By Bobby Loomis
When people ask me what drives my passion for fishing, I always tell them it’s moments like these – standing at the helm of my boat as the first rays of dawn paint the crimson cliffs of Flaming Gorge, knowing that beneath these pristine Wyoming waters swim some of the most incredible Kokanee salmon in North America.
As a pro angler with Mack’s Lure, I’ve had the privilege of fishing waters across the continent, but there’s something truly special about Flaming Gorge that keeps drawing me back, especially during the magical month of June.
The massive 91-mile-long reservoir stretching across the Wyoming-Utah border represents one of the premier kokanee destinations in the American West. From my base at Buckboard Marina on the Wyoming side, just 25 miles south of Green River, I can access some of the most productive kokanee water you’ll find anywhere. The anticipation never gets old – June offers that perfect window when everything aligns for exceptional kokanee fishing before the summer heat drives these temperature-sensitive salmon to unreachable depths.
Let me be straight with you – Flaming Gorge’s Kokanee fishery has faced some real challenges in recent years, but that’s exactly why we need to fish smarter and more responsibly. The population has declined from approximately 1.4 million fish in 2019 to fewer than 500,000 by 2023, primarily due to predation by small lake trout that compete for the same zooplankton food sources while consuming juvenile kokanee. But here’s the thing that keeps me optimistic – when you connect with a school of this Flaming Gorge kokanee, you’re dealing with some of the biggest, healthiest fish in the country.
Recent regulation changes reflect the commitment both Wyoming and Utah have made to restore this world-class fishery. Starting in 2024, anglers can only keep three kokanee per day (down from four), and there’s now no catch limit on smaller lake trout under 28 inches. These aren’t arbitrary restrictions – they’re science-based management decisions designed to give our kokanee populations the best chance to recover while still providing exceptional angling opportunities.
There’s a reason I plan my Flaming Gorge trips around June, and it’s not just because of my schedule with Mack’s Lure. June represents that sweet spot when multiple factors align to create exceptional kokanee fishing conditions. Water temperatures stabilize in the ideal range, with surface temperatures reaching the mid-60s while kokanee concentrates in the 25-35 foot zone where temperatures hover around 50 degrees. This thermal stratification keeps fish accessible to our downrigger presentations while maintaining the cool water conditions kokanee requires for survival.
The feeding behavior during June and July also favors us anglers using proven techniques. These fish are gorging on zooplankton blooms that occur throughout the reservoir, making them highly responsive to lures that mimic these food sources through subtle action and attractive colors. Unlike their ocean-going relatives, Flaming Gorge kokanee rarely chase baitfish – instead, they focus on filter-feeding opportunities that require precise, slow-trolling presentations.
After 43 years in the tackle business, starting at G. Loomis Fishing Rods and now with Mack’s Lure, I can tell you that our Kokanee program represents decades of innovation and real-world testing. The legendary Wedding Ring forms the foundation of my Flaming Gorge setup. These hand-tied spinners, featuring Swarovski crystals and fluorescent beads, have been the go-to choice for kokanee anglers for over 55 years. Pink and chrome to Flo Orange/Flo Chartreuse combinations prove particularly effective in Flaming Gorge’s clear water, especially when tipped with white shoe-peg corn.
My primary presentations feature Mack’s Sling Blade dodgers paired with Wedding Rings and Smile Blade spinners. The Sling Blade’s compact profile generates the perfect flash and vibration without the excessive drag that can spook wary Flaming Gorge kokanee. What I love about these dodgers is they stop dodging when you have a fish on, allowing you to feel the fish fighting instead of just your lure. Running short leaders behind each dodger, our Wedding Ring combinations create an irresistible calling card for cruising schools.
For deeper and slower presentations, I employ Double D Dodgers with Cha Cha Spinners, a combination that excels in Flaming Gorge’s mid-depth zones. The Double D’s innovative design with five attachment holes allows me to offset presentations away from the boat path – crucial when fish are boat-shy and are in that surface to 25’ depth range. This erratic action, similar to making S-turns with your boat, really entices Kokanee to strike.
Modern Kokanee fishing at Flaming Gorge demands sophisticated techniques, but don’t let that intimidate you. My electronics package includes high-definition sonar capable of marking individual kokanee, GPS for returning to productive areas, and precise temperature monitoring to track the thermocline. These fish live in a three-dimensional world, and our technology lets us fish in that world effectively.
Downrigger fishing forms the backbone of successful Flaming Gorge kokanee angling. I use six-pound cannon balls to maintain precise depth control, keeping lures 5-10 feet above marked fish schools. This technique, combined with GPS waypoints marking productive structure, allows me to repeatedly target active fish throughout the day.
Here’s where many anglers go wrong – trolling speed. I maintain a precise 1.2 mph throughout most productive periods, though I’ll vary between 0.9 and 1.4 mph based on conditions. Kokanee are plankton feeders, not aggressive predators, so our presentations need to move at the speed of their natural food sources. When I mark fish that won’t strike, I’ll speed up abruptly to 1.4 mph for about five seconds, then back off to 0.9 mph – this change often triggers strikes.
The Wyoming section of Flaming Gorge offers some of the reservoir’s most productive kokanee water. The area surrounding Buckboard Marina, extending from two miles above to three miles below, consistently holds concentrations of trophy kokanee throughout spring and early summer. The underwater topography, with its combination of points, drop-offs, and open water areas, creates ideal conditions for the zooplankton communities that sustain these salmon.
I start shallow and work deeper as the day progresses. Early morning, these fish might be at 15 feet, but by mid-morning, they’re usually settling into that 25-35 foot zone. The key lies in reading the electronics and adjusting depth accordingly, as Flaming Gorge Kokanee can move dramatically based on water temperature, light conditions, and feeding activity.
Areas near the marina also benefit from regular kokanee stocking, with Wyoming Game and Fish targeting shallow water during their mid-May through mid-June stocking program. These newly stocked fish, combined with wild populations, create diverse fishing opportunities throughout the Wyoming waters.
As anglers, we’re not just participants in this fishery – we’re its stewards. The challenges facing Flaming Gorge Kokanee make responsible angling practices more critical than ever. When surface water temperatures climb above 65 degrees, catch-and-release mortality for kokanee skyrockets. These fish are incredibly temperature sensitive, and bringing them up from 45-degree water at depth to 70-degree surface water creates a deadly temperature shock.
My advice is simple: if you’re going to fish for kokanee, plan to keep your limit. All size classes provide excellent table fare, and this approach minimizes the stress on individual fish while supporting population recovery. If you must release kokanee, keep it in the water and remove hooks gently with needle-nose pliers – never bring it into the boat.
The unlimited harvest regulations on small lake trout under 28 inches present an opportunity for conservation-minded anglers. These small lake trout consume roughly 25 percent kokanee in their diet, so removing them helps our target species while providing excellent table fare. In Wyoming waters, these lake trout are classified as nongame fish, so you can fillet them anytime during the day.
One of the most overlooked aspects of successful kokanee fishing is proper leader length. After decades of testing, we’ve developed formulas that consistently produce fish. For lures without their action, like Wedding Rings or hoochies, use this approach: in late winter and early spring when fish are lethargic, run leaders 3 to 5 times the length of your dodger. As water warms and fish become more active in late spring and summer, shorten leaders to 2 to 2.5 times your dodger length.
For lures with their action, like Pee Wee Wiggle Hoochies, run longer leaders of 4 to 5.5 times the dodger length so the dodger doesn’t interfere with the lure’s natural movement. These formulas aren’t suggestions – they’re based on thousands of hours of testing and represent the difference between good days and great days on the water.
What I love most about kokanee fishing is the community it creates. Whether I’m filming with Rich Harrod for Northwest Outdoorsman or sharing techniques at sports shows, the passion for these fish brings anglers together. Every angler I meet has their own stories, techniques, and favorite waters, but we all share that electric moment when a kokanee takes the lure.
The partnership between experienced anglers, innovative tackle companies like Mack’s Lure, and forward-thinking management by Wyoming Game and Fish creates opportunities for everyone. When I see young anglers experiencing their first kokanee or watch seasoned veterans still learning new techniques, I’m reminded of why I chose this path 43 years ago.
Despite recent population challenges, I remain incredibly optimistic about the future of Flaming Gorge Kokanee fishing. The collaborative approach between Wyoming and Utah wildlife agencies, along with ongoing research and monitoring, provides a solid foundation for recovery. Commercial netting operations to remove excess lake trout, similar to successful programs in Yellowstone Lake, represent potential management tools that could dramatically improve conditions.
For those planning their next kokanee adventure, Flaming Gorge deserves serious consideration The reservoir’s demanding conditions have proven the effectiveness of Mack’s innovations, from the original Wedding Ring to modern Sling Blade systems. When combined with proper technique and conservation ethics, these proven tools unlock the secrets of one of America’s premier kokanee destinations.
As I write this, I’m already planning next year’s trip to Flaming Gorge, knowing that June will bring those perfect conditions when Wyoming’s high-country reservoir comes alive with aggressive, trophy-caliber kokanee. The 300 miles of shoreline, the stunning red cliffs, and the crystal-clear water create an angling experience that extends far beyond simple fish catching.
This is what drives my passion – sharing the knowledge, the techniques, and the pure joy of connecting with these incredible salmon with fellow anglers who understand that kokanee fishing isn’t just about the fish you catch, it’s about experiencing these magnificent waters and understanding the complex ecosystems that make such fishing possible.
Wyoming’s Flaming Gorge embodies this philosophy, offering both exceptional angling and a profound appreciation for the natural world that makes it all worthwhile.
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