Green River, Utah
Flaming Gorge Tailwater — One of the most productive trout fisheries in the American West
The Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam is widely considered one of the finest tailwater trout fisheries in the United States. Cold, gin-clear water releases from the base of the dam maintain near-constant temperatures year-round — typically between 48°F and 56°F — creating ideal habitat for rainbow and brown trout in extraordinary numbers. Studies have documented over 20,000 trout per mile in prime sections, making this river almost incomprehensibly productive.
The river is divided into three named sections. The A Section — from the dam down to Little Hole — is the most accessible and most fished, offering classic tailwater dry fly and nymph fishing with consistent hatches. The B Section runs from Little Hole to Indian Crossing, requiring a longer hike or float and rewarding anglers with noticeably less pressure. The C Section is the most remote, accessible only by boat or a significant overland hike, and holds some of the river's largest fish.
Hatches on the Green are dominated by midges year-round, with Blue-Winged Olives providing exceptional dry fly fishing in spring and fall. Summer brings PMDs, Caddis, and Trico spinner falls. The river is regulated as artificial lures and flies only throughout most of the fishable sections, with certain catch-and-release zones that protect the trophy fishery.
Year-round access, consistent flows, and reliable hatches make this the benchmark tailwater for the entire Intermountain West. Plan your visit during the shoulder seasons — April through May and September through October — for the combination of ideal flow, peak hatches, and manageable crowds.
A Section — Dam to Little Hole
Most accessible section. Drive to the boat ramp below the dam or Little Hole Day Use Area. Easy wade access along the entire 7-mile stretch via a well-maintained trail on river left.
B Section — Little Hole to Indian Crossing
7-mile float from Little Hole. No road access mid-section. Best accessed by raft or drift boat. Significantly less pressure than A Section.
C Section — Indian Crossing to Brown's Park
Remote access only. High-clearance vehicle recommended for the dirt road to Indian Crossing. Float or long hike required for mid-section access.
Rainbow Trout
Dominant species. Averaging 14–18 inches, with fish over 20 inches common in less-pressured sections. Fed primarily on aquatic insects and scuds.
Brown Trout
Less numerous than rainbows but significantly larger on average. Trophy browns of 24+ inches exist in all sections. Most active in low-light conditions.
Mountain Whitefish
Abundant throughout. Often misidentified as trout. Will readily take nymphs and midges. Good sport on light tippet in winter months.
Approach the A Section from upstream — wading downstream spooks fish and ruins the run for anglers below you.
In winter, fish the warmest part of the day (11am–2pm) when midges hatch most consistently.
During BWO hatches, fish the emerging pupa just below the surface film — fish often ignore dry flies when they can eat the easier emerger.
The B and C sections fish best in summer when A Section pressure peaks. A half-day float rewards with noticeably larger fish.