, this is made by management in the Salt Lake office.  It would have been nice to know why they chose to wait.  Seems like the overpopulation of lakers is an emergency, but then they chose to not go that route.  Interesting.  Anyway, after being a biologist and working with my counterparts in Idaho for my entire career, I understand there are some differences of opinion, but there NEEDS to be compromise from both states (UT and WY) so regulations are easier on everyone and universal across the state lines.  WYGF will not do away with the reciprocal stamp since Utah anglers spend WAY, WAY more on WY stamps than Wyoming anglers spend on UT stamps.  Its is a total money maker for WYGF.  Sad but true that that the all mighty dollar seems to be more important than easier regulations.

I think I should clarify what I meant to say.  It's not that Utah doesn't care about FG itself.  I think they don't care to deal with WYGF anymore to make things happen.  WYGF is the screaming toddler that always gets what it wants and Utah just won't stand up to them.  WYGF has been that way for years and years.  They do what they want to do and Utah just follows suit, for reasons I don't understand at all.  I don't think Utah cares to push back on WYGF at all anymore.  They won't compromise and DWR won't stick up for us.

I would also say that their boat checks at the colonoscopy stations are ridiculous.  I have been known to push the boundaries with them a little.  Last time I went through, I had a giant dirt clod in my anchor (from my yard).  The checker only looked at my anchor rope and didn't look at the anchor itself at all.  He sent the dirt clod right through.  I tossed it in the garbage can when I launched.  What's the point of an inspection like that?

[Fowl-Hook]

[quote="BearLakeFishGuy" pid="1158214" dateline="1730665033"]
I don't think UDWR has given up on FG at all.  However, there are some questionable decisions being made by UDWR.  The biggest one is the asking anglers to harvest pup lakers like WYGF instituted.  UDWR has chosen to wait until the new regulation cycle on Jan 1st, but they are then missing an entire year of spawning fish.  They could have easily did an emergency regulation change like they do, and have done, on MANY waters in Utah so both state's regulations would line up.  These are decisions not being made by the field biologists, this is made by management in the Salt Lake office.  It would have been nice to know why they chose to wait.  Seems like the overpopulation of lakers is an emergency, but then they chose to not go that route.  Interesting.  Anyway, after being a biologist and working with my counterparts in Idaho for my entire career, I understand there are some differences of opinion, but there NEEDS to be compromise from both states (UT and WY) so regulations are easier on everyone and universal across the state lines.  WYGF will not do away with the reciprocal stamp since Utah anglers spend WAY, WAY more on WY stamps than Wyoming anglers spend on UT stamps.  Its is a total money maker for WYGF.  Sad but true that that the all mighty dollar seems to be more important than easier regulations.

I think I should clarify what I meant to say.  It's not that Utah doesn't care about FG itself.  I think they don't care to deal with WYGF anymore to make things happen.  WYGF is the screaming toddler that always gets what it wants and Utah just won't stand up to them.  WYGF has been that way for years and years.  They do what they want to do and Utah just follows suit, for reasons I don't understand at all.  I don't think Utah cares to push back on WYGF at all anymore.  They won't compromise and DWR won't stick up for us.

I would also say that their boat checks at the colonoscopy stations are ridiculous.  I have been known to push the boundaries with them a little.  Last time I went through, I had a giant dirt clod in my anchor (from my yard).  The checker only looked at my anchor rope and didn't look at the anchor itself at all.  He sent the dirt clod right through.  I tossed it in the garbage can when I launched.  What's the point of an inspection like that?


When it comes to Utah.s mussel inspection program it reeks of stupid  To check ports of entry and every ramp at every pond when only a handful of ramps (exit points) even exist at the infected water is just Government bloat at its finest. They  (the state) successfully went after funding with the biggest footprint of a plan anyone could imagine with no regard to the success rate!

[oldguy]

I don't think UDWR has given up on FG at all.  However, there are some questionable decisions being made by UDWR.  The biggest one is the asking anglers to harvest pup lakers like WYGF instituted.  UDWR has chosen to wait until the new regulation cycle on Jan 1st, but they are then missing an entire year of spawning fish.  They could have easily did an emergency regulation change like they do, and have done, on MANY waters in Utah so both state's regulations would line up.  These are decisions not being made by the field biologists, this is made by management in the Salt Lake office.  It would have been nice to know why they chose to wait.  Seems like the overpopulation of lakers is an emergency, but then they chose to not go that route.  Interesting.  Anyway, after being a biologist and working with my counterparts in Idaho for my entire career, I understand there are some differences of opinion, but there NEEDS to be compromise from both states (UT and WY) so regulations are easier on everyone and universal across the state lines.  WYGF will not do away with the reciprocal stamp since Utah anglers spend WAY, WAY more on WY stamps than Wyoming anglers spend on UT stamps.  Its is a total money maker for WYGF.  Sad but true that that the all mighty dollar seems to be more important than easier regulations.

I think I should clarify what I meant to say.  It's not that Utah doesn't care about FG itself.  I think they don't care to deal with WYGF anymore to make things happen.  WYGF is the screaming toddler that always gets what it wants and Utah just won't stand up to them.  WYGF has been that way for years and years.  They do what they want to do and Utah just follows suit, for reasons I don't understand at all.  I don't think Utah cares to push back on WYGF at all anymore.  They won't compromise and DWR won't stick up for us.

I would also say that their boat checks at the colonoscopy stations are ridiculous.  I have been known to push the boundaries with them a little.  Last time I went through, I had a giant dirt clod in my anchor (from my yard).  The checker only looked at my anchor rope and didn't look at the anchor itself at all.  He sent the dirt clod right through.  I tossed it in the garbage can when I launched.  What's the point of an inspection like that?


When it comes to Utah.s mussel inspection program it reeks of stupid  To check ports of entry and every ramp at every pond when only a handful of ramps (exit points) even exist at the infected water is just Government bloat at its finest. They  (the state) successfully went after funding with the biggest footprint of a plan anyone could imagine with no regard to the success rate!

To many chiefs and no indians.

[Bugeyes]

I don't think UDWR has given up on FG at all.  However, there are some questionable decisions being made by UDWR.  The biggest one is the asking anglers to harvest pup lakers like WYGF instituted.  UDWR has chosen to wait until the new regulation cycle on Jan 1st, but they are then missing an entire year of spawning fish.  They could have easily did an emergency regulation change like they do, and have done, on MANY waters in Utah so both state's regulations would line up.  These are decisions not being made by the field biologists, this is made by management in the Salt Lake office.  It would have been nice to know why they chose to wait.  Seems like the overpopulation of lakers is an emergency, but then they chose to not go that route.  Interesting.  Anyway, after being a biologist and working with my counterparts in Idaho for my entire career, I understand there are some differences of opinion, but there NEEDS to be compromise from both states (UT and WY) so regulations are easier on everyone and universal across the state lines.  WYGF will not do away with the reciprocal stamp since Utah anglers spend WAY, WAY more on WY stamps than Wyoming anglers spend on UT stamps.  Its is a total money maker for WYGF.  Sad but true that that the all mighty dollar seems to be more important than easier regulations.

I think I should clarify what I meant to say.  It's not that Utah doesn't care about FG itself.  I think they don't care to deal with WYGF anymore to make things happen.  WYGF is the screaming toddler that always gets what it wants and Utah just won't stand up to them.  WYGF has been that way for years and years.  They do what they want to do and Utah just follows suit, for reasons I don't understand at all.  I don't think Utah cares to push back on WYGF at all anymore.  They won't compromise and DWR won't stick up for us.

I would also say that their boat checks at the colonoscopy stations are ridiculous.  I have been known to push the boundaries with them a little.  Last time I went through, I had a giant dirt clod in my anchor (from my yard).  The checker only looked at my anchor rope and didn't look at the anchor itself at all.  He sent the dirt clod right through.  I tossed it in the garbage can when I launched.  What's the point of an inspection like that?


When it comes to Utah.s mussel inspection program it reeks of stupid  To check ports of entry and every ramp at every pond when only a handful of ramps (exit points) even exist at the infected water is just Government bloat at its finest. They  (the state) successfully went after funding with the biggest footprint of a plan anyone could imagine with no regard to the success rate!

Oh good so the state only needs to worry about Lake Powell because there aren't zebra mussels being transported from any other body of water in our nation??

[Fowl-Hook]

I don't think UDWR has given up on FG at all.  However, there are some questionable decisions being made by UDWR.  The biggest one is the asking anglers to harvest pup lakers like WYGF instituted.  UDWR has chosen to wait until the new regulation cycle on Jan 1st, but they are then missing an entire year of spawning fish.  They could have easily did an emergency regulation change like they do, and have done, on MANY waters in Utah so both state's regulations would line up.  These are decisions not being made by the field biologists, this is made by management in the Salt Lake office.  It would have been nice to know why they chose to wait.  Seems like the overpopulation of lakers is an emergency, but then they chose to not go that route.  Interesting.  Anyway, after being a biologist and working with my counterparts in Idaho for my entire career, I understand there are some differences of opinion, but there NEEDS to be compromise from both states (UT and WY) so regulations are easier on everyone and universal across the state lines.  WYGF will not do away with the reciprocal stamp since Utah anglers spend WAY, WAY more on WY stamps than Wyoming anglers spend on UT stamps.  Its is a total money maker for WYGF.  Sad but true that that the all mighty dollar seems to be more important than easier regulations.

I think I should clarify what I meant to say.  It's not that Utah doesn't care about FG itself.  I think they don't care to deal with WYGF anymore to make things happen.  WYGF is the screaming toddler that always gets what it wants and Utah just won't stand up to them.  WYGF has been that way for years and years.  They do what they want to do and Utah just follows suit, for reasons I don't understand at all.  I don't think Utah cares to push back on WYGF at all anymore.  They won't compromise and DWR won't stick up for us.

I would also say that their boat checks at the colonoscopy stations are ridiculous.  I have been known to push the boundaries with them a little.  Last time I went through, I had a giant dirt clod in my anchor (from my yard).  The checker only looked at my anchor rope and didn't look at the anchor itself at all.  He sent the dirt clod right through.  I tossed it in the garbage can when I launched.  What's the point of an inspection like that?


When it comes to Utah.s mussel inspection program it reeks of stupid  To check ports of entry and every ramp at every pond when only a handful of ramps (exit points) even exist at the infected water is just Government bloat at its finest. They  (the state) successfully went after funding with the biggest footprint of a plan anyone could imagine with no regard to the success rate!

Oh good so the state only needs to worry about Lake Powell because there aren't zebra mussels being transported from any other body of water in our nation??

Worrying about Powell should have been the biggest part of the Utah plan, cleaning every boat that leaves a known infected location with a handful of ramps 24-7 on a no exceptions basis would require very little.  Placing cleaning stations with no dedicated staffing at every pond  of water with a ramp is just an attempt to spend the max with no regard for results. Port of entries could provide inspection as deemed needed. Basically a wall around the state and a tighter wall around known infected waters, attack it where you know it is not every place it may or may not show up.

[Bduck]

I have seen as well as many others stopping at AIS inspection stations that most do not operate early with a cup of coffee in hand like fishermen do. The port of entry in Evanston are never hardly there when I go thru. I always take the exit to make sure its manned or not. Now when taking the exit, I no longer take the loop back to the inspection site if I don't see any activity, but instead just continue to on ramp of interstate, life doesn't stop since inspectors are getting their rest. Since this is one of their official stations, a sign should be illuminated stating station hours or closed like the port of entry signs for truckers.  I have been thru inspections before there because of a later start I made. 

UTAH
Boaters are required to stop at all operating AIS inspection stations.
Wake up & get the coffee brewing, I'm not waiting around. We know what we go thru testing, displaying, paying a fee for a decal, its a discussion that has been pounded in the past.

WYOMING
Any watercraft transported into Wyoming from March 1 through November 30 must undergo a mandatory inspection by an authorized inspector before launching in any water of the state. Any watercraft that has been in a water infested with zebra/quagga mussels within the last 30 days must be inspected by an authorized inspector before launching during ALL months of the year. All watercraft must stop at any open watercraft check station on their route of travel, regardless of previous destination and intention to launch in Wyoming.
Alot of boaters slip thru without stopping and not waiting for station to open. I'm one who is not waiting for them.

IDAHO
Idaho’s Invasive Species Law
Idaho law states that any motorized or non-motorized boat operating in Idaho is required to display an Invasive Species Fund (ISF) sticker. When you purchase and display an ISF sticker, you contribute to a fund that provides vessel inspections, washing stations and informational materials that will assist Idaho with preventing the introduction of aquatic invasive species like quagga mussels.
Any citizen traveling past a watercraft inspection station with a watercraft or conveyance must stop.

Calif
Not too familiar with this state anymore since moving away-I call it escaping. My son who still lives in Sacramento tells me there is a $16 AIS decal for the boat. He also said Lake Tahoe has an inspection fee of $100 plus requires boat to be washed down for an additional $50 fee prior to launch. If you leave and return next day with boat, the process is repeated. Nevada works with Calif for a clean L Tahoe, there is a law for 2-strokes. He also stated there is an inspection at the agricultural stop in Truckee coming into this state but only look to see if drain plugs are removed. 

Every state is going to have their version of a law involving AIS. I feel most stations to start are relaxed which should be a 24/7. 

[dubob]

WYOMING
All watercraft must stop at any open watercraft check station on their route of travel, regardless of previous destination and intention to launch in Wyoming.
Alot of boaters slip thru without stopping and not waiting for station to open. I'm one who is not waiting for them.

Nothing in their law says you have to stop and wait.  You only need to stop if they are open.  

[Bduck]

I know I don’t have to wait as that has been stated by an inspector. There was one instant I went into the POE in Evanston. It was not open, as I was leaving to the loop back to on-ramp, they had flagged me down to come back for inspection. I was then temped to keep on going instead I complied with. 

[Coho975]

Utah should be telling Wyoming to go pound sand.  

Yes, yes they should.  A full on boycott of fishing Wyoming waters is in order. Hunting too...

[BoatBallast]

Utah should be telling Wyoming to go pound sand.  

Yes, yes they should.  A full on boycott of fishing Wyoming waters is in order. Hunting too...

Except, that's what they want...