The tournament runs each summer on Utah's side of Flaming Gorge Reservoir

The Flaming Gorge Lake Trout Tournament is an annual summer event held on Flaming Gorge Reservoir, the large lake that straddles the Utah-Wyoming border. The tournament typically takes place in July, though the exact dates shift year to year. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) manages the event, and it draws anglers who want to compete for prizes while fishing for lake trout in one of Utah's most productive reservoirs.

The tournament is open to the public, and you do not need to pre-register or join a club to fish it. You fish from your own boat or from shore, and the competition runs on a specific day or weekend. Anglers weigh their catch at a designated location — usually a marina or boat launch on the Utah side — and prizes go to the heaviest fish and sometimes to the largest total weight across multiple fish.

Because Flaming Gorge is a large, deep reservoir with stable water levels and good forage, lake trout thrive there. The fish grow large and are abundant enough to support both the tournament and year-round fishing pressure. If you have never fished Flaming Gorge before, the tournament weekend is a good time to learn the lake, see where other anglers are fishing, and understand the depth and structure that hold trout.

Key Takeaways

  • The Flaming Gorge Lake Trout Tournament is held in July each year and is open to any angler with a valid Utah fishing license.
  • You fish from your own boat or from shore during the tournament window and weigh your catch at a designated marina or launch.
  • Lake trout are the target species, and the reservoir's size and depth make it one of Utah's best trout fisheries.
  • Entry fees and prize structures vary by year, so contact Utah DWR or check their website for the current tournament details before you go.
  • The tournament weekend is busy, so arrive early if you plan to launch a boat, and bring extra fuel and supplies.

What you need to fish the tournament

You must have a valid Utah fishing license to participate. You can buy a one-day or annual license from the Utah DWR website, at sporting goods stores, or at some marinas near the lake. The license is inexpensive and is the only legal requirement to fish.

You will also need a boat or access to shore fishing. If you own a boat, make sure it is fueled, your engine is in working order, and you have a life jacket for each person aboard. If you do not own a boat, you can fish from the shore at several public access points around the reservoir, though boat anglers typically have an advantage because they can reach deeper water and move to find fish.

Bring tackle suited to lake trout: medium to medium-heavy rods, 8- to 12-pound test line, and lures or live bait. Lake trout respond to jigging, trolling, and casting. Spoons, tube jigs, and live shiners or chubs all work. The water is deep and cold, so be prepared to fish at depths of 40 to 100 feet or more. A depth finder is helpful but not required.

Tournament dates and how to find current information

The tournament is held in July, but the exact dates change from year to year. Utah DWR announces the dates in late spring or early summer. The best way to learn the current year's dates is to visit the Utah DWR website or call their regional office in Vernal, which oversees Flaming Gorge. You can also ask at the Flaming Gorge Resort Marina or other marinas on the Utah side — staff there will know the tournament schedule and can tell you about recent fishing conditions.

The tournament typically runs for one day or one weekend. Some years it is a single Saturday; other years it spans Friday and Saturday. Check the DWR announcement to learn the exact hours you can fish and when and where you must weigh your catch. Weigh-in windows are usually in the afternoon or early evening, so plan your day around that deadline.

Where to launch and fish on Flaming Gorge

Flaming Gorge Reservoir has several public boat launches on the Utah side. The main launch points are at Flaming Gorge Resort Marina (near Dutch John), Red Canyon Marina, and Sheep Creek Bay. Each has parking, restrooms, and fuel or supplies. On tournament day, these launches fill up early — arrive before dawn if you want a good spot.

Lake trout in Flaming Gorge are found at depth, especially in the main channel and near underwater structure. The deepest water is in the central basin, where trout hold near the bottom in summer. Shallower areas near creek inlets and rocky points also hold fish, especially in early morning and late evening. If you are new to the lake, follow other boats or ask at the marina where fish have been biting recently.

Shore fishing is possible at several spots, including Sheep Creek Bay, Lucerne Valley, and areas near the dam, but boat access gives you more water to cover and better odds of finding active fish during a tournament.

Entry fees and prizes

Entry fees vary by year and are set by Utah DWR. Some years the tournament is free to enter; other years there is a small fee per angler or per boat. Prize money or merchandise goes to the angler or team with the heaviest single fish and sometimes to the largest total weight. Check the current year's tournament announcement for the exact fee and prize structure.

Prizes are typically modest — enough to cover fuel and a meal, but not a life-changing amount. The real draw for most anglers is the competition, the chance to fish a productive lake, and the community of people who show up to fish together.

Fishing techniques that work on Flaming Gorge

Lake trout in Flaming Gorge respond to three main methods: jigging, trolling, and casting. Jigging is the most popular tournament technique. Drop a jig (tube jig, shad-pattern jig, or spoon) to the bottom, then work it up and down with short, sharp lifts. Lake trout bite on the fall, so pause between lifts and watch your line for subtle takes.

Trolling covers water quickly and works well if you are not sure where the fish are. Troll spoons or crankbaits behind your boat at depths of 40 to 80 feet, adjusting your speed and depth until you find active fish. A depth finder helps you stay in the zone where trout hold.

Casting from shore or from a boat in shallower water can be effective, especially near structure. Cast spoons or tube jigs and retrieve steadily or with a jigging motion. Early morning and late evening often produce better results than midday.

Lake trout are not picky eaters, but they do respond to natural colors — whites, silvers, and blacks — and to the size and action of your lure. Experiment until you find what works on the day you fish.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring a full tank of fuel, extra oil if you have a two-stroke engine, and snacks and water for the day. The sun is intense at Flaming Gorge in July, so wear sunscreen and a hat. Bring a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh if you plan to keep fish for eating.

Check the weather forecast before you go. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July, and the reservoir can get rough quickly. If you see storm clouds building, head to shore or a protected bay. Wear a life jacket at all times on the water.

Bring a valid fishing license, your boat registration if you have a boat, and any required safety equipment (life jackets, fire extinguisher, first aid kit). If you are fishing from a marina, ask about fuel availability and whether they have ice or supplies for sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to enter a team or can I fish alone?

Most years you can fish alone or as part of a team. Check the current tournament rules to learn whether prizes are awarded per angler or per boat. If you fish alone from your own boat, you compete as an individual. If you fish with others, clarify before you go whether you are splitting any prize money.

Can I keep the fish I catch during the tournament?

Yes. After you weigh your fish at the official weigh-in, you can keep them to eat. Lake trout are good eating — the flesh is white and mild. Clean and fillet them soon after you catch them, and keep them on ice until you get home.

What is the size and bag limit for lake trout at Flaming Gorge?

Utah's current limit is four lake trout per day with no minimum size. Limits can change, so check the Utah DWR website or your fishing guidebook before you go. The tournament may have its own rules about which fish count toward prizes, so read the announcement carefully.

Is Flaming Gorge a good lake for beginners?

Yes. Lake trout are abundant and not difficult to catch. The reservoir is large and well-developed, with good facilities and plenty of other anglers to learn from. If you have never fished Flaming Gorge, the tournament weekend is a good time to visit and see the lake in action.

What if the weather is bad on tournament day?

Check the tournament announcement for weather cancellation policies. Most tournaments proceed unless conditions are dangerous. If you are uncomfortable fishing in rough water or storms, you can skip the tournament and fish another day — the lake is open year-round to licensed anglers.