By the numbersWater temperature · Wyoming
Flaming Gorge Reservoir by the numbers: 49°F, +4°F in 12 days
Everything that matters on Flaming Gorge Reservoir this week, one number at a time.
A quick read of the water, by the numbers. The surface of Flaming Gorge Reservoir has climbed from about 45°F to 49°F over the last 12 days. That is a meaningful swing.
The latest clear reading of the surface. Cold water lets lake trout roam shallower, sometimes within casting range of shore.
Fish respond to the trend more than to a single number: a steady climb tells them the season is warming.
Lake trout and trout are in a good temperature range; the rest will take more patience.
Of the next 7 days, Saturday rates best for the bite on sun, moon and wind.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir reaches around 440 ft at its deepest, so there is always deeper, steadier water within reach of the fish.
The chart
Today's 49°F comes from the most recent clear reading (a few days ago). The chart shows every clear reading over the past weeks; gaps are cloudy days.
Where the numbers point
Our pick to start on Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a point drop-off in 10 to 24 ft of water, marked on the map. The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed. It is a good place for lake trout and trout; troll a spoon on deep edges. The best window there is 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Down at that depth the water is about 47°F, against 48°F on top.
On a warming lake, fish the shallow end of that range in the afternoon.
The week ahead
For the calmest weather, Sunday is the pick of the next few days: sunny, barely a breeze and a high near 50°F. The wind builds to its strongest on Friday, out of the south-southeast at 14 mph with gusts to 22. Highs slide from about 56°F to 50°F over the stretch, so dress in layers for the early start.
The bite ratings peak on Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 4 of the next 7 days rate good or better. On Friday the strongest window runs 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm, and on Saturday 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. A good bite rating does not calm the water: on Friday, fish the sheltered side and skip long open crossings.
Questions
How warm is Flaming Gorge Reservoir right now?
About 49°F at the surface on the latest clear reading (a few days ago). Shallow coves can run a few degrees warmer on sunny afternoons.
When is the best time to fish Flaming Gorge Reservoir this week?
Saturday rates good for the bite, with the best window 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Dawn and dusk are the most reliable hours on any day.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir every morning
Water temperature, level, wind and bite times on your phone.
Read the guide
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