The Green River runs cold and clear through southwestern Wyoming, and it holds some of the most consistent trout fishing in the West

The Green River flows north from the Wind River Range near Pinedale, carving through high desert and sage country before joining the Colorado River in Utah. The section most anglers fish runs roughly 40 miles from the Fontenelle Dam downstream to the Utah border, and it's known for reliable populations of brown trout, cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout. The river's cold tailwater—released from the bottom of the dam—keeps water temperatures stable year-round, which means you can fish productively in seasons when other mountain streams are too warm or too cold.

Access is straightforward. The main highway (US 191) runs alongside much of the river between Pinedale and the dam, and several public access points and boat launches are marked along the way. You'll need a Wyoming fishing license and a conservation stamp, both available online or at local sporting goods stores. The river is open year-round, though conditions and fish behavior change dramatically with the seasons.

Key Takeaways

  • The Green River below Fontenelle Dam holds brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout in a cold, stable tailwater that fishes well most of the year.
  • Access is public along US 191, with multiple boat launches and walk-in points; you need only a Wyoming license and conservation stamp.
  • Spring runoff (April through June) brings high, murky water; fall (September through November) offers the clearest water and most predictable fishing.
  • Flies work best year-round, but the river also responds to small spinners and live bait in certain sections and seasons.
  • The lower river (below the town of Green River) runs slower and warmer than the upper section, attracting different fish and requiring different tactics.

Upper River: Dam to Pinedale

The 15 miles immediately below Fontenelle Dam is the most technical and productive section. Water here runs cold, clear, and fast, with a rocky bottom and frequent pocket water. The dam releases water on a schedule that changes with irrigation demand, so flows can shift dramatically in a single day. Check the Bureau of Reclamation website or call ahead to understand what the water level will be when you arrive—a rise of two feet can make wading dangerous and turn productive banks into impassable current.

Nymphs dominate here. Small dark patterns (size 16 to 20) in pheasant tail, hare's ear, and midge imitations work year-round. In summer, when the water is clearest, add small dry flies to your box—blue-winged olives, pale morning duns, and caddis patterns all hatch regularly. Browns in this section run 12 to 16 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 20 inches. The cutthroats are smaller but more aggressive. Fish the seams between fast and slow water, the inside bends where current slows, and the deeper pools behind large rocks.

Middle River: Pinedale to Green River Town

From Pinedale downstream to the town of Green River (about 25 miles), the river widens and slows slightly, though it remains cold and clear. This section has more gravel bars, longer pools, and easier wading than the upper river. Access is good—several pullouts and informal camping areas sit along the highway, and the Bureau of Land Management maintains a few developed access points.

Fly fishing remains the most effective method, but this section also responds well to small spinners (size 1 and 2 Panther Martins or Mepps) and to live bait drifted under a bobber. Terrestrial insects matter more here in late summer and fall—grasshoppers, ants, and beetles bring aggressive strikes from both browns and cutthroats. The fish are slightly larger on average than the upper section, and the slower current means you can cover more water with a longer drift. Fall is exceptional here; water clarity peaks, temperatures drop, and fish feed heavily in preparation for winter.

Lower River: Green River Town to Utah Border

Below the town of Green River, the river slows considerably and warms by several degrees. The bottom shifts from rock to sand and silt, and the character changes from a mountain stream to something closer to a desert river. This section still holds trout, but they're fewer and more scattered than upstream. Fishing here is less crowded and less predictable, but it can be rewarding if you're willing to cover water and work harder for each fish.

Larger flies and lures work better in the lower section because the water is slower and fish have more time to inspect what they see. Streamers (size 4 to 8) in black, olive, and white bring strikes from larger browns. The lower river also has a small population of walleye and pike, which can be a surprise if you're expecting only trout. Wading is easier here, but the banks are often muddy and access is more limited. Most anglers either float this section in a boat or fish the few public access points near the town.

Seasonal Patterns and Water Conditions

Spring (March through May) brings snowmelt and dam releases that push the river high and discolored. Flows can exceed 3,000 cubic feet per second, making wading dangerous and sight fishing impossible. Nymphs fished deep and slow are your best bet, and many anglers switch to larger, darker patterns that fish can see in the murk. The upper river is often unfishable during peak runoff; the middle and lower sections are more manageable.

Summer (June through August) is when the river is most crowded. Water clears, temperatures stabilize, and hatches become predictable. Dry fly fishing is possible, especially in early morning and late evening. Midges hatch year-round but are most important in summer when larger insects are scarce. By late August, water temperatures can climb into the low 60s Fahrenheit, which stresses trout and slows feeding during the warmest part of the day.

Fall (September through November) is the best season for most anglers. Water temperatures drop, fish feed aggressively, and clarity is excellent. Flows are stable because irrigation demand decreases. Terrestrial insects are abundant, and both dry fly and nymph fishing work well. October is often the peak month—consistent weather, clear water, and hungry fish.

Winter (December through February) is less crowded but more challenging. Water temperatures drop into the 30s, and fish move to deeper, slower pools. Nymphs and streamers are necessary; dry fly fishing is rare. The upper river can ice over in severe cold, making access difficult. The lower river remains more fishable because it's slightly warmer and less prone to ice.

Tackle and Technique

A 9-foot, 5-weight fly rod is the standard choice for most of the Green River. The water is wide enough that you'll benefit from distance casting, but not so large that you need a 6-weight. Bring both floating and sinking-tip lines; you'll use the sinking tip in spring and winter when fish are deep. A 9-foot leader tapered to 4X or 5X works for most conditions, though you may drop to 3X in spring when visibility is poor.

Nymphs should make up the bulk of your fly box. Pheasant tail, hare's ear, and midge patterns in sizes 14 to 20 cover most situations. Add a few larger nymphs (size 10 to 12) for spring runoff. Dry flies matter most in summer and fall—blue-winged olives, pale morning duns, caddis, and terrestrials. Streamers (size 4 to 8) are worth carrying year-round, especially if you want to target larger browns.

If you prefer spinning tackle, small spinners and spoons work throughout the year. Size 1 to 3 spinners in silver, gold, and copper are reliable. Drift live bait (small minnows or worms) under a bobber in slower sections, especially in the middle and lower river. Many anglers use a combination of methods depending on conditions—fly fishing in clear water, spinners or bait when visibility drops.

Where to Stay and What to Bring

Pinedale is the closest town with full services—hotels, restaurants, and fly shops. The Pinedale Ranger District and local fly shops can provide current information about water levels, recent catches, and access conditions. Several BLM campgrounds sit along the river between Pinedale and the town of Green River; these are first-come, first-served and often fill on weekends in fall.

Bring layers. Mountain weather changes fast, and morning temperatures can be 20 degrees cooler than afternoon. Waders are essential year-round; even in summer, the water is cold enough to sap energy quickly. A good pair of wading boots with felt soles helps on the rocky bottom of the upper river, though rubber soles work fine in the slower middle and lower sections. Sunscreen and a hat are necessary—the high desert sun reflects off water and rock, and you'll burn quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to fish the Green River?

No. The river is well-marked, access is straightforward, and the fish are not difficult to locate if you understand basic trout behavior. A guide is helpful if you're new to the area or want to learn specific techniques, but many anglers fish successfully on their own. Local fly shops in Pinedale can point you to productive sections and current conditions.

What's the best time of year to visit?

Fall (September through November) offers the clearest water, most stable flows, and most aggressive fish. October is often peak. Spring runoff (April through June) makes fishing difficult. Summer is productive but crowded. Winter is possible but requires more skill and patience.

Can I float the river in a boat?

Yes. The middle and lower sections are floatable in rafts or drift boats. Check with local outfitters about current conditions and regulations. The upper section below the dam is fast and technical; only experienced boaters should attempt it without a guide.

What size fish should I expect?

Browns and cutthroats average 12 to 16 inches throughout most of the river. Fish over 18 inches are common but not may provide. The lower river has fewer fish but they tend to be slightly larger. Rainbows are less common than browns and cutthroats but are present in all sections.

Is there a daily limit on trout?

Wyoming allows six trout per day on the Green River, with no size restrictions. Check the current Wyoming fishing regulations before you go, as rules can change. Some sections may have special restrictions—ask at a local fly shop or check the Wyoming Game and Fish website.