GREEN RIVER— Shore anglers at Flaming Gorge Reservoir are enjoying excellent fishing conditions this spring, with many successfully catching rainbow and cutthroat trout. Anglers fishing over the river channel in deeper water also report success catching lake trout.

Annual fish stocking at Flaming Gorge will begin mid-May and continue through mid-June. When the Department begins stocking, lake trout start to congregate near major boat ramps, offering a prime opportunity for anglers to target this species, especially under the current regulation that allows unlimited harvest of lake trout under 28 inches.

“Lake trout can significantly impact the survival of stocked fish,” said John Walrath, Green River fisheries biologist. “We need anglers' help by removing smaller lake trout to give stocked fish a better chance to survive and grow. Harvesting these smaller fish helps the entire fishery in the long run.”

Anglers fishing during late evening or early morning hours typically have the most success near major boat ramps. In addition to the fish found near ramps, large schools of lake trout under 17 inches have been observed close to cliff habitats, ranging from 40 to 70 feet deep. Jigging is effective when a school is located, while trolling close to cliff faces helps anglers cover more ground and find fish actively cruising these areas.

“Targeting these younger lake trout while they’re still small is critical,” Walrath added. “As they grow, so does their appetite for the fish we’re stocking. By harvesting them now, anglers are helping with the management of this world-class fishery.”

To learn more about effectively targeting small lake trout, anglers are encouraged to visit the Flaming Gorge Reservoir Management page. There, they can also find the latest fishery status update presentation.

For anglers looking for a fun way to contribute to fishery management, several upcoming fishing derbies offer the chance to win prizes while helping remove small lake trout from the system. Derby dates include:

• Flaming Gorge Fishing Derby – May 17–18, 2025
• Hell on Reels Fishing Derby – June 14–15, 2025
• Ducks Unlimited Flaming Gorge Fishing Derby – June 21–22, 2025
  
   

For more information about fishing regulations, stocking schedules, or upcoming events, visit the Game and Fish webpage or contact the Green River Regional Office at 307-875-3223.