Flaming Gorge Country provides a wide array of ecological and historical attractions for visitors, featuring everything from world-class flyfishing in the Green River to the historic outlaw legends associated with Dowd Mountain. The region's diverse landscape supports unique wildlife populations and offers specialized recreation across Utah and Wyoming.
History and Trails of Dowd Mountain
Dowd Mountain, located approximately 12 miles south of Manila off Utah Highway 44, serves as a significant site for both outdoor recreation and local lore. The mountain features an eight-mile climb via USFS road #094, a maintained dirt and gravel route that leads to an overlook providing views of the Utah and Wyoming portions of the lake. Beyond its scenic value, the area is known for its 11-mile intermediate hiking and mountain biking loop trail, which consists of single and double-track paths ending in a downhill finish.
Outlaw Legends and Settler History
The mountain is named for Cleophas Dowd, an early settler of the remote area. According to local reports, Dowd moved to the region to escape a\u2019s troubled past and was known to carry a firearm marked with several notches. He raised high-quality horses on the mountain that were reportedly favored by the Butch Cassidy and Wild Bunch Gang. Some legends even suggest the Sundance Kid worked on Dowd\'s Ranch, which is considered part of the historic Outlaw Trail. Following Dowd\'s murder by a ranchhand in 1898, his grave was established along the Sheep Creek Geologic Loop near his former property.
River Camping and Fishing
Fishing enthusiasts can find varied opportunities throughout the region, including the Green River below the Flaming Gorge Dam. The river is noted for world-class flyfishing, rafting, and guided fishing trips. There are 19 river campsites available from one mile below Little Hole to one mile below Red Creek; while six of these sites can be reserved through the National Campground Reservation System at recreation.gov, others operate on a first-perm-come, first-serve basis with a sign-up board located at Little Hole. These sites feature firepits, tables, and tent pads, though visitors must pack in their own portable toilets.
Red Canyon Lodge Amenities
Additional fishing opportunities exist at Red Canyon Lodge, which offers free fishing for all visitors. This includes a dedicated Free Kid\'s Fishing Pond for children aged 12 and under located in front of the restaurant. Across from the lodge, West Greens Lake provides an interpretive site with paved parking and nature trails. This private lake is stocked with Brook and Tiger Trout and is managed by the Lodge as a catch-and-release only area. Additionally, East Greens Lake, situated in front of the Lodge cabins, is stocked with large Kamloops Rainbow Trout; while also catch-and-release, use of this lake requires a $5 daily fee for guests not staying in the cabins.
Emerging Carp Fishing Trends
A recent flyfishing trend has emerged involving the pursuit of carp, often referred to as \'Utah Bonefish\' by some anglers. While the fish are described as unappealing in appearance, they provide a difficult fight similar to saltwater gamefish. Anglers looking for this adventure can find carp cruising shallow, weedy estuaries and bays in Lake Flaming Gorge, particularly in areas like Jug Hollow, north of Dutch John. Due to the power of these fish, use of a 7 to 8 weight flyrod is recommended.
Wildlife and Habitat Conservation
The region\'s wildlife includes hundreds of bird species and significant big game populations. The Henry\'s Fork Wetlands, located on the Utah/Wyoming border where historic Henrys Fork meets the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, serves as a vital habitat for ducks and other waterfowl through a Waterfowl and Wetland Enhancement Project. This project encompasses 27 acres of ponds, 51 acres of shallow wetlands, and 300 acres of riparian habitat near Manila. For those interested in big game, Little Mountain, located about 40 miles south of Rock Springs, Wyoming, is recognized by sportsmen as a premier hunting destination for trophy Mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk due to extensive habitat restoration.
Seasonal Spawning and Backcountry Solitude
Seasonal natural events include the annual Kokanee Salmon run, which begins in mid-August and lasts through October. During this time, large adult salmon turn a bright red color as they return to spawn in Sheep Creek. A viewing bridge and paved parking area are available at the Sheep Creek viewing area on UT Hwy 44 for visitors to observe the process. For those seeking solitude, the eastern end of the Uinta Mountain range offers backcountry lakes like Daggett, Wyman, and Teepee Lakes, which provide fishing and short hikes with less crowding than other summer destinations.
