12-11-2023, 08:21 PM
Ice conditions: Ice is currently forming at many Utah waterbodies but may not yet have even thickness or safe access for ice fishing. Anglers should use extreme caution and be aware of best practices for ice safety.
Fishing forecast (December through April): Road access is regulated by the U.S. Forest Service and gates will close on Dec. 20 or earlier if the snow gets too deep for safe vehicle travel. Once closed, tracked snow machines are needed to access the lake. Ice cover can be fishable by late November. Early ice is usually the best fishing with success declining over winter as the ice thickens. Depending on the winter, ice coverage can last until June. Small jigs, spoons and ice flies tipped with worms, mealworms, waxworms or Gulp maggots work well for tiger trout and the occasional cutthroat trout. A fish finder will benefit anglers in locating and enticing fish as fish can be found suspended throughout the water column. Watching how fish react to your presentation can also help you decide whether to change lure color or size, and to jig or deadstick. Start looking for fish in 10-20 feet of water. (Nov. 20, 2023)
Flaming Gorge Reservoir (Blue Ribbon):
The reservoir elevation is currently 6,029 feet and water temperature is in the mid-to-upper 40s.
The reservoir elevation is currently 6,029 feet and water temperature is in the mid-to-upper 40s.
Lake trout: Recent fishing reports indicate lake trout fishing success has been good. Small lake trout are still spawning along the shoreline in key areas along the length of the reservoir. The best reports are coming from the Anvil Draw up to Lowe Canyon. Target 10-40 feet of water, along steep banks with shale or cobble rock. Cast jigs toward shore and work the lure along the bottom. Sometimes the bite is quick, so watch your rod tip and line for any movement. Also, watch the fish finder for schools of fish holding in deeper water (50-60 feet) adjacent to these shallow spawning areas. Good lures to use include tube jigs (3-4 inch) and curly tail grubs rigged on 1/4- to 1/2-ounce jig heads. Colors include white, glow, chartreuse and shad. Try tipping lures with a small piece (size of your thumbnail) of sucker or chub meat. If you're not marking fish, move, and if you're not catching marked fish, change up your presentation. Trolling can be effective as well, using small spoons, dodger/squids, and even crankbaits in colors mentioned above. This is a great time to target lake trout, specifically small ones that are overabundant and consume kokanee salmon. Please help the resource by harvesting some of the overabundant lake trout under 25 inches. This size class of fish makes exceptional table fare. For more information on areas and techniques to target lake trout and burbot, visit the Flaming Gorge Fishery Management site. Rainbow and cutthroat trout: With water temperatures cooling, fishing has been good for boat and shore anglers. Boat anglers can troll spoons or dodgers/squids at 10-30 feet and about 1.6-1.8 mph. Boat and shoreline anglers can do well casting, too. Good lures include jigs or spoons tipped with a small amount of bait like a Gulp maggot or worm. Vibrant colors work well, like chartreuse or pink. If you're using more than one rod, jig one and deadstick the other with a bait presentation. Trout will commonly hit either option, but may show more preference to one technique. Smallmouth bass: With the water in the 40s, smallmouth bass activity is slowing, making them more difficult to catch. Target rocky areas along the main channel and adjacent to deep water. The smallmouth bass can also be caught using lures that mimic their primary forage (crayfish) such as tube jigs, Ned rigs and single- or double-tailed grubs. Remember the limit in Utah is three fish and it's catch-and-release only in Wyoming. In Utah, please minimize harvest of the larger bass, considering that they're older, slow-growing fish. Burbot: Burbot are getting more active with cooler temps. Target burbot at night along rocky points and shorelines in 10-40 feet of water, using glow-in-the-dark lures like Yamamoto grubs, Radical Glow tubes, Ned's Bait Box plastics and Northland Buckshot spoons. Tip the lure with a small piece of sucker/chub meat, recharge the glow frequently, and jig or deadstick the presentation a couple inches from the bottom. Please remember all burbot must be killed. (Nov. 29, 2023)
Green River Below Flaming Gorge Dam (Blue Ribbon):
Currently, flows are ranging from 1,000 cubic feet per second in the early morning, increasing to 3,000 cfs in the afternoon. The water temperature near the dam is 44 F. Current flow data can also be found here. (Nov. 29, 2023)
Currently, flows are ranging from 1,000 cubic feet per second in the early morning, increasing to 3,000 cfs in the afternoon. The water temperature near the dam is 44 F. Current flow data can also be found here. (Nov. 29, 2023)
[b]Seasonal forecasts[/b]
Browne Lake:
Fishing forecast (December through April): Road access is regulated by the U.S. Forest Service and gates will close on Dec. 20 or earlier if the snow gets too deep for safe vehicle travel. Once closed, tracked snow machines are needed to access the reservoir. Ice cover was fishable as of Nov. 27. Early ice is usually the most productive with success declining over winter as the ice thickens. Small jigs, spoons and ice flies tipped with worms, mealworms, waxworms or Gulp maggots work well. A fish finder will benefit anglers in locating fish and producing strikes as fish can be found suspended throughout the water column. Watching how fish react to your presentation can also help you decide whether to change lure color or size, and to jig or deadstick. (Nov. 27, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through April): Road access is regulated by the U.S. Forest Service and gates will close on Dec. 20 or earlier if the snow gets too deep for safe vehicle travel. Once closed, tracked snow machines are needed to access the reservoir. Ice cover was fishable as of Nov. 27. Early ice is usually the most productive with success declining over winter as the ice thickens. Small jigs, spoons and ice flies tipped with worms, mealworms, waxworms or Gulp maggots work well. A fish finder will benefit anglers in locating fish and producing strikes as fish can be found suspended throughout the water column. Watching how fish react to your presentation can also help you decide whether to change lure color or size, and to jig or deadstick. (Nov. 27, 2023)
[b]Calder Reservoir:
[/b]Fishing forecast (December through April): Calder Reservoir was stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout in the spring, which have grown quickly due to increased habitat and forage. Angler reports in the fall indicated fair fishing for trout ranging from 14-16 inches. Road access is limited by snowstorms and drifting in the winter. Access via over-the-snow machines is typical from December through March. As of Nov. 29, the reservoir is iced over with about 2 inches of ice. Early ice is frequently the most productive with success declining over winter. Ice can be 2 feet thick by late winter, but be aware of aerators that keep some areas open all winter. Dissolved oxygen levels usually become low at the bottom so fish may be just under the ice by late winter. Classic ice fishing lures work, including unscented tube jigs, spoons and ice flies. Remember bait is not allowed. A fish finder will benefit anglers in locating fish and anticipating strikes as fish can be at all depths during the cold winter period. Watching how fish react to a lure can help decide whether to jig or let the lure deadstick. Fish can be finicky at times under the ice so try switching lures and jigging techniques if fish appear on the graph but won’t hit. Also, remember the reservoir has special catch-and-release size regulations. See the current Utah Fishing Guidebook for details. (Nov. 29, 2023)
[/b]Fishing forecast (December through April): Calder Reservoir was stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout in the spring, which have grown quickly due to increased habitat and forage. Angler reports in the fall indicated fair fishing for trout ranging from 14-16 inches. Road access is limited by snowstorms and drifting in the winter. Access via over-the-snow machines is typical from December through March. As of Nov. 29, the reservoir is iced over with about 2 inches of ice. Early ice is frequently the most productive with success declining over winter. Ice can be 2 feet thick by late winter, but be aware of aerators that keep some areas open all winter. Dissolved oxygen levels usually become low at the bottom so fish may be just under the ice by late winter. Classic ice fishing lures work, including unscented tube jigs, spoons and ice flies. Remember bait is not allowed. A fish finder will benefit anglers in locating fish and anticipating strikes as fish can be at all depths during the cold winter period. Watching how fish react to a lure can help decide whether to jig or let the lure deadstick. Fish can be finicky at times under the ice so try switching lures and jigging techniques if fish appear on the graph but won’t hit. Also, remember the reservoir has special catch-and-release size regulations. See the current Utah Fishing Guidebook for details. (Nov. 29, 2023)
Crouse Reservoir:
Fishing forecast (December through April): Crouse Reservoir was stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout in the spring, which have grown quickly due to increased habitat and forage. Angler reports in the fall indicated fair fishing for trout ranging from 14-16 inches. Road access can be limited with snowstorms and drifting. Access via over-the-snow machines is typical from December through April. The reservoir iced over with about 2 inches of ice on Nov. 29. Early ice is frequently the most productive with success declining over winter. Dissolved oxygen levels usually become low at the bottom so fish may be just under the ice by late winter. Classic ice fishing lures work, including tube jigs, spoons and ice flies tipped with bait like Gulp maggots, nightcrawlers and mealworms. A fish finder will benefit anglers in locating fish and anticipating strikes as fish can be at all depths during the cold winter period. Watching how fish react to a lure can help decide whether to jig or let the lure deadstick. Fish can be finicky at times under the ice so try switching lures and movement techniques if fish appear on the graph but won’t hit. Ice can remain until April or May. (Nov. 29, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through April): Crouse Reservoir was stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout in the spring, which have grown quickly due to increased habitat and forage. Angler reports in the fall indicated fair fishing for trout ranging from 14-16 inches. Road access can be limited with snowstorms and drifting. Access via over-the-snow machines is typical from December through April. The reservoir iced over with about 2 inches of ice on Nov. 29. Early ice is frequently the most productive with success declining over winter. Dissolved oxygen levels usually become low at the bottom so fish may be just under the ice by late winter. Classic ice fishing lures work, including tube jigs, spoons and ice flies tipped with bait like Gulp maggots, nightcrawlers and mealworms. A fish finder will benefit anglers in locating fish and anticipating strikes as fish can be at all depths during the cold winter period. Watching how fish react to a lure can help decide whether to jig or let the lure deadstick. Fish can be finicky at times under the ice so try switching lures and movement techniques if fish appear on the graph but won’t hit. Ice can remain until April or May. (Nov. 29, 2023)
Green River Below Flaming Gorge Dam (Blue Ribbon):
Fishing forecast (December through April): Recreational and angling pressure is low this time of year. Streamers in white, black or ginger colors can work well. Nymph presentations (zebra midges) are most common this time of year. Marabou and tube jigs in earth tones, white/chartreuse and ginger are good options. Rainbow or brown trout patterned crankbaits, spinners and spoons can also work well. Please pinch down the barbs for a quick release, use good fish-handling techniques, and avoid wading in the brown trout spawning redds, characterized by light colored cobble rock. (Nov. 29, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through April): Recreational and angling pressure is low this time of year. Streamers in white, black or ginger colors can work well. Nymph presentations (zebra midges) are most common this time of year. Marabou and tube jigs in earth tones, white/chartreuse and ginger are good options. Rainbow or brown trout patterned crankbaits, spinners and spoons can also work well. Please pinch down the barbs for a quick release, use good fish-handling techniques, and avoid wading in the brown trout spawning redds, characterized by light colored cobble rock. (Nov. 29, 2023)
Long Park Reservoir, North Slope:
Fishing forecast (December through April): Road access is regulated by the U.S. Forest Service and gates will close on Dec. 20 or earlier if the snow gets too deep for safe vehicle travel. Once closed, tracked snow machines are needed to access the reservoir. Ice cover can be fishable by late November but normally by mid-December. Early ice is usually characterized by excellent fishing with success declining over winter as the ice thickens. Ice coverage can last until May. Small jigs, spoons and ice flies tipped with worms, mealworms, waxworms or Gulp maggots work well for grayling, rainbow trout and brook trout. A fish finder will benefit anglers in locating fish and producing strikes as fish can be found suspended throughout the water column. Watching how fish react to your presentation can also help you decide whether to change lure color or size, and to jig or deadstick. (Nov. 27, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through April): Road access is regulated by the U.S. Forest Service and gates will close on Dec. 20 or earlier if the snow gets too deep for safe vehicle travel. Once closed, tracked snow machines are needed to access the reservoir. Ice cover can be fishable by late November but normally by mid-December. Early ice is usually characterized by excellent fishing with success declining over winter as the ice thickens. Ice coverage can last until May. Small jigs, spoons and ice flies tipped with worms, mealworms, waxworms or Gulp maggots work well for grayling, rainbow trout and brook trout. A fish finder will benefit anglers in locating fish and producing strikes as fish can be found suspended throughout the water column. Watching how fish react to your presentation can also help you decide whether to change lure color or size, and to jig or deadstick. (Nov. 27, 2023)
Matt Warner Reservoir:
Fishing forecast (December through April): Matt Warner Reservoir was stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout in the spring. Angler reports from the fall indicated fair success for trout ranging from 16-19 inches. Road access can be limited with snowstorms and drifting. Access via over-the-snow machines is common from December through March. Ice cover was about 2 inches thick on Nov. 29. Early ice is frequently the most productive with success declining over the winter as the ice thickens. By late winter, dissolved oxygen levels usually become low near the bottom so fish may be just under the ice. Classic ice fishing lures work, including tube jigs, spoons and ice flies tipped with bait like Gulp maggots, nightcrawlers and mealworms. A fish finder will benefit anglers in locating fish and anticipating strikes as fish can be caught at all depths during the cold winter period. Watching how fish react to a lure can help decide whether to jig or let the lure deadstick. Fish can be finicky at times under the ice so try switching lures and jigging techniques if fish appear on the graph but will not hit. (Nov. 29, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through April): Matt Warner Reservoir was stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout in the spring. Angler reports from the fall indicated fair success for trout ranging from 16-19 inches. Road access can be limited with snowstorms and drifting. Access via over-the-snow machines is common from December through March. Ice cover was about 2 inches thick on Nov. 29. Early ice is frequently the most productive with success declining over the winter as the ice thickens. By late winter, dissolved oxygen levels usually become low near the bottom so fish may be just under the ice. Classic ice fishing lures work, including tube jigs, spoons and ice flies tipped with bait like Gulp maggots, nightcrawlers and mealworms. A fish finder will benefit anglers in locating fish and anticipating strikes as fish can be caught at all depths during the cold winter period. Watching how fish react to a lure can help decide whether to jig or let the lure deadstick. Fish can be finicky at times under the ice so try switching lures and jigging techniques if fish appear on the graph but will not hit. (Nov. 29, 2023)
Moose Pond:
Fishing forecast (December through April): Moose Pond usually has fishable ice by early-to-mid December. The U.S. Forest Service plows the parking area so access is good all winter. The water depth is only about 5 feet so you don’t have to fish very deep. Anglers catch stocked rainbow trout using typical ice fishing presentations such as small spoons, jigs and ice flies tipped with waxworms, mealworms, Gulp maggots or PowerBait. Early ice is frequently the most productive with success declining over winter. Ice can get up to 2 feet thick by late winter. (Nov. 20, 2023)
Spirit Lake:Fishing forecast (December through April): Moose Pond usually has fishable ice by early-to-mid December. The U.S. Forest Service plows the parking area so access is good all winter. The water depth is only about 5 feet so you don’t have to fish very deep. Anglers catch stocked rainbow trout using typical ice fishing presentations such as small spoons, jigs and ice flies tipped with waxworms, mealworms, Gulp maggots or PowerBait. Early ice is frequently the most productive with success declining over winter. Ice can get up to 2 feet thick by late winter. (Nov. 20, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through April): Road access is regulated by the U.S. Forest Service and gates will close on Dec. 20 or earlier if the snow gets too deep for safe vehicle travel. Once closed, tracked snow machines are needed to access the lake. Ice cover can be fishable by late November. Early ice is usually the best fishing with success declining over winter as the ice thickens. Depending on the winter, ice coverage can last until June. Small jigs, spoons and ice flies tipped with worms, mealworms, waxworms or Gulp maggots work well for tiger trout and the occasional cutthroat trout. A fish finder will benefit anglers in locating and enticing fish as fish can be found suspended throughout the water column. Watching how fish react to your presentation can also help you decide whether to change lure color or size, and to jig or deadstick. Start looking for fish in 10-20 feet of water. (Nov. 20, 2023)