Victory at Flaming Gorge

For nine years we have been visiting Flaming Gorge Reservoir as a family and for nine years I have been trying to catch a quality sized Lake Trout. I have learned different techniques, identified optimal fishing locations and have even hooked a few small specimens. And like every journey to The Gorge I began this one absolutely positive that I was going to catch a trophy trout.

We set up shop at the Manila KOA only a few miles from Lucerne Marina. The camp site is definitely not the most beautiful place we have ever stayed but has plenty of comforts and many great neighbors. Some of the residents have been coming to the gorge for 20 years and have learned and are willing to pass along a mountain of fishing knowledge.

Out on the flats heading toward the marina we ran across several Pronghorn, most of which were enjoying the shade at the near by campground.

Kristian and I set out Monday morning for our secret boat launch near swim beach armed with rod, tackle and high hopes. After a morning of trolling we came back to camp with only a couple of bites to show for, knowing that patience is the key to success in these waters. Day two began much the same way but we had learned from the previous days strikes what lures to use and which locations to find fish. We were not out very long when my line came off the clip once again. This time it immediately tightened and began giving up drag. I was immediately surprised by the weight felt on the other end of the tackle. I kept tension on the line and let the fish decide how it wanted to be played. When it ran toward the boat I retrieved as fast as I could and when it ran away from the boat I did the only thing possible, I gave him line. Once the down riggers and lines were up, it was time to land the beast. Its hard to explain the excitement that follows the first glimpse of what would become the largest trout I have ever caught.

I know that larger Macs are common on these waters but weighing just over 20 lbs this was definitely a trophy in my book. After taking some quick pictures I spent a few minutes letting this speckled monster revive before watching him make his way back into the deep blue water.

Thursday was dedicated to the ladies. My wife and sister in-law wanted to catch some Kokanee Salmon and they had been more than patient waiting their turn. In the past we have done rather well for Kokanee, limiting out in just a couple of hours.

It took a little time to dial in the right colors and depth but we were able to fill the cooler in just a few hours. This year was a little different, we had to work harder for our catches but they were significantly larger fish. The girls got to land some flighty fish that never ceased to show off their agility and aerobatics. This 4 lb fish was a welcome start to our day.

This heavy rainbow was a welcome visitor and added variety to the days catch. 

The morning yielded over ten lbs of salmon fillets for the freezer. 

In the evening Kristian and I drove up to Buck Board for some night fishing in an attempt to catch some Burbot. In comparison to other species on the lake I was much less prepared to catch one of these eel like specimens but was eager to check the species off my list. We tried different depths, locations and lures but returned to camp at 1:30 am with only three bites to show for.

Fighting sleep deprivation on Friday morning we found our way back to the Lake Trout hot spots we had previously marked. As we made our first run over our best set of GPS marked humps and ridges we quickly hooked into a Laker. Before we could get it netted the opposite rod started dancing. This may not be the reason, but definitely the excuse I am using for botching the net job and letting the fish flip off the hook. Kristian quickly grabbed the second rod and pulled in a small lake trout. I lowered another line to 60 ft and right away had a fish on. I could not believe what was happening. A double Mac hook up was unheard of, three in a row was incredible even if they were all just pups.

I wish I could say that the day continued just as hot but the excitement stopped just as fast as it had started. There was an overwhelming sadness that took over as we made our way back to the shore knowing that we would be heading home the next morning. The Gorge is not just a remarkable fishery it is an addiction that always leaves you wanting more.