Green River
Flaming Gorge Dam · A, B, C Sections
NE Utah, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 09234500. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 05/29/26
Green River at 1170 cfs with 51°F water is hitting the sweet spot for PMD emergence — water temp just crossed the critical 50°F threshold with warm afternoons ahead. Spinner Fall Guide Service reports terrestrials ruling sunny conditions while BWOs emerge on cloudy days in slower glides. Friday's rain and cooler temps should trigger strong BWO activity, making it the week's prime window before weekend warmth shifts focus back to ants and terrestrials.
- Flow: 1170 cfs — perfect tailwater flow offering fishable water across all sections with good dry fly opportunities in glides and back eddies
- Hatches: PMDs now active at 51°F, BWOs on cloudy days midday, terrestrials dominating sunny conditions. Friday's weather ideal for BWO emergence
- Water Temp: 51.3°F — just crossed PMD threshold, expect stronger emergence as water climbs toward 55°F with warming air temps
- Best Window: Friday 11am-2pm during rain/clouds for BWOs, sunny mornings for terrestrials before afternoon wind picks up to 18mph
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Tailwater
- Best months: Year-round; peak May–June & Sept–Oct
The Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam is one of the West's premier tailwater fisheries. Steady cold flows produce enormous rainbow and brown trout throughout a 7-mile trophy stretch. The three sections — A, B, and C — each offer a different character, from walk-wade riffles to boat-only canyon water. The midge and BWO hatches are year-round staples, with summer PMDs bringing fish to the surface with genuine selectivity.
The Green's A Section is rated as one of the best sight fishing tailwaters in the western United States — gin clear and full of 20+ inch fish.
January Outlook
The Green River below Flaming Gorge is a world-class year-round tailwater. Midges and Baetis produce fish throughout the winter.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Juju Baetis
- WD-40
Tips
The A-Section just below the dam is the most productive year-round. Fish the slow, clear runs with fine tippet and small midge patterns. Size 22–24 is standard.
Water Notes
Regulated 900–1,500 cfs. Water 44–50°F year-round. The tailwater effect from Flaming Gorge creates ideal conditions regardless of season.
February Outlook
February on the Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam is excellent year-round tailwater fishing. One of the finest winter tailwaters in the intermountain West. Large rainbow and brown trout feed actively on midges in the cold desert canyon.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- WD-40
- Scud (olive/tan)
Tips
The A, B, and C sections below the dam all fish well in February. The A section closest to the dam sees the most consistent hatch activity. 6X tippet minimum. The canyon in winter is stunningly beautiful.
Water Notes
Regulated by Flaming Gorge Dam. 800–2,500 cfs. Water 42–52°F year-round. Ice-free thanks to constant dam releases.
March Outlook
BWO and midge activity increases as spring approaches. The Green River is one of few Western fisheries that fishes equally well in March as in June.
Productive Patterns
- Sparkle Dun #18
- RS2
- CDC BWO
- Zebra Midge
Tips
The canyon sections (A-Section and B-Section) produce the best fishing. The flat water from Little Hole downstream requires a longer wade or float. Overcast days produce the best BWO activity.
Water Notes
900–1,500 cfs. Water 46–52°F. Consistent year-round tailwater conditions.
April Outlook
April on the Green River is transitional — midging continues and the first PMDs begin appearing in the A section closest to the dam. The dam's regulation protects the river from spring runoff that affects surrounding rivers.
Productive Patterns
- RS2
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Zebra Midge
- Soft Hackle
Tips
April is excellent on the Green — protected from runoff by Flaming Gorge. The B section (Browns Park) begins its spring season as water temps climb. Large fish are active ahead of the summer season.
Water Notes
Regulated 1,000–3,500 cfs. Water 44–54°F. Spring conditions excellent in the canyon.
May Outlook
Excellent spring fishing with PMDs joining BWO and midge activity. One of the finest May tailwater fisheries in the West.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Vis-A-Dun
- RS2
- Soft Hackle Emerger
Tips
The PMD hatch begins in May and transforms the Green River experience. Large rainbows and browns rise freely to well-presented dries. The A-Section is the most consistent.
Water Notes
1,000–1,800 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Protected from runoff by Flaming Gorge. Prime conditions.
June Outlook
PMDs and Caddis reach peak activity. The Green River at its absolute finest with consistent all-day hatches.
Productive Patterns
- PMD
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Pale Morning Dun
- Soft Hackle Caddis
Tips
Float from the dam to Little Hole (A-Section, 7 miles) for the best experience. The canyon is beautiful and fish are abundant. Book a guide for a first trip.
Water Notes
1,200–2,000 cfs. Water 52–60°F. World-class tailwater at peak seasonal conditions.
July Outlook
Trico spinner falls at dawn and consistent PMD and Caddis action through the day. The Green River's productivity never diminishes.
Productive Patterns
- Trico Spinner
- PMD Cripple
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Hopper-Dropper
Tips
Trico spinner falls begin in July on the slower sections. Position in the flat water before dawn. The all-day fishing program on the Green River in July is exceptional.
Water Notes
1,000–1,800 cfs. Water 55–63°F. Consistent tailwater conditions. One of the most productive summer tailwaters in the West.
August Outlook
Consistent fishing throughout August. Trico mornings, hopper afternoons, evening caddis. A complete summer fishing program.
Productive Patterns
- Trico Spinner
- Hopper
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD
Tips
The Green River never disappoints in August. The tailwater keeps water temps comfortable when surrounding desert rivers bake. Float the A-Section for the full experience.
Water Notes
900–1,600 cfs. Water 56–64°F. Consistent year-round tailwater advantage.
September Outlook
Excellent fall fishing with BWO hatches returning and reduced pressure. One of the finest September fisheries in the West.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- PMD Cripple
- Elk Hair Caudis
- RS2
Tips
September on the Green River is a favorite of local Utah anglers. Less pressure than summer and excellent BWO hatches on overcast afternoons.
Water Notes
900–1,500 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Excellent fall tailwater conditions.
October Outlook
October BWO season and brown trout streamer fishing. One of the finest October tailwaters in the Rocky Mountain West.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Streamer
- Mahogany Dun
- Copper John
Tips
October on the Green River is exceptional with very little pressure. Large brown trout in the A-Section are very aggressive before spawning. The canyon is beautiful with fall desert colors.
Water Notes
900–1,400 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Excellent late-season conditions.
November Outlook
November on the Green River is outstanding — the fall BWO hatch produces excellent dry fly fishing and midge activity is consistent. The canyon is less crowded than summer and the desert light in November is extraordinary.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Mahogany Dun
Tips
November on the Green is one of the intermountain West's finest late-season experiences. Large fish are active in the cold water. The Swinging Bridge to Little Hole section is most accessible.
Water Notes
800–2,500 cfs. Water 44–50°F. Stable tailwater. Excellent late-season conditions.
December Outlook
Year-round tailwater fishing on the Green River below Flaming Gorge. December midge hatches in the dam-release sections. Cold desert conditions but outstanding fishing for large trout.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge #22-24
- RS2
- Mercury Midge
- Scud (olive)
Tips
The Green River below Flaming Gorge is open and fishable year-round. December midging requires patience and small patterns. The canyon is spectacular in winter light. One of the finest year-round fisheries in Utah.
Water Notes
800–2,000 cfs. Water 42–50°F year-round. Open all winter. Ice possible on banks but main channel stays open.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midge Chironomidae |
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec | #20–26 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Mar, Apr, Oct | Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella inermis |
Jun | May, Jun, Jul | #16–18 |
|
Access & Approach
Dutch John, UT is the gateway. Red Canyon Lodge and Little Hole launches serve the A and B sections. Walk-wade A section; drift boat B and C sections.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Spinner Fall Guide Service
- Trout Creek Flies
Regulations & License
Fishing in Utah requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Utah fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Green River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
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