Spring is here at Flaming Gorge and the fishing is heating up. Here’s what we’re seeing on the water this first week of April from The Pinnacle at Flaming Gorge in Manila, Utah.
Water Conditions
Water temperatures are sitting around 42 to 45 degrees and rising slowly. Clarity is good across most of the reservoir with visibility around 8 to 10 feet. Water levels are coming up as the spring runoff begins. Expect conditions to improve steadily through the month as things warm up.
Lake Trout (Mackinaw)
The lakers are the main event right now. Fish are moving shallower as the water warms, and you can find them in 40 to 60 feet of water around rocky points and submerged structure. Tube jigs in white, smoke, and chartreuse bounced along the bottom are producing the best results. We’re hearing reports of fish in the 5 to 12 pound range with a few bigger ones mixed in. If you have downriggers, running spoons at 50 to 70 feet is also working well in the canyon sections.
Smallmouth Bass
Still a few weeks out from prime smallmouth season, but early risers are starting to show up on warmer afternoons. Look for them on south-facing rocky banks where the sun warms the water first. Drop shot rigs with small soft plastics are your best bet right now. May and June are when this fishery really explodes.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbows are active and hungry. Shore anglers are doing well with PowerBait in chartreuse and rainbow colors fished near creek inflows and along the dam. From a boat, small spinners and spoons trolled at slow speeds are picking up fish. The stocked rainbows are in great shape this spring.
Kokanee Salmon
Too early for kokanee. The run typically kicks off in July and peaks through September. If you’re planning a kokanee trip, book your boat rental and rooms now because July and August fill up fast.
Pro Tip of the Week
If you’re jigging for lake trout this week, try tipping your tube jig with a small piece of sucker meat or a minnow head. The scent makes a huge difference when the water is still cold and the fish are less aggressive. Slow your jigging cadence way down and let the bait sit on the bottom for 5 to 10 seconds between lifts.
Plan Your Trip
The Pinnacle at Flaming Gorge has everything you need for your fishing trip. Book a room at our retro motel, rent our fully equipped 2023 Lund 1975 Tyee for $800 per day, and stock up at our on-site tackle store before you hit the water. Call us at 801-823-9314 or visit pinnacleflaminggorge.com to book.