What the Flaming Gorge Lake Trout Derby is and when it happens
The Flaming Gorge Lake Trout Derby is an annual fishing tournament held on Flaming Gorge Reservoir, the large lake that straddles the Wyoming-Utah border near the town of Manila. The derby runs for a set period each year — typically spanning several weeks in summer — and welcomes anglers of all skill levels to compete for prizes by catching lake trout, also called mackinaw. You fish from shore or boat during the official dates, weigh your catch at a designated location, and compete in categories based on fish size and weight.
The reservoir itself sits in high desert country at about 6,000 feet elevation, known for cold, deep water and healthy populations of large lake trout. The derby draws both local anglers and visitors who travel to fish the lake during the tournament window. Entry fees are modest, and the event is managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in partnership with local recreation areas and marinas around the lake.
Key Takeaways
- The Flaming Gorge Lake Trout Derby runs for several weeks each summer and is open to anglers of all experience levels who want to compete for prizes.
- You must register before you fish and pay an entry fee, which covers your participation and may be able to access to weigh fish at official weigh stations.
- Lake trout are caught year-round at Flaming Gorge, but the derby season targets the summer months when the lake is most accessible and weather is stable.
- Weigh stations are located at marinas and recreation areas around the lake, and you must bring your catch to an official station during posted hours to enter the competition.
- Wyoming fishing licenses are required for all anglers, and you should check current regulations for lake trout limits and size restrictions before you fish.
How to register and pay the entry fee
Registration for the Flaming Gorge Lake Trout Derby opens before the tournament season begins, usually in late spring. You can register at participating marinas and recreation facilities around the lake, including Flaming Gorge Resort, Lucerne Valley Marina, and the Bureau of Land Management visitor center. Some locations also accept registration by phone or mail if you contact them in advance.
The entry fee covers your participation in the derby for the entire tournament period. When you register, you receive a packet with the official rules, a list of weigh stations and their hours, information about prize categories, and details about how fish are weighed and ranked. Keep this information with you while you fish — you will need to know the weigh station locations and their closing times.
Where to fish and what equipment you need
Flaming Gorge Reservoir has multiple access points around its 91-mile shoreline. The main fishing areas for the derby are accessible from Wyoming on the north shore and from Utah on the south shore. Popular launch sites include Lucerne Valley Marina, Flaming Gorge Resort, and several Bureau of Land Management boat ramps. If you do not have a boat, you can fish from shore at numerous public access points, though boat anglers typically reach deeper water where larger lake trout hold.
Lake trout at Flaming Gorge respond well to jigging, trolling, and live bait. Most successful anglers use medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting rods with 8- to 12-pound test line. Jigging spoons, tube jigs, and live kokanee salmon (when available) are effective baits and lures. The water is cold and deep — depths exceed 300 feet in places — so you may need to fish deeper than you expect, especially in summer when trout move to cooler layers. Bring a depth finder if you have access to one; it makes finding fish much faster.
Understanding the tournament rules and prize categories
The Flaming Gorge Lake Trout Derby has specific rules about which fish count toward prizes, how they are weighed, and what categories exist. Typically, the derby awards prizes for the largest individual fish, heaviest catch of multiple fish, and sometimes categories for youth anglers or first-time participants. The exact categories and prize structure vary from year to year, so check the official rules packet when you register.
All fish must be weighed at an official weigh station during posted hours. Weigh stations close at a set time each day — usually early evening — so plan to bring your catch in with time to spare. Fish are weighed whole and in the condition caught; you cannot clean or fillet them before weighing. If you catch a fish you think might be a prize winner, keep it alive or on ice and head to the weigh station as soon as possible.
What you need to know about Wyoming fishing licenses and regulations
All anglers fishing in Wyoming waters, including Flaming Gorge Reservoir, must have a valid Wyoming fishing license. You can purchase a license online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website, at sporting goods stores, or at marinas around the lake. Licenses are available as one-day, annual, or multi-year options. Non-residents pay higher fees than residents, and youth licenses (typically ages 14 and under) cost less.
Lake trout at Flaming Gorge are subject to specific size and bag limits set by Wyoming Game and Fish. These regulations can change year to year, so check the current rules before the derby begins. The department publishes a fishing guide for Flaming Gorge that includes all current limits, closed areas, and seasonal restrictions. You can download this guide from their website or pick up a printed copy at any marina or visitor center around the lake.
Preparing your catch for weighing and storage
Once you catch a lake trout, your first decision is whether to keep it. If you think it might be a prize contender, keep it alive in a livewell if you have one, or on ice in a cooler. Lake trout are hardy fish and survive well in cold water. Do not clean or gut the fish before weighing — the official weight includes the whole fish as caught.
If you are fishing from shore without a livewell, bring a large cooler filled with ice. Pack the fish on ice immediately after catching it, keeping it as cold as possible. The colder the fish stays, the better it will weigh and the better it will taste if you plan to eat it later. When you are ready to head to the weigh station, transport the fish in the cooler and bring it to the scale in the same condition it was caught.
Best times to fish and seasonal conditions at Flaming Gorge
Lake trout bite year-round at Flaming Gorge, but the derby season targets summer months when the lake is most accessible and weather is most stable. Early morning and late evening are typically the most productive times, as lake trout are more active in cooler water temperatures. Midday fishing can be slower, especially in midsummer when surface water warms.
Summer weather at Flaming Gorge can be unpredictable. Mornings are often cool, afternoons can be hot and windy, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Bring layers, sunscreen, and rain gear. The water temperature in summer ranges from the low 50s at the surface to the 40s at depth, so even though the air is warm, the water stays cold. Hypothermia is a real risk if you fall in, so wear a life jacket at all times if you are in a boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the Flaming Gorge Lake Trout Derby?
No. You can fish from shore at public access points around the lake and still enter the derby. However, boat anglers typically catch more fish because they can reach deeper water where lake trout hold in summer. If you do not own a boat, some marinas rent them by the day.
What is the best bait or lure for lake trout at Flaming Gorge?
Lake trout respond well to jigging spoons, tube jigs, and live bait. Kokanee salmon are the most effective live bait when available. Jigging works well in deep water, while trolling covers more area. Experiment with different depths and retrieve speeds to find what works on the day you fish.
Can I fish the derby if I have never caught a lake trout before?
Yes. The derby is open to anglers of all skill levels. Many first-time participants catch fish and win prizes. Talk to anglers at the marina, ask staff at the visitor center, and do not hesitate to ask other fishermen on the water for tips — most are happy to help.
What happens if I catch a fish after the weigh station closes?
You cannot weigh it that day. Weigh stations have set closing times, usually in early evening. If you catch a fish late in the day, keep it on ice overnight and bring it to the weigh station first thing the next morning. Make sure the fish is still in good condition and has not been cleaned.
Where can I find current information about the derby dates and entry fees?
Contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department or visit their website for the current year's derby schedule, entry fees, and rules. You can also call marinas around Flaming Gorge — Lucerne Valley Marina and Flaming Gorge Resort both have up-to-date information and can answer questions about registration and conditions on the lake.