Question about Flaming G

[40below]

Never fished FG before thinking about maybe this winter, just curious first of all if the ice fishing is good also lodging and minnow accommodation there. Any insite would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks

[appleye]

Flaming forge is a dream destination, that being said it takes some home work. When I go we always stay in Green River which is 30 to 40 minutes to get to fishing spots. I've check Manila, UT and may try and stay there in the future. Less food options. In Green River the hardware store has sucker meat and permits for the park. Next thing is make sure you watch the ice conditions it changes fast down there.

Make sure you pack for anything going wrong because it's in the middle of no where which is why it cool!

Good luck.

[40below]

Thanks appleye!

[glenwyo]

I lived in Rock Springs for 6 years and ice fished the Gorge quite a few times. I found both the lake trout and rainbow trout fishing to be very good. As I recall, live minnows are not allowed for bait. Sucker meat or pieces of dead minnows on jigs or spoons work well. Guys fishing for the big lakers often use large tube jigs. I usually fished in 40 fow to 90 fow for lake trout. If I was only targeting rainbows, I typically fished in water 20 feet and less. I had some good days on rainbows using just plastic tails on a small jig.  A lot of people also fish for ling/burbot but I never targeted them.

[POk3s]

Yes the fishing is usually good, it just depends what you want to target. A lot of ice fisherman stay at the “little bear motel” as it’s about the last place headed to the lake. There’s also a Hampton inn. No love minnows but ace hardware sells bait but they’re not open super early or late. Our grocery store also sells bait and they’re open both early and late.

[crvrba]

Planning on coming down to the Gorge for the first time over New Year's. Looking to target pup lakers (hopefully a big one, too) and burbot. Looking at camping on the ice for most of it. Gonna be on foot.

Any recommendations and where I ought to be given the changing ice conditions?

[POk3s]

Around the confluence is about the only safe, deep water ice for now. After this weekend it may lock up some other deeper water. People have been doing great on the pup Lakers already this year.

[crvrba]

Around the confluence is about the only safe, deep water ice for now. After this weekend it may lock up some other deeper water. People have been doing great on the pup Lakers already this year.

Thank you!

Is the confluence a good spot for burbot, too?

[POk3s]

Good of a spot as any!

[Djfan]

I'm going there tomorrow.  I'll give an update.  If you go, look for an eight man blue hut.

[crvrba]

Thanks guys. I'm looking forward to making the trip!

[crvrba]

So, the forecast for Rock Springs between New Year's Day through the weekend isn't looking terribly fun, at least from a wind perspective. Seeing 40+ mph gusts.

I haven't ever been to the Gorge before, and heard the wind can make things miserable. And travel along the I-80 corridor can be downright dangerous, too.

For y'all folks who are familiar with the area, will it be worth driving down 7 hours from Sheridan for a Gorge trip this holiday weekend?

[appleye]

There is no where to hide from the wind wait for a better forecast! I've made the trek, "Hoping" went home cursing my decision.

[Special]

Head down tomorrow. Hows the ice? Any places to stay away from? Wheeler/sled or don't push it? Plan on confluence and then bounce around a little. Staying in Green River Plan on being down all week. Going to be in clam popup 6 sider/command center and Eskimo. Do some late nights for burbot but have kids so will be based on how long they can stay.

[reelrusty]

  Try Graphical Forecast. They have pretty reliable wind speed and direction forecasts. Was turned on to this site by Lingeater a couple of years ago and use it bunches summer and winter.

[POk3s]

The only saving grace if you guys decide to come is the fact that the places with good ice are “steeper” country. You can huddle up in a cove or along a steep part of the bank....but it’ll be bad out there I’m sure.

[crvrba]

The only saving grace if you guys decide to come is the fact that the places with good ice are “steeper” country. You can huddle up in a cove or along a steep part of the bank....but it’ll be bad out there I’m sure.

Decided to stay in Sheridan. Got chased off of Muddy Guard 1 this morning by the big wind blast up here. Looks like the interstate was shut down, too. Some other time I suppose.

[Special]

Well it’s been fun!! Lots of pups and a few burbot. Still can’t find the Kokanee. The wind sucked in rock springs and green river. Thinking that it’s going to suck on the ice!! Get to the lake sunny and good. We have been fishing from the 1st and have yet had to put up the hut. Lots of dink/pups. 20-24 inches. Hope the sun comes out and keep enjoying the bite.

[crvrba]

Well it’s been fun!! Lots of pups and a few burbot. Still can’t find the Kokanee. The wind sucked in rock springs and green river. Thinking that it’s going to suck on the ice!! Get to the lake sunny and good. We have been fishing from the 1st and have yet had to put up the hut. Lots of dink/pups. 20-24 inches. Hope the sun comes out and keep enjoying the bite.

Well shoot. On the bright side, I wouldn't have been able to leave here until they'd closed I-80. Glad you're catching fish! And it goes to show that you can't call it from the couch.

[POk3s]

Well it’s been fun!! Lots of pups and a few burbot. Still can’t find the Kokanee. The wind sucked in rock springs and green river. Thinking that it’s going to suck on the ice!! Get to the lake sunny and good. We have been fishing from the 1st and have yet had to put up the hut. Lots of dink/pups. 20-24 inches. Hope the sun comes out and keep enjoying the bite.

Enjoy that “W word” rarity!

[crvrba]

Looking like I'll finally make it over to the Gorge this weekend.

Where should I be buying my sucker meat?
Is the Confluence still the spot to catch pups and burbot? If not, where ought I consider?
Any kokanee recommendations?