Rods
Ugly Stik Bigwater Trolling Rod
A long, forgiving trolling rod for downriggers and planer boards.
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A deep reservoir on the Wyoming line with trophy lake trout.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Flaming Gorge Reservoir for lake trout, kokanee salmon and smallmouth bass. The best months overall are May to Aug, Oct. In October, lake trout and smallmouth bass are in season, and Ned Rig, Suspending Jerkbait and Paddle-Tail Swimbait are a good place to start. There are 7 shops within 45 miles (1 fly, 6 bait and tackle); the closest is Trout Creek Flies in Dutch John, 9 mi away. Green River is 10 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
May to Aug, Oct
In October
Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass
Methods
Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Flaming Gorge Reservoir Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
5 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Ned Rig 2.5 to 3 in
LureFinesse · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LureSuspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LurePaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Lake Trout · Jigged deep.
Shop This LureTube Jig 3 to 4 in
LureSoft Plastic · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LureCasting Spoon 1/4 to 1 oz
LureSpoon · Lake Trout · Shallow after ice-out.
Shop This Lure
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Lake Trout
Fly 8 to 9 wt rod with a full-sink line when fish are shallow after ice-out.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod, 20 to 30 lb braid with a fluorocarbon leader, or downrigger trolling gear.
Kokanee Salmon
Spin / Cast Light trolling rod with a soft tip, line-counter reel, 8 to 10 lb line with a small dodger.
Smallmouth Bass
Fly 9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 10 to 12 lb leader. Crayfish patterns, Clousers, and poppers.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8 lb braid to a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Rigs
Mack's Lure Wedding Ring Spinner
Small spinners tipped with corn or maggots for kokanee and perch.
Check PriceSoft Plastics
Yamamoto Senko 5 in
The original salted stick bait. Fish it weightless or wacky rigged.
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St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
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Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel
A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.
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Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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Within 45 Miles
Shops Near Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Bait & Tackle
Western Rivers Flyfisher Guides
Dutch John, Utah· 9 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Dutch John, UT.
Bait & Tackle
Sportsman's Warehouse Rock Springs
Rock Springs, Wyoming· 43 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Rock Springs, WY.
Bait & Tackle
Sportsman's Warehouse
Rock Springs, Wyoming· 43 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Rock Springs, WY.
Make It a Trip