Green River Fishing
The Green River, from its beginnings in the Wind River Mountains in Wyoming (50 minutes from Jackson Hole) to its confluence with the mighty Colorado River in Canyonlands NP Utah, is a beautiful and scenic waterway. If variety is the spice of the outdoorsman's life, then this river system must be one of the great Mecca's of the natural world.
Featured Listings: (add your listing)
Reel Deal Anglers: Green River "Wild Country" Trip
A freestone river with huge wild trout. Less pressure makes this river a unique experience. A true guide's favorite river! Find out why...
(307) 413-0669
Orvis / Spotted Horse Ranch Fishing Outfitters
Orvis-endorsed Lodge and guide service right in Jackson Hole. Hoback River fishing out your cabin door, on-site trout pond and Green River trips.
(800) 528-2084
High Country Flies - The Fly Fishing Resource
Jackson's only shop devoted entirely to fly fishing. Full service fly shop offering guided fishing trips since 1974. Come see the local experts!!
(866) 733-7210
Green River Listings: (add your listing)
Jackson Hole Anglers - Flyfish the Green River
When it comes to fishing Jackson Hole regional waters, we are the experts. Full- and 1/2-day rates, enjoy Snake, Salt & Green Rivers near Pinedale. Excellent angling!
(888) 458-7688
Klay Mangis Fishing Guide Service - Green River
One of Jackson's most productive fishing guides. Having grown up on the great waters like the Snake, Green and New Fork, Klay will put you into fish!
(307) 733-8553
In its headwaters, the Green flows through high-altitude ponds and meadows, winding its way through lush cattle pastures and sagebrush flats near the town of Pinedale, Wyoming. Anglers can access the river from many state G&F access points, plus local outfitters offer guided float trips throughout the non-winter months. If using your own watercraft, be aware of fishing access laws - many fishermen not familiar with Wyoming state law inadvertently trespass on private property, so be forewarned.
About 17 miles south of Pinedale, the Green picks up an important set of tributary streams and rivers (including the New Fork River) making this a truly spectacular fishery for the next 35 miles. Near LaBarge, Wyoming, the Green enters Fontenelle Reservoir and emerges as a premier tailwater, flowing through the famous Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge. For fly fishermen, this stretch rivals other popular western rivers such as the Bighorn, North Platte and Beaverhead for fish production and size. For another 40 miles, the Green flows until it reaches its next impoundment, Flaming Gorge Reservoir on the Wyoming/Utah Border.
Below Flaming Gorge Dam, Green River is again a world-renowned tailwater fishery. Its clear emerald waters boast six species of trout, something that can be said of few river systems. The cutthroat trout is native, but the brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, lake trout and even the elusive golden have been successfully introduced, and are prospering in various stretches of the Green. Grayling inhabit some of the headwater lakes. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are available in Flaming Gorge Reservoir, as are Kokanee salmon and catfish. Even a few northern pike exist down around the Colorado/Utah border.
The average trout range from 14-18 inches long throughout the Flaming Gorge section. The record, a 29 pound brown, was caught in 1996 in the reservoir.
The Green flows through a scenic, steep-walled canyon. The rugged terrain allows access in only three areas: just below the dam, the Little Hole fishing access, and river crossing area known as Browns Park. You can drive to these locations and fish your way up or down the stream, or float the river in a drift boat or rubber raft.
The Green River, from Flaming Gorge Dam in Utah to the Colorado State line, is the most popular section of river for anglers. It supports large numbers of fishermen each year, yet holds up remarkably well despite such pressures.
Eighty percent of the fishing pressure is located within the seven miles from the dam to Little Hole.
Fishing is restricted to artificial flies or lures. Catch-and-release is highly encouraged but limited harvest is permitted. Fly tackle is most commonly used but spinners and Rapalas are also effective.
Insect hatches are prolific. Scuds are a primary food source and are effective throughout the year. Midges work on and below the surface during the winter and early spring. Blue-winged olives hatch in incredible numbers in the spring. Big cicadas produce exciting fishing during the early summer; ants, hoppers and many dry fly patterns work well through the summer and early fall.
The Green is unequivocally one of the best trout fisheries in the continental US and is definitely a world class fishery in every sense of the term. It has a fascinating angling history that aptly illustrates the value of special regulations and informed management.
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