Green River - C Section - Brown's Park

About Green River - C Section - Brown's Park

Section C of the Green River is the most remote and least pressured of the three sections, and arguably the most wild. Beginning at Indian Crossing Boat Ramp, it meanders for roughly 14 miles through the Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, passing through two short canyon stretches — Little Swallow and Swallow Canyon — before reaching the Colorado state line. The dominant water types are mellow runs broken up by shallow riffles, earning this stretch its reputation as the "lazy" section of the Green. The red canyon walls of Section A are long gone here, replaced by wide-open high desert, cottonwood-lined banks, and sweeping mesa views — a completely different experience from the upper sections. As a tailwater fishery managed for ideal trout conditions, water temperatures remain stable year-round, supporting both Brown Trout and native Mountain Whitefish in healthy numbers. The fishing on Section C is strictly a quality-over-quantity proposition. While fish numbers are lower than Sections A and B, this part of the river maintains the most natural ecosystem and the healthiest fish of all three sections, with almost exclusively Brown Trout dominating the catch. Section C is rumored to hold the largest fish on the entire Green River, with Browns in the 25–30 inch range caught every year — but they are notoriously difficult to fool. The lack of protective structure and a large population of predatory birds make these trout exceptionally wary, requiring lengthy casts and precise presentations. Nymphing is the workhorse technique here, with scud imitations and San Juan Worms among the most reliable producers given the scud-rich tailwater environment. Prolific Baetis hatches round out the fly selection, and in late summer Trico mayflies hatch in extraordinary numbers during August and September, offering some of the most memorable dry fly fishing on the entire river. Logistics for Section C require the most planning of all three sections, but the rewards are real. Access is primarily by float, though excellent prospects can also be found by hiking the trail upstream from Indian Crossing Campground for quality walk-and-wade opportunities along scenic stretches of bank. There are six take-outs on the section, giving anglers the flexibility to arrange floats of varying lengths, and several reservable streamside campsites make overnight trips an attractive option. Wildlife viewing is exceptional throughout this desert oasis, with moose, deer, eagles, ducks, and geese commonly spotted along the banks — making Section C as much a wilderness experience as a fishing trip. For serious anglers seeking giant Browns in near-total solitude, this stretch of the Green is as good as it gets.