Wyoming Flaming Gorge

[sawhorseray]

By the time we get all the stamps and licenses it's about $250 for just Wyoming, I don't much want to do double that. I've been to FG the last three years and now am starting to think maybe someplace new this year. We'll fish kokes in April at Whiskytown in NorCal, and in May at O'Dell in Oregon, so there should be plenty of fodder for the canner. When I didn't know better I brought the gear and canned inside my camper, then found that was a no-no. Last year we were giving limits of kokes away to folks in tents, the Wyoming F&G boys were dying to give me a ticket for something, checked the inside of my camper out twice in five days. I guess there'd always be camping at Lucerne and fishing out of there, learn a new spot. Of course at Buckboard I know right where to go and what to use, limit out fairly fast just about every time. I hear there's some good koke fishing Idaho, tho there's no place equal to Flaming Gorge. Decisions decisions. RAY

 

[SuperD]

The Gorge is definitely becoming more and more of a major commitment. Trying new spots can be rewarding. How about that lake in Oregon that has all the records for largest Kokes in the country?

 

[sawhorseray]

That'd be Lake Wallala, 9lbs, 11oz. we fished it, got skunked! Guess that why it's called fishing, and not catching. RAY

 

[sawhorseray]

I'm pretty sure I'm going to scrap Flaming Gorge for this year. Last year when we were there I took my ESS puppy over to where a bunch of folks were boondocking to learn how to swim. My little boy, Bob, had a great time and swam like a fish. When we got home Bob got a ear infection that my vet said most likely came from there. It was a "rods" infection, not yeast, and was very hard to get rid of, cost me a couple of grand in vet visits. Very dangerous infection, bugs that can eat clear thru to a dogs brain. Yep, FG's getting scrapped! RAY

 

[TroutScout]

No more out of state fishermen reciprocal stamps for WY or UT

This quote from Green River Newspaper:

"Anglers coming from outside of Utah or Wyoming may not purchase a reciprocal stamp, and therefore must purchase a license for the state(s) they are going to fish. Starting January 1, 2019 the Wyoming reciprocity stamp will cost $30 and the Utah reciprocity stamp will cost $10".

 

[Bduck]

This quote from Green River Newspaper:

"Anglers coming from outside of Utah or Wyoming may not purchase a reciprocal stamp, and therefore must purchase a license for the state(s) they are going to fish. Starting January 1, 2019 the Wyoming reciprocity stamp will cost $30 and the Utah reciprocity stamp will cost $10".

YEP, this is old news new this year.

 

[SuperD]

I don't believe the article got the cost of the stamps right but someone can correct me.

 

[Bduck]

As some Utah residents know from early stamp purchases before Jan 1 we were able to purchase the stamp for $10 from Wyoming online. After Jan 1 that price changed to $30 in accordance with 2019 Wyoming fishing regulation pg 4. Wyoming residents can purchase the Utah stamp for $10 which that fee hasn't changed even before regulation changes came about for 2019 Utah fishing guide book pg 7

 

[dubob]

I'm pretty sure I'm going to scrap Flaming Gorge for this year. Last year when we were there I took my ESS puppy over to where a bunch of folks were boondocking to learn how to swim. My little boy, Bob, had a great time and swam like a fish. When we got home Bob got a ear infection that my vet said most likely came from there. It was a "rods" infection, not yeast, and was very hard to get rid of, cost me a couple of grand in vet visits. Very dangerous infection, bugs that can eat clear thru to a dogs brain. Yep, FG's getting scrapped! RAY

Have you done any research on Strawberry/Soldier Creek Reservoir? The kokanee fishing has been coming on pretty good the last couple of years. You get to keep 4 versus 3. The place does have some odd restrictions though. You can't fillet your fish while at the reservoir and must leave the head attached as well. You can gut them is all. I know; stupid beyond belief. It's because they have a slot limit on cutthroat trout there and we're to stupid to know the difference between a kokanee and a trout. But the kokanee fishing can be great.

Camping is all Federal and managed by a concessionaire. Last year it was American Land & Liesure, but heard a rumor it would be a different company this year. There is only one camping loop that has electric/water hook-ups and only about 25 spaces. Reservations fill very fast. Lots of dry camping spots available. If you want to leave your boat in a day use slip, it will NOT have electrical hook up on the Strawberry side and I'm not sure if they have any on the Soldier Creek side.

Just wondered if you had looked into Strawberry as an alternative to the Gorge.

 

[COfisherman]

Am I reading this right?

I have to buy two non resident Lic. Plus two recip stamps to fish both sides of the Gorge? The total cost non residents is 250.00 plus boat stamps and inspections. Jeez, all that for six fish? Is Wyoming and Utah trying to run the retired fisher persons out of the area. Not to mention soon to be 3.50+/gal. gas to get there. Damn looks like I’ll be staying home this year. Hello Big Blue and Lake Granby. Maybe going down to Navajo.
CH

 

[SuperD]

No, you aren’t reading it right. You only have to buy a license for the side of the lake you plan on fishing. If you choose to buy the 2 licenses, there is no need to buy a reciprocal stamp.

 

[dubob]

No, you aren’t reading it right. You only have to buy a license for the side of the lake you plan on fishing. If you choose to buy the 2 licenses, there is no need to buy a reciprocal stamp.

I believe that if you are not a resident of either state, you CAN'T buy the reciprocal stamps. I really can't blame either state for requiring non-Utah/Wyoming residents to have a non-resident license to fish in their respective states. The compact agreement between Utah & Wyoming only applies to residents of either/both states. It looks like the Gorge isn't going to be as crowded this year as it has been in years past. Several folks have also stated it probably won't be worth the additional cost for just 6 fish. Apparently, the increase from 16 fish to 24 fish for the additional lake trout pups allowed with the 6 salmon isn't justifiable for the increased license costs either. Hope you can find success in your home waters COfisherman.

 

[COfisherman]

No, you aren’t reading it right. You only have to buy a license for the side of the lake you plan on fishing. If you choose to buy the 2 licenses, there is no need to buy a reciprocal stamp.

Ok but I can’t just buy the reciprocal to fish across state line?
CH

 

[Bduck]

Ok but I can’t just buy the reciprocal to fish across state line?
CH

The reciprocal only pertains to Utah & Wyoming residents, not to other residents outside of Utah & Wyoming. All you need is a nonresident license pertaining to the state you will be fishing or both. If you decide to purchase only one license you cannot cross the state line of other state to fish that side.

 

[COfisherman]

I don’t mind paying for no resident lic.

I believe that if you are not a resident of either state, you CAN'T buy the reciprocal stamps. I really can't blame either state for requiring non-Utah/Wyoming residents to have a non-resident license to fish in their respective states. The compact agreement between Utah & Wyoming only applies to residents of either/both states. It looks like the Gorge isn't going to be as crowded this year as it has been in years past. Several folks have also stated it probably won't be worth the additional cost for just 6 fish. Apparently, the increase from 16 fish to 24 fish for the additional lake trout pups allowed with the 6 salmon isn't justifiable for the increased license costs either. Hope you can find success in your home waters COfisherman.

I don’t mind paying for nonresident lic and a stamp to fish reciprocal stamp. Last time up we stayed in the RV which has solar, and is fully self contained. We fished both sides of the lake. We bought a 10 day nonresident lic and the reciprocal stamp and the AIS inspection even though the boat had a tamper proof tag on it from Colorado. And that was all we had to buy to fish. We spent lots of money there in both states., but looks like we aren’t welcome any longer. So we will stay home again this year. The fish aren't as big here but they pretty good from Blue Mesa, and Granby. My lic is only 9.75 a year and no AIS inspection fee here. Too bad, I was looking forward to another Gorge trip this year, maybe my last.
CH.

 

[dubob]

I don’t mind paying for nonresident lic and a stamp to fish reciprocal stamp. Last time up we stayed in the RV which has solar, and is fully self contained. We fished both sides of the lake. We bought a 10 day nonresident lic and the reciprocal stamp and the AIS inspection even though the boat had a tamper proof tag on it from Colorado. And that was all we had to buy to fish. We spent lots of money there in both states., but looks like we aren’t welcome any longer. So we will stay home again this year. The fish aren't as big here but they pretty good from Blue Mesa, and Granby. My lic is only 9.75 a year and no AIS inspection fee here. Too bad, I was looking forward to another Gorge trip this year, maybe my last.
CH.

You could just buy a non-resident license from just one state and fish that side of the border. Wyoming sells Annual at $102, 5-day at $56, or daily at $14. Utah sells Annual at $75, 7-day at $40, or 3-day at $24. Limits can be had on either side and if you only make one trip a year, the cost for the daily, 3/5/7-day licenses are very reasonable. Even if you want to make 2 trips a year, the shorter period licenses are still the way to go. Do you really think you need more than 2 or 3 days to catch your possession limt of 6 salmon and/or 24 lakers? You are welcome in both states COf, but you just need to decide what your best financial options are. thumbsup

 

[SuperD]

If you know human nature, you just have to know that there are going to be some folks that show up this summer like they always do and get the surprise of the trip. I'd hate to be the clerk on the other side of the counter at the Lucerne store this summer.

 

[COfisherman]

I don't believe the article got the cost of the stamps right but someone can correct me.

Lol, yea it’s funny how people that can’t do anything about an issue, gets dumped on. I guess its human nature. I think I got this figured out, I’ll double our limit at twice the coast, I’ll just bring Mom. She loves to fish as much as I do.laugh hyst
Keep your line in the water, and the net handy.
CH

 

[ducksfresh]

6 koke Possession limit?

You could just buy a non-resident license from just one state and fish that side of the border. Wyoming sells Annual at $102, 5-day at $56, or daily at $14. Utah sells Annual at $75, 7-day at $40, or 3-day at $24. Limits can be had on either side and if you only make one trip a year, the cost for the daily, 3/5/7-day licenses are very reasonable. Even if you want to make 2 trips a year, the shorter period licenses are still the way to go. Do you really think you need more than 2 or 3 days to catch your possession limt of 6 salmon and/or 24 lakers? You are welcome in both states COf, but you just need to decide what your best financial options are. thumbsup

Can you tell me where in either state (UT/WY) you see a regulation that states it is lawful to have 6 koke's in possession?

Thanks
Mike Fresh

 

[SuperD]

Can you tell me where in either state (UT/WY) you see a regulation that states it is lawful to have 6 koke's in possession?

Thanks
Mike Fresh

Mike,
My understanding was that Utah changed to 6 but Wyoming didn't. See page 3 of the Utah reg book.