Green River

The Green River is one of the great fly fishing rivers of the American West — a 730-mile journey from its headwaters in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming to its confluence with the Colorado River in Utah, offering dramatically different fishing experiences across its length. No other river in the region transitions so completely from mountain headwater to tailwater fishery, and few offer the combination of solitude, scenery, and world-class trout that the Green delivers across its Wyoming and Utah sections.

Upper Green River — Wyoming Headwaters to Warren Bridge The upper reaches of the Green begin in the glacially carved cirques of the Wind River Range, where small clear streams join to form a river of surprising size by the time it reaches the high desert plains near Pinedale. This section holds native Snake River Fine-Spotted Cutthroat, brown trout, and rainbow trout in braided channels and undercut banks that reward careful wading and accurate presentations. Warren Bridge on Highway 191 is the primary access hub, with BLM Road 5201 providing 12 public fishing accesses north of the highway. The water is freestone — responsive to weather, runoff-affected in May and June, and at its best from mid-July through October when summer hatches peak. Terrestrials define the fishing here in summer: hoppers, ants, and beetles draw explosive surface takes from cutthroat that see minimal pressure. The crowds are minimal, the scenery is extraordinary, and the fishing reward for those willing to cover water is exceptional.

Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge — Wyoming Below Fontenelle Reservoir, the Green enters Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge — 26,000 acres of protected habitat where the river runs through cottonwood-lined banks and broad meanders. Fontenelle Dam creates a tailwater effect that sustains fishable temperatures into late summer, and the Seedskadee section holds trophy-class brown trout. Float fishing dominates — the refuge is large, access points spread out, and drift boats cover water most efficiently. Woolly Buggers and sculpin patterns in the evenings draw aggressive strikes from large browns. Wildlife is spectacular throughout: moose, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and pronghorn are regular companions on a Seedskadee float.