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ABOUT THE GREEN RIVER IN WYOMING

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Green River Fly Fishing

The Green River is a fast hour’s drive and our Jackson Hole fly fishing guides will pick you up at a local hotel or vacation home in Jackson or Teton Village. We provide full day and half day trips to the Green River to allow you to get the most out of your fishing experience and to allow for ample drive time. Fly fishing on the Green River in Wyoming can be a truly rewarding experience, especially when you nab the “big one!”

 

The Green is famous for it’s reach across the west. Created by the headwaters in the Wind River Mountains, the Green River travels over 730 miles through Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado, eventually joining the Colorado River which carves through the Grand Canyon. The river’s flow is regulated by the Flaming Gorge Dam, which helps maintain stable water levels and ideal fishing conditions throughout the year.

 

The Green River meanders through several private properties, which makes it the perfect river for a float trip while still enjoying the solitude of nature. The area surrounding the Green River is famous for its moose population. It is common to see several moose grazing the bank in a single day, making a memorable fishing and wildlife trip!

Fish Species

Anglers are drawn to the Green River for its superb trout fishing, with the following species being particularly popular:

  • Rainbow Trout: Known for their vibrant colors and energetic fights.
  • Brown Trout: Preferring deeper, cooler waters, these trout can grow to impressive sizes.
  • Mountain Whitefish: Often found alongside trout, these fish add to the river’s diverse fishery.

Fly Hatches

The Green River’s rich insect life supports a variety of fly hatches, essential for successful fly fishing. It is most famous for the Grey Drake Hatch during June and early July. This hatch allows for some great action on the river just as the waters are starting to clear. The river holds Brown and Rainbow trout, which are all ready for a good feast at this time of year.

5 Fun Facts About the Green River

  1. Diverse Fishery: The Green River is home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and whitefish.
  2. Pristine Waters: Originating from the Wind River Mountains, the Green River boasts some of the clearest and cleanest waters in Wyoming, making it ideal for fly fishing.
  3. Famous Sections: The Green River’s “Section A” below Flaming Gorge Dam is world-renowned for its scenic beauty and productive fishing waters.
  4. John Wesley Powell Expedition: The Green River was part of the famous 1869 expedition led by John Wesley Powell, who navigated the river and its canyons, contributing significantly to the exploration and mapping of the American West.
  5. Endangered Species: The Green River is home to several endangered fish species, including the Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, and humpback chub. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these unique species and their habitats.

Historical Information

The Green River has a storied past, deeply intertwined with the history of the American West. It served as a vital route for early explorers, fur traders, and trappers, including the famous mountain men of the 19th century. The river was a crucial component of the overland routes used during the westward expansion.

 

Our Green River fly fishing trips are great for all levels of anglers, especially those that want to catch bigger fish and find hatches of insects to match their fly. There are plenty of deep pools that house a variety of trout, and the wide-open terrain of the surrounding banks allows for great fly fishing. Whether you’re planning a family fishing trip or a solo adventure, the Green River offers an unparalleled experience with its stunning scenery and abundant fish populations.

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GREEN RIVER FLOWS AT WARREN BRIDGE

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Below, you’ll find the latest USGS graph displaying the current Cubic Feet per Second (CFS) discharge of the Green River. The flow of this river fluctuates throughout the year, typically reaching its peak in the spring due to snowmelt in the surrounding highlands. As the season transitions to autumn and winter, the Green River’s CFS often diminishes, reflecting a more serene and lower volume flow. Understanding these CFS trends is crucial for fly fishing, as they have a direct impact on both the river’s conditions and fish behavior. This graph will help you to stay informed about the Green River’s fly fishing conditions!