Green River - A Section - Flaming Gorge

About Green River - A Section - Flaming Gorge

Section A of the Green River is widely regarded as one of the premier tailwater fisheries in the American West, and for good reason. Beginning just below Flaming Gorge Dam and stretching seven miles through a breathtaking canyon to the Little Hole take-out, the section is defined by towering red sandstone cliffs, ponderosa pines, and crystal-clear water teeming with trout. The upper miles feature slower-moving water with deep pools and long runs, while the middle and lower stretches transition into steeper gradient riffles, rapids, and pocket water. With population estimates reaching as high as 12,000 to 20,000 trout per mile on certain stretches, the river offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe and target fish in their natural environment. The fishing itself is technical, visual, and deeply rewarding. The water is so gin-clear that with good overhead light, anglers can spot fish up to ten feet below the surface — making sight fishing and matching the hatch the name of the game. The section holds a majority of wild Brown Trout, solid numbers of Rainbows, some Cutthroat, and the occasional Brook Trout. Water temperatures remain between 40 and 60 degrees year-round, regulated by dam releases, making Section A a viable fishery in virtually every season. Insect hatches are nearly constant, so paying close attention to what the fish are actively feeding on is essential when selecting fly patterns. Access and logistics are straightforward compared to many blue-ribbon rivers. Paved roads and parking areas exist at both the dam and at Little Hole, with a well-maintained 7-mile trail running the entire length of the section for wade anglers. The preferred method is floating by drift boat or raft, with the float taking roughly 3–4 hours and featuring Class II rapids or smaller — beginner friendly throughout. At Little Hole, special regulations apply: fish between 13 and 20 inches must be released, anglers may keep two fish under 15 inches, and only one fish over 22 inches may be kept. Summer weekends bring heavy boat and recreational traffic, but fishing early or late in the day largely solves the crowd problem on what is truly a world-class stretch of water.