Water Sports

FACT: Lake Flaming Gorge has become premier lake trout trophy water, with fish over 50 pounds setting both Wyoming and Utah state records.

Lake Flaming Gorge

It may seem odd that some of the best coldwater fishing in the country is found in this arid desert environment. But given the combination of tailwaters, man-made lakes and reservoirs, mountain lakes, streams and rivers, this is a trout fisherman’s paradise. The entire Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area offers great boating, with Lake Flaming Gorge in particular known for its trophy fishing.

Lake trout are difficult to catch, and the average angler can expect to put in many hours between fish. During the summer months and generally under the ice, lake trout can be found at 70–120 feet depths associated with structure.

Linwood Bay, next to Lucerne Marina, is always a hot spot to catch the big ones! Rainbows are found throughout the reservoir and usually become active during April. By May or early June, kokanee action picks up with the fish suspended 25–30 feet over deep open water or pelagic areas.  Smallmouth bass are found in rocky shoreline habitat throughout the Gorge.

Download Lake Flaming Gorge Map

There’s no shortage of services in Flaming Gorge for the fisherman, boater, camper or others pursuing high country sports. Three full-service marinas offer ski boats, fishing boats, houseboats and pontoon boat rentals, mooring and fuel.

Other facilities within the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area include 18 U.S. Forest Service campgrounds (four boat-in campgrounds) and nine paved boat ramps.

Two main lodges service Flaming Gorge Country and offer restaurants, lodging, fishing guides, raft rentals, horseback rides and mountain bike rentals. These are located in the alpine areas and offer accessibility to many scenic trails, mountain lakes, and the tailwaters of the Green River and Lake Flaming Gorge.

Helpful Links:
Ashley National Forest
Flaming Gorge Recreation Report

Kayaking

A delightful water trip awaits adventurers on the Green River. The river runs through the city of Green River and can beaccessed from many points. Many people float the river starting in Jamestown, just west of Green River and end at ExpeditionIsland.

The newly constructed Whitewater Park and North Channel Tubing channel at Expedition Island Park provide amenities forfloating river users and swimmers of a wide range of abilities. In the north river channel, directly adjacent to the outdoor SplashPark, is a 1,200 feet long lazy river/tubing channel. The channel features a series of4 – ½ foot drops and 3 large pools. The 4 feet deep pools provide gentle currentssuitable for swimming and wading while the drops provide excitement for tubersand beginning level canoers and kayakers.

The Castle Falls Feature, a state of the art whitewater park and play feature,is located at the southeast tip of Expedition Island Park adjacent to one of thewell placed picnic shelters. This high-powered feature caters to intermediate andadvanced kayakers, rafters and river runners. Because of the variability in seasonalGreen River flows a series of 8 gates allow adjustment in performance of thewhitewater feature in real time.

Water enthusiasts need to remember to wear safety vests, sunscreen and takebasic water precautions.

Tubing

A delightful water trip awaits adventures on the Green River. Grab a tube and spend an afternoon floating down the river past some incredible scenery. The Green River runs through the city of Green River and can be accessed from many points. People often float the river on tubes and rafts, sometimes tying them together to float as a group. It is very relaxing, although it can get a little bumpy at some points. Many people float the river starting in Jamestown, just West of Green River and end at Expedition Island. Floaters need to remember to wear safety vests, sunscreen and take basic water precautions.

Splash Park

When looking for a cool-down that's wet and fun, look no further than Splash Park. This water-themed park is located in Evers Park and is adjacent to Expedition Island. The park is open and free to the public. Splash Park is in operation from Memorial Day through Labor Day and perfect for a cool way to beat the heat during a hot summer day. Splash Park has six different motion activated water features that splash, spray, and delight attendees from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.