Upper Green River
Pinedale · Warren Bridge to Big Piney
W Wyoming, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Cutthroat, Brown, and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 09205000. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
At 1600 cfs, the Upper Green is still carrying significant runoff but within fishable range as water temps climb toward the magic 55°F threshold that triggers salmonfly emergence. PMDs are active midday with warming air temps forecast to hit nearly 80°F by Friday. No recent shop intel — outlook based on current conditions and hatch timing. Focus morning efforts on cutthroat in deeper runs with nymphs, then switch to dry flies as PMDs emerge around noon when water warms.
- Flow: 1600 cfs — elevated but fishable, dropping from peak runoff. Target deeper slots and slower banks until flow settles further.
- Hatches: PMDs emerging midday as water warms. Salmonfly hatch imminent if temps hit 55°F — watch for early scouts in canyon sections.
- Water Temp: Approaching 55°F salmonfly trigger with forecast highs near 80°F. Morning water still cool — nymph deep until midday warming.
- Best Window: 11am-2pm for PMD emergence and surface activity. Early morning nymphing before switching to dries as bugs come off.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: June–Oct, peak July–Aug
The Upper Green River in western Wyoming flows out of the Wind River Range through the Green River Lakes area and on through the Upper Green Basin. The river is wild — much of the upper drainage runs through Bridger-Teton National Forest — with strong populations of native Colorado River cutthroat, brook trout in tributaries, and brown trout in the lower stretches. The river fishes from late spring through fall, with classic stonefly and caddis hatches in early summer and reliable terrestrial fishing through August.
The Upper Green is one of the strongest native Colorado River cutthroat strongholds in the West — a subspecies that has lost over 90% of its historic range elsewhere.
January Outlook
The upper Green River near Pinedale is frozen in January. This high-altitude freestone river is locked under ice through winter. Not a fishing destination in winter — Pinedale is very cold in January.
Productive Patterns
- Off season — frozen
Tips
The upper Green opens in late April when ice breaks up at elevation. January is for planning the June Salmonfly hatch and the summer float season. Pinedale shops stock the relevant patterns.
Water Notes
River iced. Elevation 7,000+ ft. Very cold. Off season.
February Outlook
Still frozen. February conditions at the upper Green's high altitude are extreme. The river won't be fishable until late April at the earliest.
Productive Patterns
- Off season — frozen
Tips
February is planning season. The Salmonfly hatch on the upper Green is typically in late June–early July, following the South Fork Snake.
Water Notes
River frozen. High altitude winter conditions.
March Outlook
March begins the thaw at the upper Green but the river is still very cold and largely inaccessible. Early March is full winter. Late March sees the first hints of ice-out.
Productive Patterns
- Pre-season
Tips
Late March can produce midge activity in the lower sections near the Fontenelle Reservoir. The main river near Pinedale is cold and not prime until April.
Water Notes
River cold and clearing. 400–1,000 cfs. Water 34–42°F. Pre-season.
April Outlook
Ice-out on the upper Green typically occurs in April. Early Baetis nymphs and midges produce fish as water temperatures climb. The Warren Bridge area is the most accessible early-season stretch.
Productive Patterns
- Juju Baetis
- RS2
- Zebra Midge
- Hare's Ear
Tips
April conditions are variable — check the Pinedale gauge before driving. The river can be slushy early in the month. Target the slower, deeper runs when temps are still cold.
Water Notes
300–800 cfs. Cold 38–48°F. Ice clears progressively from mid-April. Freestone river with moderate gradient.
May Outlook
The upper Green begins its spring cycle. Baetis and early Caddis activity with runoff building late in the month. The Warren Bridge to Big Piney float is a classic Wyoming experience.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Baetis Sparkle Dun
- PMD
- Hare's Ear
Tips
The upper Green is a high-altitude freestone river — runoff arrives later than Colorado or lower-elevation Wyoming rivers. Early May is often the best window before snowmelt peaks.
Water Notes
500–2,000 cfs building. Water 46–54°F. Best before peak runoff in late May.
June Outlook
Salmonfly hatch arrives on the upper Green as runoff subsides — one of the most underrated big stonefly hatches in Wyoming. Spectacular native cutthroat trout rising to large dries.
Productive Patterns
- Salmonfly #4
- Golden Stone
- Stimulator
- PMD
Tips
The upper Green's Salmonfly hatch receives far less attention than the Snake or South Fork. Call Pinedale fly shops for current hatch location — it moves quickly up the canyon. Be flexible on timing.
Water Notes
Dropping from peak — target 600–1,500 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Late June to early July prime window.
July Outlook
Prime summer fishing. Golden Stone and PMD hatches continue. Hopper season begins on the sage-lined banks of this classic high-country freestone river.
Productive Patterns
- Golden Stone
- PMD Cripple
- Hopper-Dropper
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
Float from Warren Bridge to Pinedale for the most productive fishing. Native cutthroat trout in the upper sections are less pressured and more willing. Evening hatches are consistent.
Water Notes
400–1,000 cfs. Water 54–62°F. Excellent conditions throughout July.
August Outlook
Hopper season in full swing on the upper Green. Sage-covered banks produce abundant grasshoppers and the native cutthroats respond eagerly.
Productive Patterns
- Dave's Hopper
- Chubby Chernobyl
- Parachute Ant
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
The upper Green's hopper fishing is excellent and receives far less pressure than the South Fork or lower Snake. Wade the meadow sections or float the canyon for the best hopper banks.
Water Notes
300–700 cfs. Water 58–65°F. Excellent August conditions. Monitor for afternoon thunderstorms — common in the high country.
September Outlook
Excellent fall fishing. BWO hatches return and the native cutthroat trout are aggressive before fall. One of Wyoming's finest September freestone rivers.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Hopper
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Streamer
Tips
September crowds on the upper Green are minimal — most visiting anglers head to the South Fork. The native cutthroat trout are in prime condition and eager. Afternoon BWO hatches on overcast days.
Water Notes
250–600 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Excellent clarity. Prime fall conditions.
October Outlook
Fall BWO hatches and the last great fishing before winter. Streamer fishing for large brown trout that migrate up from lower sections. A beautiful high-country October experience.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Streamer
- Mahogany Dun
- Copper John
Tips
The upper Green in October is gorgeous — sage and cottonwood in fall color, few anglers, and active fish. Fish the BWO hatch window 11am–3pm on cloudy days.
Water Notes
200–450 cfs. Cold 42–50°F. Clear and beautiful. Brown trout moving up from lower river.
November Outlook
November ends the upper Green season. Cold high-altitude conditions and the approaching winter make fishing difficult by month's end. October is the better choice — November is for the most dedicated.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Blue Winged Olive (early)
Tips
Early November can still produce fishing before the river approaches freezing. Noon–2pm is the window. The season is essentially over by mid-November at this elevation.
Water Notes
200–400 cfs. Cold 34–44°F. Ice forming by mid-to-late month. Off season approaching.
December Outlook
The upper Green is frozen and closed for winter. The Pinedale area is in full winter. The river will not be fishable again until late April.
Productive Patterns
- Off season — frozen
Tips
December on the upper Green is winter at altitude. Plan next year's Salmonfly hatch float. The June window is the year's finest fishing.
Water Notes
River frozen. Deep snow. Off season.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
May, Sep | Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella infrequens |
Jun, Jul | Jun, Jul, Aug | #16–18 |
|
Access & Approach
Pinedale, WY is the primary base. Forest Service campgrounds and access points along the upper river. Wyoming fishing license required.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Two Rivers Fishing
- Wyoming Fishing Company
Regulations & License
Fishing in Wyoming requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Wyoming fishing regulations & license →
Nearby Waters
Closest Waters
More in This Region
About Current
Upper 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.
Upper Green River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
Open the live forecast for today's numbers and the 7-day outlook, or download the iOS app to carry it with you on the water.