Anglers are being urged to keep any lake trout under 25 inches that are caught at Flaming Gorge, in an effort to improve the health of the fishery. According to a press release from the Division of Wildlife Resources, lake trout in Flaming Gorge larger than 25 inches primarily consume kokanee salmon and rainbow trout. If the abundant population of smaller lake trout (under 25 inches) is not reduced, there could be impacts on the salmon and rainbow trout populations, as well as fewer fish to feed the trophy lake trout. “Many anglers don’t realize the smaller lake trout are quite tasty,” shares DWR fisheries biologist Ryan Mosley. “They’re one of my favorite fish to eat. In Flaming Gorge, only kokanee salmon rival them in taste.” The lake trout daily limit is 12 lake trout, with only one of the fish exceeding 28 inches. Anglers also have a two-day possession limit of lake trout at Flaming Gorge. During the spring, lake trout forage close to the shoreline, so anglers should have excellent opportunities to fill their limits. “Anglers are fundamental to helping control the number of lake trout in the reservoir,” Mosley says. “Many anglers don’t fish the Gorge’s open water this time of year, so there’s very little fishing pressure. It’s a great time to get out and target these smaller fish.”
