Green River Fishing Report from WRF

Date
Wednesday, 17 Feb, 2016
Water Clarity
Clear
Angler Traffic
Low
Report
Flaming Gorge Dam is currently releasing an average daily release of 2,200 cfs. The February forecast for unregulated inflow into Flaming Gorge for the April-July period is continuing to decrease and is currently at 70% of average. Dry conditions are forecast this spring. The remainder of February falls within the winter period base flow classification outlined in the 2006 Record of Decision, while March and April are transition months. The base flow classification period limits the daily change to 3% per day and those restrictions end during the transition period. Therefore, beginning February 15, 2016, Flaming Gorge Dam will begin decreasing from 2,200 cfs to minimum releases of 800 cfs according to the attached schedule. It is anticipated that releases will remain at 800 cfs until the beginning of spring runoff sometime in May or June. Base flow releases are subject to observed hydrology and all projections may change.

Fishing
Our guides have been on the water a lot lately training new guides for this season and fishing with some of the crew from the shop in SLC. Yesterday we started to see the larger Buffalo midges that we have been waiting for. There were also BWO’s on the water and the fish that were rising were more than willing to eat our BWO patterns. We also tossed around streamers for a short time and had great results on black dungeons.

Tips
We have been throwing 150 grain sinking lines and 7ips sinking leaders while fishing steamers and looking for medium speed water with good structure and letting it get near the bottom before starting the retrieve and letting it swing through the current before re casting. The BWO and Midge fishing has been the best in slower water. If you are not seeing bugs move, try and find a sheltered area from the wind also look for shaded areas. We have had the best success fishing BWO Duns as a lead fly and tying a cripple behind it, they tend to eat the cripple 9 out of 10 times.
 
Flies
Nymphs
Name
Size
Morgans Double Midge
20
22+
Fishing Water Report
 (1)
Melting snowpack from the Wind River Mountains give rise to the Green River, Wyoming’s second longest. After flowing south over 700 miles, the Green enters into the Colorado River ... moreand is considered by many to be this river’s headwater. Supposedly named by 16th century Spanish explorers for its clear color, a mystery since most people say it looks quite the same as the murky Colorado, the river ran basically unimpeded until the early 1960’s when the Fontenelle Dam was completed. One year later another dam was built in Dutch John, Utah, which flooded the scenic, red-rock Flaming Gorge for nearly 90 miles, creating a deep-water fishery famous for its monster lake trout and trophy browns.

Despite man’s effort to tame the Green, over 150 miles of the river still run free. Set between the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Bridger Wilderness area, the remote river basin has retained its rugged, pristine, scenic beauty. Locals joke that there are more elk, bear and deer in residence than people, a fact attractive for those seeking an authentic, fly fishing experience. Fishing is thought to be best during the late summer and fall seasons when there are prolific mayfly and caddis hatches and trout is plentiful, including the native Colorado River cutthroat.

Pinedale, a small resort town on US 191, is the primary hub for the upper Green River, attracting anglers from as far as Jackson. Another small town, Green River located on I-80, services sportsmen along the lower portion of the river. Fly shops are in abundance and guides are widely available at both locations. 
Reporting Outfitter
Fly Fishing Guides for Utah’s Green River and Surrounding Areas WRF Guides is a Fly fishing family that promotes tradition, ethics, conservation and knowledge. We feel we have an obligation ... moreto share our knowledge with our friends and to learn from one another in order to continue our progression. We strive to provide a flyfishing experience that inspires our customers to become great fly fishers as well as stewards of the river.

Come experience this unique dry fly fishery with our guides on an unmatched scenic river.
Reported Trip
  • Professionally guided float trip down one of the most scenic river sections in the world
  • Gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Water and soda
As you lay in your tent pondering and reviewing each fish you caught earlier that day, you can hear the low relaxing noise of the river as it continues on its’ course. You remind yourself ... morethat you get to do this for one more night and two more days. You look to tomorrow with hopes that the fishing will be as good, not sure how it could be. Then your mind jumps to the four course meal you just ate, you wonder how they got all of that food into camp.

You wake up to the smell of bacon and coffee and the sound of the river working the edge of the bank, you know it will be a fine day as you anxiously get you pants on and get moving. 

“And this is why overnight float trips are a summertime staple: Schedules are lax. Fishing days are long. Whatever mystery enchiladas the Dutch-oven reveals taste better when shared with friends. And with several uninterrupted days on the water, the experience is all about full immersion.” - Geoff Mueller-Senior Editor at The Drake
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