Current Conditions at a Glance
The spring transition is officially underway at Flaming Gorge Reservoir. As of early April, the reservoir is sitting at approximately 82% of live storage capacity with a pool elevation near 6,023 feet. Water temperatures on the lake are climbing into the low 40s near the surface, while the Green River below the dam is flowing around 850 CFS at roughly 41°F. Inflow projections for the coming months are running below average, with snowpack in the upper Green River drainage at about 71% of normal. Expect water levels to hold relatively steady through spring.
Weather has been unseasonably warm in recent weeks, which has pushed fish activity earlier than usual for this time of year. Wind is always a factor in early April — plan for afternoon gusts and dress in layers.
Lake Trout (Mackinaw)
Early spring is one of the best windows for lake trout on Flaming Gorge. As the ice recedes fully and surface temps hover in the high 30s to low 40s, lake trout are moving shallower than they’ve been all winter. The best action has been coming from around Buckboard, Pipeline, Sheep Creek, and the Antelope Flat areas.
Trolling tube jigs and spoons in 40–80 feet of water has been producing consistent catches, especially for fish in the 18–24 inch class. Jigging with white, chartreuse, or glow-colored tube jigs near rocky points and submerged structure is also working well. Morning and late afternoon windows tend to be the most productive.
Remember: lake trout under 25 inches are classified as nongame fish at Flaming Gorge, and there is no daily limit on fish under that size. Anglers are encouraged to harvest smaller lakers to help manage the population and reduce predation pressure on other sport fish species. If you catch them, keep them — they’re excellent table fare.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbows are scattered throughout the reservoir and becoming more active as water temps tick upward. Look for them near creek inlets and rocky shorelines where warmer water is entering the reservoir. Trolling small spoons, wedding rings, and worm-tipped setups at 15–30 feet has been effective. Shore anglers near Sheep Creek and Lucerne have reported steady action using PowerBait and small spinners.
The Green River below the dam remains excellent for rainbow trout. Nymph rigs with midge and Baetis (Blue-Winged Olive) patterns in sizes 18–20 have been the go-to setup. There have been strong midge hatches in the mornings followed by solid BWO activity in the afternoons — dry fly fishing has been surprisingly productive for early April. Scud patterns and small streamers fished through back eddies are also putting fish in the net.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth are still holding in deeper water as lake temps remain in the low 40s, but the pre-spawn transition is approaching. Once surface temps push into the upper 40s and low 50s — likely within the next few weeks — expect smallmouth to move onto rocky flats and gravel shorelines.
For now, target deeper rocky structure in 20–40 feet with drop-shot rigs, small swimbaits, or ned rigs worked slowly along the bottom. The south end of the reservoir around the canyon areas tends to warm first. Patience is key this time of year, but when you find a school, the action can be excellent.
Kokanee Salmon
Kokanee fishing has been slower as the fish are still suspended in deeper, cooler water. As the surface layer continues to warm through April, kokanee will begin moving into more accessible depths. Trolling small hoochies, wedding rings, and dodger-and-fly setups at 40–60 feet with downriggers is the way to go. Tipping with white shoepeg corn remains a reliable trick.
Keep in mind the daily limit includes a maximum of three kokanee as part of your four-trout total possession limit on the Utah side.
Burbot (Ling)
Burbot remain an abundant species in Flaming Gorge and are actively feeding in cooler water. Night fishing with cut bait or glow jigs near rocky bottom structure can produce good numbers. There is no limit on burbot — they are an invasive species in the Green River drainage and should be harvested whenever caught. Burbot are actually excellent eating when prepared properly, and many anglers compare the flavor to lobster.
Pro Tip of the Week
Early April at Flaming Gorge is all about versatility. Bring gear for both trolling and jigging on the lake, and don’t overlook the Green River for some world-class trout fishing within a short drive. Water temps are in that magic transition zone where fish are active but not yet settled into summer patterns. If you’re after numbers, target those smaller lake trout near structure — you’ll be helping the fishery while filling the cooler. If you’re after trophy fish, slow-troll larger spoons in 60–100 feet near the deeper canyon walls early in the morning.
Plan Your Trip
The Pinnacle at Flaming Gorge in Manila, Utah is your home base for spring fishing on the Gorge. We’re located just minutes from Lucerne Valley Marina and the best fishing access points. Book your room at pinnacleflaminggorge.com/book-now and make it a full fishing trip — our Lund 1975 Tyee rental boat comes equipped with a fish finder, dual live wells, and seating for nine. Pick up tackle, bait, and local knowledge at our on-site Tackle Store before you hit the water.