UTERLake trout fishing in Utah freshwater
In Utah freshwater, lake trout peak January–March and May–June and October and are around year-round, spawning in October, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. January: Flaming Gorge ice lakers.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Lake trout in Utah freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeakFlaming Gorge ice lakers.
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchPeak
- AprilAround
- MayPeakFlaming Gorge trophy macks shallow after ice-off.
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberSpawning
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish lake trout near Flaming Gorge, Lake Powell, Strawberry Reservoir
Flaming Gorge's lakers and burbot, Lake Powell's stripers and smallmouth, Strawberry's cutthroat, the Green River below the dam, and Uinta high lakes.
What to use for lake trout
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 34–60°F water, best at 44–54°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch lake trout in Utah freshwater?
Peak season is January–March and May–June and October, with fish spawning in October (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Lake trout are here year-round. January: Flaming Gorge ice lakers.
Where do lake trout hold in Utah freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir — around Flaming Gorge, Lake Powell, Strawberry Reservoir, Green River, Provo River, Utah Lake.
What is the best bait for lake trout in Utah freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners). Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for lake trout in Utah freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) and change — read the current rule at https://wildlife.utah.gov/rules before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://wildlife.utah.gov/licenses.
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