Heads-up, Anglers: Fall Closures at Flaming Gorge & the Green—Dates, Reasons, and Where to Fish Instead

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is rolling out its annual fall fishing restrictions to give spawning fish a fighting chance—especially kokanee in Flaming Gorge Reservoir and trout below Fontenelle Dam on the Green River. Here’s what’s closed, why it matters, and how to pivot your fall plans without missing out.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir (kokanee release period) — Sept. 10 to Nov. 30

You can fish the Gorge, but every kokanee must be released immediately during this window. The goal is to protect shoreline-spawning kokanee, which are the backbone of the fishery. In many years, 50–80% of the kokanee population comes from these shoreline spawners.

“While it’s not illegal to fish Flaming Gorge for kokanee during the fall, anglers are required to release them immediately,” said John Walrath, Game and Fish fisheries supervisor in the Green River Region. “Kokanee put all their energy into spawning and die soon after. Angling during this period can cause premature mortality, denying those fish the opportunity to reproduce and contribute to the next generation.”

Linwood Bay (nighttime closure) — Second Saturday in December

Night fishing is closed in Linwood Bay starting the second Saturday in December. This Utah Division of Wildlife Resources rule protects spawning trophy lake trout, prevents illegal snagging, and boosts boater safety after dark.

Green River below Fontenelle Dam — Oct. 1 to Dec. 31

Closed to all fishing from Fontenelle Dam downstream ~1 mile to the USGS gauge/cable crossing at Weeping Rocks Campground. This protects concentrated fish during the peak fall period.

Kokanee are a high-investment spawner: once they turn on the fall colors, almost all their energy is headed into reproduction—and then they die. Protecting them now boosts natural recruitment, helps Game and Fish maintain stocking rates, and buys time for managers to reduce predation pressure so the fishery keeps improving.

If you’re itching to fish the Gorge this fall, target small lake trout (<23 inches). It’s good fishing—and good for kokanee.

Where & when

• Aug–Sept: Stage in 40–70 feet near spawning areas.
• October: Slide onto spawning structure, often 5–35 feet. (Last year, lots of fish spawned on gravel at ~50 feet.)

What you’ll find

• Typical size 16–23 inches, age 7–20 years—a major slice of the laker population.

Why it helps

• Recent research shows these smaller lakers can eat 15–33% of their annual diet in kokanee, which puts a dent in kokanee recruitment. Harvesting within regulations eases that pressure.

Quick calendar at a glance

• 10–Nov. 30: Flaming Gorge kokanee must be released immediately.
• 1–Dec. 31: Green River (Fontenelle Dam to USGS cable at Weeping Rocks) closed.
• Second Saturday in December: Linwood Bay closed to nighttime angling (Utah DWR rule).

If you incidentally hook a kokanee, keep it wet and release immediately. Give spawning shorelines and shallow gravels some space. Check both Wyoming and Utah regs if you’re fishing border waters like Linwood Bay. Pack out line and trash—spawning fish don’t need extra hazards.

Questions & more info

• Flaming Gorge management & closures: Check the Flaming Gorge Management page or call Game and Fish, Green River Regional Office: 307-875-3223.
• Linwood Bay nighttime closure: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (Vernal): 435-781-9453.

Tight lines—and thanks for giving the spawners some room to work. The fishery will be better for it next season.