Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

 

 

 

Description

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area including the section of the Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam is administered by the Ashley National Forest. This rugged wildland stretches from Wyoming high deserts, where herds of antelope play along the lake shore, to the forested slopes of Utah's Uinta Mountains. A diverse land of scenic beauty, Flaming Gorge lends itself to many memorable outdoor adventures.

Area Information

Fees - $2.00 per day; $5.00 for 16 days or $20.00 for an annual pass.

Visitor Centers:

Flaming Gorge Dam: Open daily 8am-6pm. Guided Dam Tours 9am-5pm.(435)885-3135

Red Canyon Visitor Center: Open daily 10am-5pm

 

  

 

    

History

In 1869, Major John Wesley Powell, on expedition down the Green River, looked in awe at this magnificent country and named it Flaming Gorge. Today the brilliant red cliffs are scenic attractions for thousands of visitors annually. The heart of the National Recreation Area is a 91-mile-long reservoir, created by the Flaming Gorge Dam. With over 300 miles of shoreline, boat ramps, full service lodges and marinas, Lake Flaming Gorge is an aquatic paradise. While motor boating, sailing, swimming, windsurfing, water skiing, and scuba diving are among the lake's popular recreation activities, "The Gorge" is most famous for its fishing.

The cool, clear depths of Lake Flaming Gorge are ideal for growing enormous trout. These famous angling waters have produced fish of state and world record size, including: lake trout(Mackinaw) over 50 pounds, German brown trout over 30 pounds, and rainbow trout over 25pounds. Flaming Gorge also supports numerous cutthroat trout, kokanee salmon, small mouthbass, and channel catfish.

While the lake claims the big ones, the Green River below the dam is boasted as one of our nations finest blue ribbon trout streams. Fish populations here have been counted as high as 22,000 per river miles! White water rapids and gorgeous canyon scenery also lend to the popularity of river rafting below the dam and hiking Little Hole National Recreation Trail.

Sheep Creek Canyon - the highly acclaimed Sheep Creek Geological Area is located adjacent to the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. The Geological Area includes the Uinta Crest Fault, which represents millions of years of earth history.

 

Activities

Fishing

The cool, clear depths of Lake Flaming Gorge are ideal for growing enormous trout. These famous angling waters have produced fish of state and world record size, including: lake trout(Mackinaw) over 50 pounds, German brown trout over 30 pounds, and rainbow trout over 25pounds. Flaming Gorge also supports numerous cutthroat trout, kokanee salmon, small mouthbass, and channel catfish.

While the lake claims the big ones, the Green River below the dam is boasted as one of our nations finest blue ribbon trout streams. Fish populations here have been counted as high as 22,000 per river miles! White water rapids and gorgeous canyon scenery also lend to the popularity of river rafting below the dam and hiking Little Hole National Recreation Trail.

Other Fishing Opportunities
Several of the campgrounds in the Uinta Mountains are located near alpine lakes which are stocked annually with trout by the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources. Varied fishing opportunities are available in the lakes, streams, and reservoirs of the Forest.

Flaming Gorge Lake is open to year-round fishing, but seasons are established for streams flowing into the reservoir and for the Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam.

Ice fishing is a popular pastime in the winter. Check at local offices for ice conditions. Warm weather and fluctuating water levels may cause hazardous ice.

Consult offices of the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources and Wyoming Department of Fish and Game for specific regulations.

Camping

Visitors will find campgrounds located throughout the Forest. Many of the campsites can be reserved prior to arrival by calling the US Forest Service National Reservation Center.  There are also sites available first come first served in many of the campgrounds.  Camping in undeveloped areas (outside of designated campgrounds) is permitted.  Please stay on existing roadways when accessing these undeveloped areas, and follow the practices in "Caring for the Forest" when camping in undeveloped areas.

National Recreation Reservation Service   877-444-6777  TDD 877-833-6777

 

 

For Additional Information Contact:

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
PO Box 279, Manila, UT 84046
(435) 784-3445

 

For more information visit the National Park Service website