Flaming Gorge Fishery question

[MasterDaad]

Hi all,

I'm headed to Flaming Gorge with 12 14-18 year old scouts Tuesday. Fishing will be one of our main activities.

Looking at the proclamation and reading about the lower lake (we're staying in Mustang Ridge) I assume the DNR would prefer we harvest pup lakers and SMB from that area of the lake.

We'll also be targeting Kokanee but keeping only a few for dinner one night at camp.

Is this a correct assumption?
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[fishnate]

I'm not with the DWR, but I associate with them plenty [cool]. You should find tons of SMB all around the Mustang area and yes they encourage the harvest of SMB in the lower lake, especially the ones under 12". You'll have to cull through a bunch of 5" to 8" bass to limit out on fillet worthy smallies but it's fun trying. Try fishing around 15' deep or so. 3" curlytail jigs, Cut'r Bugs, Reapers, 4" dropshot, crankbaits have been good.

Small macks can be found all over the Mustang area and yes keep several of them too.

Trolling kokes in the lower res has been good but I don't have any late info on depth or location. Keep some rainbows too. I think they are as good as the kokes especially on the smoker.

Hopefully someone else can give you some additional info for your trip. Have fun.
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[MasterDaad]

Excellent confirmation. We're bringing fish fry stuff for small bass fillets.

The trout/koke recipe I have will work for either Pups or Kokes. We'll target whatever is biting more.
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[Troll]

Did you fill out the form from the DWR that allows your scouts under 16 years old to fish without a license while accompanied by a licensed adult while on a sanctioned outing?

http://wildlife.utah.gov/fishing/pdf/you...mption.pdf

For those smallies, I would set up the guys with slip bobber rigs. They can change the depth till they find the fish off the rocks and then hammer away.

Also while there check out the "group campsite". It is expensive per night but it is a private road to a private site with it's own pavilion, and rest rooms. Can fit maybe 10-15 RV's, tons of room. Private beach and dock.
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[MasterDaad]

I like the slip bobber idea for the bass. We'll give it a go.

Thanks again.
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[Troll]

Did you go to the link I provided and print out the form for the licenses? You must have the form with the adult that is accompanying the kids.
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[MasterDaad]

Most our crew is over 16 and all had fishing licenses.

We caught lots of bass, a few small bows, a few nice macs, and one 33" brute.

Kokanee were not to be found. I didn't ping any in the area. I talked to one of the experienced locals and he said it was the worst year for Kokes he could remember in that area.

We ended up boating a lot more than fishing but it was a great trip!
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[liketrolling]

[quote MasterDaad]Most our crew is over 16 and all had fishing licenses.

We caught lots of bass, a few small bows, a few nice macs, and one 33" brute.

Kokanee were not to be found. I didn't ping any in the area. I talked to one of the experienced locals and he said it was the worst year for Kokes he could remember in that area.

We ended up boating a lot more than fishing but it was a great trip![/quote]
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That does not sound good the only thing I was going to fish for is Kokanee with the scouts, we will be down where you were at.
I have been fishing the WY side for Kokes and it has been good.
we are taking about 4 ski boats and mine is the only fishing boat.
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