Many of the larger rainbow trout were shaped like Spalding footballs, especially those in the 15- to 17-inch size class. Brown trout have also taken on a new look, and the night’s “big fish” was a 20-inch brown trout weighing in at 3.5 pounds.

Today’s tackle options are almost limitless when you consider all the different lures and their variations in size, weight and color. If you want to stock your tackle box with some productive fishing gear, consider the following choices for this upcoming fishing season.

After a long, cold winter, we’re ready for warm, sunny days on the water. The ice has just come off Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and its coldwater fish — particularly its rainbow trout — are now very active. As daytime temperatures rise, the trout begin to concentrate on…

As a fisheries biologist and an eager fisherman, I love the changing seasons. I’m already anxiously awaiting the bass spawn on Lake Powell in May and early season kokanee/rainbow fishing on Flaming Gorge. And it’s not just me — the whole family gets excited.