GREEN RIVER — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of our diverse aquatic ecosystems. To that end, annual fishing closures are in place to protect spawning kokanee salmon and other species in Flaming Gorge Reservoir and the Green River below Fontenelle Dam. 

Flaming Gorge Reservoir fishing closures

Sep. 10– Nov. 30: All kokanee shall be released into the water immediately. This closure aims to protect shoreline kokanee spawning. Shoreline spawning kokanee are crucial for maintaining and recovering the kokanee population in Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Research indicates these spawning fish constitute a significant portion of the kokanee population, ranging from 50-80% depending on the year. Natural recruitment, maintaining stocking rates and reducing predation are essential for improving the kokanee fishery. 

“While it's not illegal to fish Flaming Gorge for kokanee during the fall, anglers are required to release them immediately. Kokanee put all their energy into spawning and die soon after. Angling for kokanee during this time period can cause premature mortality, denying those fish the opportunity to reproduce and contribute to the next generation of fish,” said John Walrath, Game and Fish fisheries supervisor in the Green River Region.

Second Saturday in December: Linwood Bay is closed to nighttime angling. This regulation, mandated by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, is in place to protect spawning trophy lake trout, prevent illegal snagging, and encourage boater safety.

Fishing closure on the Green River:

Oct. 1– Dec. 31: The Green River from Fontenelle Dam downstream approximately 1 mile to the U.S. Geological gauge station (cable crossing) at the Weeping Rocks campground is closed to fishing.

Fishing opportunities

Anglers are encouraged to target other species this fall, such as lake trout, which allows kokanee to spawn without added stressors. Small lake trout less than 23 inches long start staging for spawning in August and September and are in 40-70 feet of water near spawning areas. In October, they move to their spawning areas, which can be in shallow water from 5-35 feet. Last year, many spawned on gravel at 50 feet. These small lake trout typically range from 16-23 inches long in size and can be 7-20 years old. Recent research has shown they make up a significant portion of the lake trout fishery and may consume 15-33% of their annual diet in kokanee, which can impact kokanee recruitment to the fishery.

For more information about these fishing closures and regulations, visit the Flaming Gorge Management page or contact the Green River regional office at 307-875-3223. If you have questions about the Linwood Bay closure, contact the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Vernal, Utah office at 435-781-9453.