Flaming Gorge Dam is currently releasing an average daily release of 2,200 cfs. The February forecast for unregulated inflow into Flaming Gorge for the April-July period is continuing to decrease and is currently at 70% of average. Dry conditions are forecast this spring. The remainder of February falls within the winter period base flow classification outlined in the 2006 Record of Decision, while March and April are transition months. The base flow classification period limits the daily change to 3% per day and those restrictions end during the transition period. Therefore, beginning February 15, 2016, Flaming Gorge Dam will begin decreasing from 2,200 cfs to minimum releases of 800 cfs according to the attached schedule. It is anticipated that releases will remain at 800 cfs until the beginning of spring runoff sometime in May or June. Base flow releases are subject to observed hydrology and all projections may change.
Fishing
Our guides have been on the water a lot lately training new guides for this season and fishing with some of the crew from the shop in SLC. Yesterday we started to see the larger Buffalo midges that we have been waiting for. There were also BWO’s on the water and the fish that were rising were more than willing to eat our BWO patterns. We also tossed around streamers for a short time and had great results on black dungeons.
Tips
We have been throwing 150 grain sinking lines and 7ips sinking leaders while fishing steamers and looking for medium speed water with good structure and letting it get near the bottom before starting the retrieve and letting it swing through the current before re casting. The BWO and Midge fishing has been the best in slower water. If you are not seeing bugs move, try and find a sheltered area from the wind also look for shaded areas. We have had the best success fishing BWO Duns as a lead fly and tying a cripple behind it, they tend to eat the cripple 9 out of 10 times.