If you're looking for big trout and stunning views, fishing the green river in wyoming is probably already on your bucket list. It's one of those places that people talk about in fly shops all over the country, and for good reason. Whether you're drifting through the high desert plains or casting near the shadows of the Wind River Range, this river has a personality that's hard to find anywhere else. It's rugged, it's beautiful, and sometimes it's downright humbling.
The Green River is massive, stretching across a huge chunk of the state before it eventually heads south. But for those of us who carry a fly rod, the sections below Fontenelle Reservoir and the stretches further upstream near Pinedale are where the magic happens. You've got clear water, hungry browns, and rainbows that fight like they've got something to prove.
The Different Faces of the Green
When most people think about this river, they might picture the red canyon walls of the Flaming Gorge, but that's actually across the border in Utah. If you're staying in Wyoming, you're looking at a completely different landscape. Up near Pinedale, the river is smaller, more intimate, and flows through lush meadows with the mountains as your backdrop. It feels like classic Wyoming—wide open spaces where you're more likely to see a moose than another fisherman.
As you move downstream toward the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, things change. The river gets wider and the landscape turns into a high-desert environment. It's a bit harsher, with sagebrush stretching as far as you can see, but the fish don't seem to mind the wind. In fact, some of the best fishing happens when the weather gets a little "sporty."
Seedskadee and the Tailwater Magic
Fishing the tailwaters below Fontenelle Dam is a unique experience. Because the water comes from the bottom of the dam, it stays at a fairly consistent temperature year-round. This means the bugs are happy, and when the bugs are happy, the fish get fat.
The Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge is a gem for anyone who likes a bit of solitude. You can float it in a drift boat, which is probably the best way to see the whole stretch, but there are plenty of spots where you can pull over and wade. Just be careful—the Green has a way of getting deep fast, and the bottom can be a bit slick.
One thing you'll notice about fishing the green river in wyoming in this area is the size of the fish. These aren't your average 10-inch brookies. You're looking at solid, healthy brown and rainbow trout that know how to use the current to their advantage. If you hook into a twenty-incher here, you better be ready for a fight.
What to Toss: Fly Selection
You don't need a thousand different fly patterns to be successful here, but you do need to pay attention to what's happening on the water. The Green is famous for its hatches.
- Midges: These are the bread and butter in the early spring and late fall. They're tiny, annoying to tie on, but the fish love them.
- Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs): When the clouds roll in and it gets a little drizzly, keep an eye out for these. A BWO hatch on the Green can be legendary.
- Cicadas and Hoppers: This is probably the most fun you can have. In the heat of the summer, the big bugs come out. There's nothing quite like watching a big brown trout rise slowly to inhale a foam cicada pattern.
- Streamers: If the dry fly action is slow, don't be afraid to throw something big and ugly. Stripping a woolly bugger or a specialized streamer through the deeper holes can produce some absolute monsters.
Timing Your Trip
You can technically fish the Green year-round if you're tough enough to handle the Wyoming wind and snow, but most people stick to the window between April and October.
Spring can be hit or miss because of runoff. If the snow melts too fast, the river turns the color of chocolate milk, and you're better off heading to a lake. But if you catch it right before the melt, the pre-runoff fishing can be some of the best of the year.
Summer is the peak season. The weather is great, the bugs are everywhere, and the fish are active. This is also when you'll see the most people on the water. It's never "crowded" like some rivers in Montana or Colorado, but you won't have the place entirely to yourself either.
Fall is my personal favorite. The crowds thin out, the cottonwoods turn a bright gold, and the big brown trout start getting aggressive as they prepare to spawn. There's a crispness in the air that just feels right, and the fish seem to be in a hurry to eat everything in sight before winter hits.
Gear Talk: What to Bring
You don't need anything too fancy for fishing the green river in wyoming, but a few things will make your life easier. A 9-foot, 5-weight or 6-weight rod is the standard. The 6-weight is actually really nice to have because of the wind. Trust me, the wind in Wyoming is no joke, and trying to cast a light line into a 20-mph gust will drive you crazy.
A good pair of waders is a must, even in the summer, because that tailwater stays cold. And don't forget polarized sunglasses. Not only do they protect your eyes from stray hooks, but they're essential for spotting fish in the riffles and seeing those subtle takes on a dry fly.
If you're planning on floating, make sure you have all your safety gear. The Green isn't particularly technical in terms of whitewater, but it's a big river with plenty of sweepers and hidden rocks that can ruin your day if you aren't paying attention.
Respecting the Resource
One of the reasons the Green stays so good is that people generally take care of it. Most of the river is catch-and-release, or at least highly encouraged. These fish are a limited resource, and it takes a long time for a trout to grow to trophy size in this environment.
Always use barbless hooks if you can—it makes releasing the fish so much easier and keeps them in better shape. Also, try to keep the fish in the water as much as possible while you're getting that photo. A quick snap and a gentle release go a long way in ensuring the next person has the same awesome experience you did.
Final Thoughts on the Green
There's something special about the silence of the Wyoming desert, broken only by the sound of the river and the occasional cry of an osprey. Fishing the green river in wyoming isn't just about how many fish you put in the net; it's about the scale of the place. It makes you feel small in the best way possible.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this river has something for you. Just bring some decent gear, a box full of flies, and a healthy respect for the wind. If you do that, you're going to have a blast. There's really no place quite like it, and once you've spent a day on these waters, you'll find yourself planning your next trip before you've even finished the first one.