Venturing out for a day of fishing the Green River in Wyoming is more than just a pastime; it’s an iconic American angling experience that should be on every enthusiast’s bucket list. This legendary tailwater fishery, flowing from the Flaming Gorge Dam, carves its way through dramatic red rock canyons, offering a stunning backdrop to some of the most productive trout waters in the world. The journey here is not just about the catch, but about immersing yourself in a pristine wilderness, understanding the river’s unique ecosystems, and mastering the art of fly fishing in its crystal-clear currents. Whether you are floating in a drift boat or wading the accessible banks, the promise of hooking into trophy trout is a constant, thrilling possibility.
Why is the Green River a Legendary Fishing Destination?
The Green River’s reputation is built on a perfect storm of biological and geological factors. As a tailwater fishery, the river’s temperature is regulated by releases from the deep, cold waters of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. This creates a stable, nutrient-rich environment where trout can thrive and grow to impressive sizes year-round. The clarity of the water is another defining feature, offering incredible sight-fishing opportunities where you can watch a 20-inch brown trout rise from the depths to inspect your fly.
This consistent ecosystem supports an astonishingly high fish population, with some estimates putting the numbers at over 10,000 fish per mile in the upper sections. This density means that while the fishing can be technical, it is almost always active. It’s a place that both challenges seasoned anglers and generously rewards beginners, cementing its status as a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the sport.
Understanding the Three Sections of the Green River
To truly appreciate the Green River, you must understand its distinct personalities, which are divided into three main sections below the dam. Each section offers a different experience, catering to various angling styles and preferences. Knowing the difference is key to planning a successful trip.
Section A: The Flaming Gorge Dam to Little Hole
This is the most famous and heavily fished stretch of the Green River, and for good reason. The seven miles from the dam to the Little Hole boat ramp are often referred to as “the aquarium.” This section is best experienced from a drift boat, as it allows you to cover the water efficiently and access the most productive runs and pools. The fish density here is at its peak, with countless brown and rainbow trout eager to take a well-presented fly. While it sees the most traffic, the sheer number of fish ensures that everyone has a chance at a memorable day.
Section B: Little Hole to Brown’s Park
Continuing downstream from Little Hole, Section B offers a slightly more remote feel. The river here begins to widen, and the landscape opens up, providing more opportunities for wade fishing than its upstream counterpart. While you’ll still see plenty of drift boats, anglers willing to hike along the trails can find solitude and eager fish. The trout populations remain strong, and this section is known for holding some truly large, reclusive brown trout that have grown wise to casual presentations. It’s a great mix of accessibility and wildness.
Section C: Below Brown’s Park
For the truly adventurous angler, Section C is the untamed frontier of the Green River. This lower stretch is much less crowded and requires more effort to access, often involving multi-day float trips. The river’s character changes, becoming wider and slower in places. While the overall trout numbers are lower than in Sections A and B, this is where you can find different species, including smallmouth bass, and the potential for a monster trout that has rarely seen a fly. This is a journey for those who value solitude and exploration as much as the fishing itself.
“Reading the water in Section A is like reading a book. The seams, riffles, and pools are so defined. You can almost see the fish holding their positions. The key isn’t just casting; it’s understanding their feeding lanes.” – Jackson ‘Jack’ Miller, a veteran Wyoming fishing guide
What Fish Can You Catch in Wyoming’s Green River?
While the scenery is breathtaking, the primary draw is undoubtedly the world-class trout population. The river is a veritable trout factory, producing healthy, strong fish that provide incredible sport on a fly rod.
The Abundant Brown Trout
Brown trout are the undisputed kings of the Green River. They are numerous, grow to impressive sizes, and are known for their aggressive behavior, especially during the fall. Catching a large, buttery-yellow brown trout on a streamer is a quintessential Green River experience. They are wily and intelligent, providing a worthy challenge for any angler.
Acrobatic Rainbow Trout
Sharing the water with the browns are the vibrant and energetic rainbow trout. Known for their spectacular leaps and hard fights, rainbows add an exciting dimension to the fishery. They are often found in the faster riffles and runs, readily taking dry flies and nymphs, making them a favorite target for many visitors.
The Native Cutthroat Trout
While less common than browns and rainbows in the upper sections, the native Colorado River Cutthroat Trout can still be found. Catching one of these beautiful, spot-adorned fish is a special treat, connecting you to the river’s original heritage. They are a testament to the health and conservation efforts that keep this ecosystem thriving.
Essential Gear for Fishing the Green River in Wyoming
Coming prepared with the right equipment can make all the difference between a frustrating day and the trip of a lifetime. While a guide will provide everything, the DIY angler needs to pack thoughtfully. A versatile 9-foot, 5-weight fly rod is the perfect all-around tool for the Green, capable of handling delicate dry fly presentations, nymphing rigs, and even smaller streamers. Pair this with a reliable reel with a smooth drag system.
Given the clarity of the water, long leaders and light tippets (4X to 6X) are often necessary to avoid spooking the fish. A good pair of polarized sunglasses is non-negotiable; they are crucial for spotting fish and reading the underwater structure. For those planning to wade, breathable waders and sturdy wading boots with good grip are essential for safety and comfort in the cold, clear water.
| Feature | Section A (Dam to Little Hole) | Section B (Little Hole to Brown’s Park) | Section C (Below Brown’s Park) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Excellent (Boat ramp and trail) | Good (Trail and some road access) | Difficult (Requires multi-day float) |
| Primary Method | Drift Boat | Drift Boat & Wade Fishing | Multi-day Float/Raft |
| Fish Density | Highest | High | Moderate |
| Crowd Level | Highest | Moderate | Low |
When is the Best Time to Fish the Green River?
One of the Green River’s greatest assets is that it offers fantastic fishing throughout the year. However, certain seasons are known for specific types of activity, and aligning your trip with these can lead to truly epic results.
Spring: The Pre-Runoff Excitement
As the days get longer and the water temperatures slowly begin to rise, the fish become increasingly active. Spring is characterized by incredible hatches of midges and Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs). This is a technical time to fish, often requiring precise presentations with tiny flies, but the reward is watching fish sip your offering from the surface in slow-moving eddies.
Summer: The Prime Time for Hatches
Summer is prime time on the Green River. This is when the famous cicada and hopper hatches occur, bringing the largest fish in the river to the surface to engulf these massive terrestrial insects. Casting a big foam imitation toward the bank and watching it get violently eaten is a heart-stopping experience. This is also the busiest season, so expect to share the water.
“People get obsessed with matching the hatch perfectly, and sometimes that’s true. But in July and August, don’t overthink it. A big, ugly foam hopper slapped down near the bank will often out-fish the most technical nymph rig. It’s about triggering a predatory response.” – Jackson ‘Jack’ Miller
Fall: The Streamer Season
When the leaves begin to change color, the aggressive nature of the brown trout comes to the forefront as they prepare to spawn. This is the season for streamer fishing. Anglers cast large, articulated flies that imitate baitfish, stripping them back to trigger explosive, territorial strikes from massive browns. The visual aspect of seeing a fish chase down your fly is pure adrenaline.
Winter: A Quiet and Technical Challenge
For those willing to brave the cold, winter offers solitude and a unique angling challenge. The crowds are gone, and the landscape is often covered in a peaceful blanket of snow. The fishing is highly technical, focused almost exclusively on tiny midge patterns fished deep and slow. The bites are subtle, but the fish are still there, and landing a beautiful trout in the quiet of winter is a profoundly rewarding experience.
Do You Need a Guide for the Green River?
This is a common question, and the answer depends on your experience and goals. For a first-time visitor, hiring a guide is highly recommended. A local guide’s knowledge is invaluable; they understand the river’s currents, know where the fish are holding, and have the right flies for every situation. Most importantly, they provide a drift boat, which is the most effective way to experience Section A. A guide service handles the logistics, allowing you to simply focus on the fishing.
For the experienced angler who has a good understanding of river fishing and perhaps their own watercraft like a raft or pontoon, a DIY trip is certainly possible, especially in the more accessible wading areas of Section B. However, even for experts, a day with a guide can provide a wealth of knowledge that will pay dividends on future trips. It’s an investment in your angling education.
The call of the river is strong, and few places sing a more enchanting song than this Wyoming jewel. The combination of stunning scenery, prolific wildlife, and some of the best trout fishing on the planet makes for an unforgettable adventure. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting your fly fishing journey, the experience of fishing the Green River in Wyoming will hook you for life, creating memories that last long after you’ve released your final catch of the day.
Visitor Reviews
Marcus Thorne
★★★★★
An absolutely world-class fishery. I floated Section A with a guide in late July and the cicada hatch was on. I’ve never seen anything like it. The fish were not just rising; they were launching themselves out of the water to eat our foam flies. Our guide was phenomenal, putting us on fish all day. The scenery in the canyon is worth the trip alone. Can’t wait to go back.
Eleanor Vance
★★★★★
We did a family trip and hired a guide for a day, and it was the highlight of our vacation. I’m a novice angler, but our guide, Ben, was so patient and helpful. I managed to land several beautiful rainbow trout. My husband, who is more experienced, was thrilled with the size of the browns. The drift boat was comfortable and made everything so easy. A perfect day.
Samuel Chen
★★★★☆
Fished Section B on foot for two days. The access trail from Little Hole is fantastic and well-maintained. Wading can be tricky in some spots, so be sure to have good boots and a wading staff. The fishing was more technical than I expected; these fish are smart and see a lot of pressure. I had success with small nymph patterns. It was rewarding to find fish on my own, but it took a lot of work. Beautiful and less crowded than A.
Brenda O’Malley
★★★★★
My partner and I did a guided trip in the fall. I was hoping to catch a big brown on a streamer, and the Green River delivered! The fight was incredible. The colors of the canyon walls in October were breathtaking. It’s a truly special place. Cold in the mornings, so be sure to layer up!
David Petrov
★★★★★
As a long-time fly fisherman, the Green River has been on my list for years. It exceeded all expectations. The clarity of the water is something you have to see to believe. Sight-fishing to rising trout in a place this beautiful is as good as it gets. I’m already planning my next trip to explore Section C. Remember to get your Wyoming fishing license online before you go.
