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River guide · Utah

Fly Fishing the Green River

Below Flaming Gorge Dam in northeastern Utah, the Green River is a gin-clear tailwater carving through the red-rock walls of Red Canyon, and it holds one of the highest trout densities in the West: thousands of fish per mile through the famous 'A' section from the dam to Little Hole. A paved riverside trail and several float launches make it exceptionally accessible to both waders and drift boats. The water clarity allows sight-fishing to brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout that see heavy pressure and demand accurate presentations. Spring and fall Blue-winged Olives, summer Pale Morning Duns and caddis, and the early-summer cicada 'hatch' are the marquee events.

The best time to fly fish the Green River is Year-round. Key hatches include Blue, Midges, Cicada, Pale Morning Dun. 19 fly shops near the Green River can outfit your trip.

Fly shops near the Green River

Shops and guides that fish the Green River. See all 34 Utah shops →

Hatches & seasons

When & what to fish on the Green River

River typetailwater
Best seasonYear-round; prime May–October
AccessThe A-section below Flaming Gorge Dam has a paved riverside trail from the Spillway boat ramp to Little Hole, with excellent wade and float access.
Key hatches & timing
  • Midgeyear-round
  • Blue-winged OliveMar–May, Sep–Oct
  • Cicadalate May–Jun
  • Pale Morning DunJun–Aug
  • CaddisJun–Aug, evenings
  • Terrestrials — hoppers, antsJul–Sep
From The Fly Bench

Tie the flies that work on the Green River

Step-by-step tying recipes & videos for these patterns.

Browse all 880+ patterns at The Fly Bench
Gear up

Gear up on the Green River

Everything you need before the next trip — rods, lines, leaders, and fly-tying materials.

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Flies that work

The flies that work on the Green River

Find the most effective patterns for where you're fishing — and learn to tie them yourself, step by step.

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Updated June 2026