The Green River is Wyoming's most productive trout fishery, running 730 miles from the Wind River Range to the Colorado border

The Green River splits into distinct sections, each with different character and access. The upper river above Fontenelle Reservoir holds wild cutthroat and brook trout in fast, cold water. The middle section—from Fontenelle Dam downstream to Flaming Gorge Reservoir—is the most famous stretch, a tailwater fishery that produces large brown and rainbow trout year-round. The lower river below Flaming Gorge becomes warmer and slower, supporting walleye, smallmouth bass, and catfish alongside trout.

Most visiting anglers focus on the middle Green, particularly the 40-mile reach between Fontenelle and Flaming Gorge dams. This section is accessible by road, has established boat launches and wade access, and holds consistent numbers of fish. The upper river requires more effort to reach but rewards it with solitude and native cutthroat. The lower river appeals to different interests—warm-water species, easier wading, and less crowded conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • The middle Green River between Fontenelle and Flaming Gorge dams is a tailwater fishery that fishes well year-round, with brown and rainbow trout ranging from 12 to 20 inches common and larger fish possible.
  • Wyoming residents need a Conservation Stamp plus a fishing license; non-residents need a non-resident license, which can be purchased for one day, ten days, or a full year.
  • Access varies by section: the middle river has public boat launches and wade access along Highway 191, while the upper river requires hiking or private land permission.
  • Flows from Fontenelle Dam change daily based on power generation, so water level and current speed shift throughout the day and affect where fish hold.
  • Nymphs and streamers work year-round; dry-fly fishing is most reliable from June through September when mayfly and caddis hatches occur.

The Middle Green: Fontenelle to Flaming Gorge

This 40-mile tailwater section is the most fished and most productive part of the river. Fontenelle Dam releases cold water year-round, keeping temperatures stable and trout active even in summer. The river here is 50 to 100 feet wide, with a mix of fast runs, deeper pools, and slower edges—habitat that holds both large browns and rainbows. Fish average 12 to 16 inches, with 18-inch fish caught regularly and occasional fish exceeding 20 inches.

Public access points include Fontenelle Boat Launch (near the dam), Warren Bridge (a popular wade area), and several pullouts along Highway 191 between Pinedale and the Utah border. Most anglers wade, though drift boats and rafts are common. The river is fishable year-round, but conditions change with the seasons. Winter flows are lower and clearer; spring brings higher water from snowmelt; summer is warmest and most crowded; fall offers good fishing and fewer people.

Nymphs are the most productive pattern here. Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, and small stonefly nymphs in sizes 14 to 18 work consistently. Streamers—particularly Woolly Buggers and sculpin patterns in black, brown, or olive—produce larger fish, especially in spring and fall. Dry flies work during mayfly hatches (typically June through August) and caddis emergences (July and August). Baetis (small mayflies) hatch in fall and early spring, bringing dry-fly opportunities even outside the warmest months.

The Upper Green: Above Fontenelle Reservoir

The upper Green flows through the Wind River Range and the Bridger Wilderness, holding native cutthroat trout and brook trout in smaller, colder water. Fish here are typically 8 to 12 inches, but the trade-off is solitude and wild habitat. This section requires more effort to reach—most access is by hiking or horseback from trailheads near Pinedale.

The New Fork River and the main Green above its confluence are the primary upper sections. The New Fork is more accessible, with a trailhead near Pinedale that reaches fishable water in 3 to 5 miles. The main Green above the New Fork requires longer hikes but holds fewer anglers. Cutthroat respond to small dry flies and nymphs; brook trout are less selective and take almost any small pattern.

Access to the upper river is limited by private land and wilderness boundaries. The Bridger Wilderness requires a permit from the Bridger-Teton National Forest (free, obtained at ranger stations or online). Outfitters based in Pinedale offer guided trips and pack trips into the upper drainage if you prefer not to hike in yourself.

The Lower Green: Below Flaming Gorge

Below Flaming Gorge Reservoir, the Green becomes a warm-water fishery. Water temperatures rise, and the species mix shifts to walleye, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and some trout. This section is less crowded than the middle river and appeals to anglers interested in warm-water species or a different pace of fishing.

Access is available at Flaming Gorge Dam and at several points downstream in Utah, though most of this section lies outside Wyoming. The lower Green is fishable year-round, with walleye and catfish active in summer and fall. Smallmouth bass fishing is best from May through September. Trout persist in the cooler water immediately below the dam but become less common further downstream.

Seasons and Water Conditions

The middle Green fishes well year-round, but conditions and crowds vary. Spring (April through May) brings higher flows from snowmelt and runoff, making the river faster and murkier. Fish are active, but nymphs and streamers work better than dry flies. Flows gradually drop through June as snowmelt slows.

Summer (June through August) is warmest and most crowded. Dry-fly fishing is most reliable during mayfly and caddis hatches, typically in the evening. Water temperatures stay cool due to dam releases, so trout remain active even in July and August. Flows are lower and more stable than spring, making wading easier.

Fall (September through October) brings dropping water temperatures, fewer anglers, and good fishing. Baetis hatches occur in September and early October. Streamers work well as fish prepare for winter. Winter (November through March) is cold and less crowded. Flows are lower, water is clearer, and fishing is slower, but fish are still catchable for anglers willing to work in cold conditions.

Fontenelle Dam releases water based on power generation demand, so flows change daily and sometimes hourly. The river can rise 2 to 3 feet in an afternoon. Check current flows before you go—the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation posts real-time data online. High flows make wading dangerous and push fish into slower water along the banks and in deeper pools.

Licenses and Regulations

Wyoming residents need a Conservation Stamp and a fishing license. Non-residents can purchase a one-day, ten-day, or annual non-resident license. Licenses are sold at sporting goods stores, online through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website, and at some lodges and fly shops in Pinedale.

The Green River has standard trout regulations: a daily limit of six trout, with no more than three over 15 inches. Some sections have special regulations—check the current Wyoming fishing guide before you fish. The upper river above Fontenelle Reservoir may have different limits or restrictions; the Game and Fish Department publishes updates annually.

Lodging and Services

Pinedale is the main hub for Green River fishing. The town has motels, fly shops, and restaurants. Several fly shops rent waders and rods if you travel without gear. Outfitters offer guided float trips and wade trips on the middle Green; guided trips typically run $400 to $600 per day for one or two anglers.

Camping is available at public campgrounds near Fontenelle Reservoir and along Highway 191. The Bridger-Teton National Forest has several developed campgrounds within an hour of Pinedale. Private RV parks and cabins are scattered throughout the area. Lodges and vacation rentals range from basic to upscale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time of year is best to fish the Green River?

June through September offers the most reliable dry-fly fishing and warmest weather, but the river is most crowded then. April, May, September, and October have good fishing with fewer anglers. Winter is fishable but cold and slower. The middle Green fishes well year-round if you match your methods to the season.

Do I need a boat to fish the Green River?

No. The middle Green has excellent wade access along Highway 191, and most visiting anglers wade. Drift boats and rafts are popular but not necessary. The upper river is accessed by hiking or horseback, not by boat.

What flies should I bring?

Bring small nymphs (Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, sizes 14–18), streamers (Woolly Buggers, sculpin patterns), and dry flies (Baetis, mayflies, caddis in sizes 14–18). Exact patterns matter less than having a range of sizes and colors. Local fly shops in Pinedale can recommend what's working on the day you arrive.

How do dam releases affect fishing?

Fontenelle Dam releases water based on power demand, so flows change throughout the day. High flows push fish into slower water and make wading difficult or unsafe. Check real-time flow data before you go, and plan to fish early morning or late afternoon when flows are often lower.

Can I fish the Green River alone, or should I hire a guide?

You can fish alone—the middle Green is straightforward to access and wade. A guide is helpful if you're unfamiliar with the river, want to learn new techniques, or want to fish the upper river. Guides also know current conditions and where fish are holding on any given day.