Green River Fly Fishing

The river has its beginnings high in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming, but it is
below Flaming Gorge that the Green River comes into its own. Green River fly fishing
brings anglers from all over the world.

The trout of Green River fly fishing waters

The cutthroat, the native trout of these waters, and five other species of trout are likely to
take your fly when you are Green River fly fishing. Rainbow, brook, brown, lake, and
golden trout have been successfully introduced to the river.

Estimates put the density of fish in the Green River at 6 to 15 thousand per mile in some
sections. It is not surprising therefore to see a great number of anglers trying their luck.
These fish are not suckers for food – they are wary and require good presentation before
they are tempted to take a fly.

Clear waters and Green River fly fishing

Clear water, visible trout, this is the norm when Green River fly fishing. A good pair of
Polaroid sun glasses will open your view to cruising and holding trout. Especially check
out eddies and shallow riffles where trout will be lying in wait for food to drift by.

The clear water not only allows you to see the trout, but the trout to see you too. You'll
need to be extra careful that your shadow or your line doesn't spook wary fish.

Flies for Green river fly fishing

As in fly fishing everywhere, it is the presentation that makes the difference. Elk Hair
Caddis, Royal Wulff, Griffith's Gnat, Olive and Parachute Adams, Ant, Cricket, Double
Humpy, Woolly Buggers, Muddler Minnows, these are just a few of the flies that have
been used regularly on the Green River.

The pattern of the moment can be discovered by visiting a local fly fishing store to ask a
knowledgeable sales person. On the river, other fishermen will often tell you what's
working for them, if you are considerate of their space and time.

Fish get used to certain food, they know what it looks like, and they know how it should
behave. There are standard patterns for Green River fly fishing, but patterns change and it
sometimes proves profitable to throw something different to try and provoke a reaction.

Hatches for Green River fly fishing

It's important to know what is hatching when you are Green River fly fishing. Midges
hatch from early March through late November. Use a small midge pattern, about 18-22
and you'll find trout, big and small, interested in your fly.

From May to October, caddis flies hatch morning and evening. A 10-16 sized caddis will
often bring good results.

Terrestrials sized 8-14 are best fished in the afternoons July through October when the
hatches are on.

When to go Green River fly fishing

If you don't mind the cold and you have the gear to match, winter can produce great
Green River fly fishing.

My favorite time to fish the Green is spring. The crowds are not yet out and I can cast a
line without icing up my rod guides. This is when you'll likely catch some big fish as the
spawn gets under way.

Summer brings the inevitable tourist, not all of whom are fishers. You are likely to share
your favorite fishing spot with rafters as well as a dozen other anglers. Fishing this time
of year is best during the early morning and evening periods when the water is quieter.

By fall the fish know what this business is all about and it is now that they are at their
most wary. They have been exposed to all types of fly patterns throughout the season.
They will ignore anything that is not skillfully presented. It is now that you need to throw
a perfect drift-free cast with a small fly if you want to put a fish in your creel.

Green River fly fishing for bass

If you want some exciting fishing try throwing a fly at the large and smallmouth bass that
are found in Flaming Gorge. Smallmouths are especially fun to catch. Their favorite food
is crayfish, so an imitator that looks even a close will produce a result. There are numbers
of smallmouth reaching the 15 inch size.

Whether you are fishing for grayling, trout, bass, or catfish, Green River fly fishing is
arguably the best fishery in the US. The fish are plentiful and grow to trophy size, the
waters are clear most of the year, and the magnificent scenery is an added bonus.

Its history speaks of names such as Butch Cassidy and Jim Bridger, its present boasts a
world class fishery. For the serious and recreational angler, Green River fly fishing is a
must.