Flaming Gorge Fishing Report: December 12-20, 2024
1. Current Lake Conditions Analysis
Water Temperature:
– Current water temperature is around 39°F, which is cold and will slow down the metabolism of most fish species. Expect fish to be less aggressive and more lethargic, often staying in deeper waters where temperatures are more stable.
Water Clarity and Visibility:
– Given the lack of precipitation and snowfall, water clarity is likely to be good. This will favor visual lures and presentations, especially in the daytime.
Impact of Recent Weather Patterns:
– Recent partly cloudy and mostly clear conditions with minimal precipitation suggest stable weather, promoting consistent fish behavior. However, the cold temperatures will encourage fish to seek warmer, deeper areas.
2. Species-Specific Locations and Techniques
Rainbow Trout:
– Locations: Look for rainbows in the upper water column near inlets and points where they can find food. The Linwood Bay area is often productive.
– Best Times: Early morning and late afternoon.
– Lures/Presentations: Use small spoons or spinners like Panther Martins. Consider fly fishing with nymphs or streamers, matching the natural forage.
– Why Productive: Rainbows are more active in slightly warmer surface waters and are drawn to areas with current and food availability.
Brown Trout:
– Locations: Focus on rocky points and submerged structures, particularly near Sheep Creek Bay.
– Best Times: Early morning and dusk are prime.
– Lures/Presentations: Jerkbaits or crankbaits that mimic small baitfish are effective. Use a slow, erratic retrieve.
– Why Productive: Browns are ambush predators, favoring structure for cover and hunting.
Lake Trout:
– Locations: Target deeper waters, 50-100 feet, especially around the Jarvies Canyon area.
– Best Times: Midday when they are deeper.
– Lures/Presentations: Vertical jigging with heavy spoons or tube jigs tipped with cut bait.
– Why Productive: Lake trout prefer cold, deep water and are attracted to deeper structures holding baitfish.
Smallmouth Bass:
– Locations: Search around rocky structures and drop-offs such as those in the Anvil Draw area.
– Best Times: Warmer parts of the day when they may come up to feed.
– Lures/Presentations: Slow presentations with soft plastics like tubes or grubs.
– Why Productive: Smallmouths will be less active but can be coaxed to strike with subtle presentations.
Burbot:
– Locations: Fish at night around rocky bottoms in areas like Mustang Ridge.
– Best Times: After dark until early morning.
– Lures/Presentations: Use glow jigs tipped with cut bait or worms.
– Why Productive: Burbot are nocturnal and feed actively in colder conditions.
Channel Catfish:
– Locations: Target mudflats and channels near the confluence of the Green River.
– Best Times: Late afternoon to evening.
– Lures/Presentations: Use stink baits or cut bait on the bottom.
– Why Productive: Catfish are bottom dwellers and are more active in evenings.
3. Weather Impact Analysis
Fish Feeding Patterns:
– Cold, stable weather with a waxing gibbous moon phase suggests moderate activity. Fish will feed during solunar peaks, especially around moonrise and moonset.
Best Fishing Times:
– Early morning and dusk are ideal, aligning with solunar activity and temperature shifts.
Recommended Techniques:
– During partly cloudy conditions, use natural-colored lures and slow presentations. In mostly clear conditions, try brighter lures to attract attention.
4. Location-Specific Tips
Linwood Bay:
– Coordinates: Approx. 40.9055° N, 109.4347° W.
– Features: Shallow feeding flats adjacent to deep channels.
– Techniques: Troll crankbaits for rainbows or jig for lake trout along drop-offs.
Sheep Creek Bay:
– Coordinates: Approx. 40.9184° N, 109.4589° W.
– Features: Rocky points and submerged timber.
– Techniques: Cast jerkbaits for browns or use live bait rigs near structure.
5. Time-of-Day Recommendations
Early Morning:
– Focus on shallow areas near inlets for rainbow and brown trout. Use topwater lures or shallow-diving crankbaits.
Mid-Day:
– Switch to deeper waters for lake trout using heavy jigs or trolling with downriggers.
Evening/Dusk:
– Target smallmouth bass around rocky points and burbot near the bottom with glow jigs.
6. Advanced Techniques
Seasonal Patterns:
– As winter progresses, fish will remain in deeper waters but will be more predictable in their feeding times due to consistent conditions.
Advanced Presentations:
– Use vertical jigging with sonar to locate and target suspended fish efficiently.
Equipment Recommendations:
– Use sensitive rods with braided lines for better feel in deep water. Consider ice fishing gear for burbot at night.
Special Considerations:
– Be prepared for cold weather, dress in layers, and remain cautious of ice forming in shallow areas.
By following these detailed strategies and understanding the current conditions, anglers at Flaming Gorge can maximize their fishing success during this chilly December period.
