Flaming Gorge Fishing Report

[theangler]

Hello All,
Headed out to Flaming Gorge in Utah on the 15th with DonInDenver and BearLakeMack. The plan was 2 days fishing on Don's boat and 2 days fishing with Jim Williams (bft username: TarponJim) ([url "http://www.fishflaminggorge.com/"]http://www.fishflaminggorge.com/[/url]).

Left the Springs on the 15th and met Don in Rock Springs about an hour from the Gorge. I had very little experience Mackinaw (Lake Trout) fishing before, and had never fished the Gorge, jigging for the Big Macks, so needless to say I was pretty excited!

I had heard a ton about jig fishing for Mac's, about how tough on the body it can be, how subtle the strikes of these big fish are, and how it is one of the most technical fish techniques, etc... Although the sources for these statements were from people that I know are great fisherman and I respect, I had thought it was a bit exaggerated. IT WASN’T! Jigging for these fish is a battle!!!
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Day 1 the 16TH- Weather was rough and water was definitely wavy. Fishing was slow and good presentation was tough to accomplish with the waves. BearLakeMack was the only one to land a fish that day (16 lb.), although we all swung on a couple and I had meat once but lost it from a way sloppy hook set. [/font][/size]
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[size 3][font "Calibri"]Day 2 the 17th- Weather cooperated a bit more but wasn’t perfect by any means. We tried many spots and many lures but ended up with Don landing one over 10 pounds and me and Rich coming up empty handed. Bites were few and far between.[/font][/size]
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[size 3][font "Calibri"]Day 3 the 17th – First Day fishing with Jim and the weather was a bit tough in the morning with next to no bites but started heating up and flatting out later in the day. Bites were steadier but spaced out in the afternoon. We tried a ton of presentations and jigs and Jim did find the fish that were ready to bite and the bait to go with it but frankly we couldn’t seem to get a good hook set. In retrospect fatigue probably played a factor in the misses.[/font][/size]
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[size 3][font "Calibri"]Day 4 the 18th- After a great night sleep and knowing it was our last day to fish we came ready to rock. The weather was cooperating (it was flat early) and Jim found us game fish early. The morning was on fire! I hooked up on the first swing early and in the frenzy Jim dropped in and hooked up, for a double. Mine went 30 lbs. and Jim’s was even bigger! We were on our way! After setting down the video camera and getting back on the rod Rich nailed a nice Mack on his first swing, in the frenzy, I got nailed and Don nailed one on his first swing a minute or so after, a triple!!!! Mine was the first fish to surface and I lost him on the top of the water (was about the 10 lb. range or so) and I think Rich’s was to the boat next and went 32 lb., and Don’s shortly there after, to the boat and a whopping 36 lb’s!!![/font][/size]
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[size 3][font "Calibri"]All fish were caught, photographed and released strong! Jim had to do a little nursing to one fish and did a heck of a job making sure it was in good shape when it swam off![/font][/size]
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[size 3][font "Calibri"]I have to thank Don, and Rich who are great Mack fisherman and really put on a clinic for me!! [/font][/size]
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[size 3][font "Calibri"]Jim is a world class guide and despite conditions, fishing pressure, and circumstances can teach you more about jigging for these BIG FISH in a couple of days on the water then years of trial and error on your own.[/font][/size]
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[size 3][font "Calibri"]I have fished all over the place, using a ton of techniques, for more species then I can probably remember and can say without a doubt that jigging for BIG Mac’s is one of the most challenging experiences an angler can undertake. If you have never done it, it should be a MUST TRY on your list. It may not end up being your favorite (or it may) type of fishing but it definitely will be an experience you’ll never forget! [/font][/size]
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[size 3][font "Calibri"]Check out the trip photo gallery at:[/font][/size]
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[CROSSINEYES]

MIKE YOU GUYS TORE IT UP... BROKE CHUCK AND MY RECORD AS WELL. THAT COULD STAND A WHILE. WE HAD IT FOR 3 YRS. FEELS GOOD TO PASS IT ON TO 2 MOORE BFT MODS. I TOLD YA IN THAT PM IT WAS INTENSE FISHING. YOU DID GREAT FOR A FIRST TIMER AS WELL. JIM IS THE BEST. DID YOU CONFIRM FOR NEXT YR. LOL I BET YOU DID. ITS WAY ADDICTING HUGH. ITS GONA BE A LONG YR WAITING FOR REDEMPTION. LOL I AM GRATEFULL I CAN AT LEAST SAY WE ONCE HAD THE RECORD DOUBLE. ENJOY IT BOY YOU GOT ER DONE! KEN
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[DonInDenver]

Thanks for putting up that detailed report, Mike! You saved me a bunch of typing! It was a great trip, despite the fact it was hard work. If any of you ever get the chance to fish with Mike or Bear Lake Mack or Tarponjim, don't pass it up. They're all world class fishermen and great guys!
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[JasonMcMillin]

Awsome, sounds like you had an awsome time. And the last day what a way to end a fishing trip.
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