Quick Stats

Location: Southwest Wyoming, Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Best Seasons: May-June and September-October (Peak fishing)
Target Species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee Salmon
River Miles: 37 miles from Fontenelle Dam to town of Green River
Average Fish Count: 4,000-5,000 fish per mile, averaging 18 inches

River Overview

Author's Personal Introduction

The first time I cast a line into the Green River below Fontenelle Dam, I understood why this tailwater remains one of Wyoming's best-kept secrets. As I waded into the crystal-clear water near the first riffle below the dam, watching a 22-inch brown trout cruise along an undercut bank like it owned the place, I knew this wasn't your typical Wyoming freestone experience. The Green River below Fontenelle Dam in Southwest Wyoming is perhaps the last major undiscovered trophy trout stream in the lower 48. That moment, captured in a Fly Fishing Insider Podcast episode of the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast, perfectly encapsulates why the Green River has become my go-to destination for targeting genuine trophy trout in a wilderness setting.

The river flows through the magnificent Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in the middle of the Red Desert, and it's hardly noticed by anyone. The river is a broad tailwater and is easily floated or waded. It boasts plump rainbows, cutthroats and browns that average over three pounds, and fish over five pounds are common! What sets this river apart is the combination of exceptional water quality from the dam releases, abundant food sources, and the remoteness that keeps fishing pressure minimal.

Over the past eight years of fishing these waters and featuring them on the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast, I've learned that the Green River demands patience and precision. This isn't a numbers fishery—it's a quality experience where every fish matters and technique makes the difference between success and frustration.

Access Points & River Navigation

Primary Access Points

Upper Section (Fontenelle Dam to Dodge Bottoms - River Miles 37-32)

Fontenelle Dam (RM 37)
- Coordinates: 42°05'N, 110°05'W
- Access: Paved road from US Highway 189
- Facilities: Parking area, primitive camping
- Best for: Trophy brown and rainbow trout, consistent flows
Slate Creek Campground (RM 35)
- Coordinates: 42°04'N, 110°03'W
- Access: Gravel road from Highway 189
- Facilities: Developed campground, boat launch
- Best for: Float launching, camping base

Middle Section - Seedskadee NWR (River Miles 32-15)

Dodge Bottoms Access (RM 32)
- Coordinates: 42°02'N, 109°58'W
- Access: Highway 372 west from LaBarge
- Facilities: Boat launch, parking, restrooms
- Best for: Upper refuge fishing, wade and float access
Hay Farm Access (RM 25)
- Coordinates: 41°58'N, 109°52'W
- Access: Highway 372
- Facilities: Boat launch, primitive camping
- Best for: Middle refuge section, excellent wade fishing
Highway 28 Access (RM 20)
- Coordinates: 41°55'N, 109°48'W
- Access: Highway 28 bridge crossing
- Facilities: Boat launch, parking
- Best for: Prime trout water, easy access
Six Mile Hill Access (RM 15)
- Coordinates: 41°52'N, 109°43'W
- Access: Highway 28 south from Rock Springs
- Facilities: Boat launch, day use area
- Best for: Lower refuge fishing, larger browns

Lower Section (Green River to Flaming Gorge - River Miles 15-0)

Green River Town Access (RM 5)
- Coordinates: 41°31'N, 109°28'W
- Access: In-town boat ramps and bridges
- Facilities: Full services, multiple launches
- Best for: Easy access, warm water species

Float Sections and Times

Dam to Dodge Bottoms: 5 miles - 3-4 hours (premier fishing)
Dodge Bottoms to Hay Farm: 7 miles - 4-5 hours (wade-friendly)
Hay Farm to Highway 28: 5 miles - 3-4 hours (excellent dry fly water)
Highway 28 to Six Mile Hill: 5 miles - 3-4 hours (big fish water)
Full Refuge Float: 22 miles - 8-10 hours (full-day experience)

Pro Tip from Christian: "Permits are very restrictive, allowing only two guides per day with an exception of six weekdays per year when we're allowed four guides." This limited pressure is exactly what maintains the exceptional fishing quality. Plan your self-guided trips carefully and respect the refuge regulations."

Fish Population & Species Analysis

Primary Species

Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)

Population: 1,800-2,200 fish per mile (upper sections)
Average Size: 18-22 inches, 3-5 pounds common
Trophy Potential: Fish over five pounds are common
Peak Season: September-October (pre-spawn aggression)
Preferred Habitat: Undercut banks, deep pools, structure

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Population: 1,500-1,800 fish per mile
Average Size: 16-20 inches, 2-4 pounds
Trophy Potential: Fish to 6+ pounds regularly caught
Peak Season: May-June (pre-runoff) and September
Preferred Habitat: Riffles, current seams, oxygenated water

Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii)

Population: Mixed Snake River and Bonneville subspecies
Average Size: Snake River cutthroat, and Bonneville cutthroat up to 20 inches
Peak Season: June-July (active feeding)
Preferred Habitat: Shallow flats, tributary mouths

Kokanee Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)

Population: Seasonal migrants from Fontenelle Reservoir
Average Size: Bright kokanee salmon that quarry here in the fall
Peak Season: September-October (spawning run)
Preferred Habitat: Gravel areas, tributary confluences

Historical Context and Recovery

As recently as the mid-1990s, the Green River below Fontenelle Dam kicked out some of the largest brown trout in the world. But in the years following, the fishery collapsed due to a variety of factors, such as low winter flows, high summer temperatures, overfishing, and the introduction of non-native fish, such as the burbot that took to feeding on baby brown trout. Fast forward to today, and the large brown trout population has rebounded, thanks to consistent flows and burbot catching contests downstream on Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

"The recovery of the Green River fishery is one of the great conservation success stories in modern Wyoming fishing. When I first started fishing here in 2016, you could see the potential. Now, a decade later, we're catching the same caliber of fish that made this river legendary in the '80s and '90s." - Christian Bacasa

Seasonal Fishing Guide & Hatch Charts

Spring Fishing (May - June)

Peak Months: May-early June Water Temperature: 48-58°F Flows: 800-1,200 cfs (stable dam releases) Primary Hatches:

Blue Winged Olives - Size 16-20 (cloudy days)
Midges - Size 18-24 (morning and evening)
Early Caddis - Size 14-18 (warming afternoons)

The best months to fish the Green River are: May-June and September through October. Spring represents the beginning of the prime season when winter-hungry trout are actively feeding and water conditions are ideal.

Author's Spring Story: "May 18th, 2022, taught me everything I needed to know about spring fishing on the Green River. I was working a BWO hatch near Hay Farm Access when I noticed subtle rises in a deep pool against an undercut bank. The water was 54 degrees, perfect for sustained mayfly activity. Using a size 18 Parachute Adams, I managed to fool a stunning 21-inch brown trout that fought like it was twice that size. The clarity of the water meant I could watch the entire battle unfold—a humbling reminder that these fish see everything you're doing."

Peak Summer (July - August)

Peak Months: July-August Water Temperature: 58-68°F Primary Hatches:

Pale Morning Duns - PMD 16-18 June 26 July 31
Caddis - Tan Caddis 14-16 August 1 August 31
Terrestrials - Hoppers, ants, beetles size 10-16

Hatches include cicada, stone flies, caddis flies, tricos, blue-winged olives, midges, snails and scuds. Summer brings the most diverse feeding opportunities but also the most challenging conditions due to increased water temperatures.

Fall Trophy Season (September - October)

Peak Months: September-October Water Temperature: 52-62°F Primary Targets: Pre-spawn brown trout, kokanee salmon runs Key Patterns:

Streamers - Streamers and nymphs are the best flies for the big ones
Tricos - Trico 20-24 June 26 August 31
BWOs - Tiny BWO 20-24 August 1 October 10

Fall Trophy Story: "October on the Green River is when legends are made. I'll never forget an overcast morning near Six Mile Hill Access when the water temperature hit that magical 58-degree mark. Brown trout were actively feeding on kokanee salmon fry, and using a size 4 articulated sculpin pattern, I hooked into what I initially thought was a log. After a 15-minute battle that tested every aspect of my 6-weight setup, we netted a 24-inch, 6-pound brown trout. This fish embodied everything the Green River represents: wild, beautiful, and absolutely unforgettable."

Winter Fishing (November - March)

Peak Months: December-February Water Temperature: 38-45°F Primary Techniques: Deep nymphing, midge fishing Key Patterns: Small nymphs, midges, scuds

Local Fly Patterns & Proven Techniques

Essential Green River Patterns

Streamers for Trophy Fish:

Articulated Sculpin - Size 2-6 - "The bread and butter pattern for big browns. Fish it deep and slow."
Woolly Bugger Variations - Size 4-10 - "Black, olive, and brown variations all produce."
Crawdads Pattern - Size 4-8 - "These are abundant food sources for lunkers over five pounds."

Dry Flies:

Parachute Adams - Size 14-20 - "The most versatile dry fly for all hatches."
Elk Hair Caddis - Size 14-18 - "Essential during evening caddis emergences."
PMD Comparadun - Size 16-18 - "Deadly during summer pale morning dun hatches."
Hopper Patterns - Size 8-12 - "Late summer bank fishing essential."

Nymphs:

Pheasant Tail - Size 14-20 - "Year-round producer in all water types."
Zebra Midge - Size 18-24 - "Critical for winter and early spring success."
Scud Patterns - Size 14-18 - "Imitate the abundant freshwater shrimp."
Hare's Ear - Size 12-18 - "Excellent general attractor pattern."

Techniques That Work

Streamer Fishing for Trophies: Streamers and nymphs are the best flies for the big ones. The key to success with streamers on the Green River is varying your retrieve and targeting structure. Cast to undercut banks, let the fly sink, then use a slow hand-twist retrieve followed by sudden strips to trigger predatory instincts.

Nymph Fishing in Deep Runs: The Green River's broad, slow character makes it perfect for long-line nymphing. Use a 10-12 foot leader with a strike indicator positioned 1.5 times the water depth. The key is getting your flies to the bottom quickly and maintaining a drag-free drift.

Dry Fly Precision: Due to the clear water and educated fish, dry fly fishing requires perfect presentations. Use long, fine tippets (5X-6X) and approach rising fish from downstream. The broad nature of the river often means long casts, so practice your distance casting before your trip.

Gear Recommendations

Rod Selection

Primary: the Risen Genesis 9-foot 6-weight - "Perfect balance for the Green's mix of techniques and fish sizes"
Nymphing: a 10-foot, 3-weight Euro nymphing rod - "Ideal for the precise nymphing this river demands"
Streamer Rod: the Risen Genesis 9-foot 7-weight - "Necessary backbone for big browns and long casts"

Reel Considerations

Drag System: A smooth, sealed-drag fly reel is essential for long runs of big browns
Line Capacity: 150 yards of backing minimum
Arbor Size: Large arbor for quick line pickup

Line Recommendations

Floating Line: A weight-forward floating line for 70% of fishing situations
Sink Tip: A 15-foot intermediate sink-tip fly line for deep nymphing and streamers
Indicator Line: A specialized nymphing fly line for technical presentations

Leader and Tippet Setup

Dry Fly Leader: A 12-foot tapered mono leader to 5X-6X
Nymph Leader: A 10-foot straight mono leader to 4X-5X
Streamer Leader: A 7-foot straight mono leader to 2X-3X
Tippet Material: Fluorocarbon tippet for clear water situations

Essential Accessories

Strike Indicators: Pinch-on foam strike indicators and other styles for varying conditions
Split Shot: A split shot assortment in mixed sizes for nymph fishing
Net: A long-handled landing net for large fish and deep wading
Polarized Glasses: Polarized fishing sunglasses are critical for sight fishing in clear water
Wading Staff: A wading staff and other streamside tools help on broad river crossings

Gear Story: "My approach to Green River gear selection completely changed after a humbling experience in 2019. I had been fishing with my standard 5-weight setup when I hooked a monster brown near the dam. The fish immediately took me into the backing, then began bulldogging in the deep water. My light rod simply couldn't apply enough pressure, and after 20 minutes, the tippet finally gave out. Now I match my gear to the river's potential—6-weight minimum, with a reel that can handle extended battles with trophy fish."

Author's River Stories & Key Insights

The Lesson of Patience and Precision

It was a crisp September morning in 2020 when I first truly understood the Green River's character. I had been fishing aggressively, covering water quickly and using the techniques that worked on faster Wyoming freestone streams. After four hours of fishing without a single take, I was frustrated and ready to pack up.

Then I noticed an older angler working a single pool with methodical precision. He would cast, mend carefully, and fish each drift completely before making subtle adjustments. I watched him land three beautiful browns in the time I had thrashed through a half-mile of river without success.

When I approached him during a break, he shared a lesson that changed my entire approach to tailwater fishing: "Son, this river will humble you if you're in a hurry. These fish see everything, and they've been fooled before. Slow down, fish with intention, and respect their intelligence."

This encounter became the foundation for a Fly Fishing Insider Podcast episode of the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast, where we explored the mental game of fishing educated trout. The lesson? The Green River teaches patience as much as technique.

My Most Memorable Green River Day

October 12th, 2021, was one of those perfect fall days that make you remember why you started fly fishing. The cottonwoods along the banks were golden, the water was that perfect 58-degree temperature, and kokanee salmon were staging in the deeper pools throughout Seedskadee.

I was fishing near Highway 28 Access with my friend Jake when we noticed brown trout actively feeding in a long run against the far bank. The fish were taking something subsurface—likely kokanee fry based on their aggressive behavior.

Using a size 6 articulated leech pattern, I managed to hook into what felt like a freight train. The fish immediately went deep, using the river's width and slow current to its advantage. What followed was a patient 18-minute battle that showcased everything I love about trophy trout fishing: power, intelligence, and absolute beauty.

When we finally netted the 25-inch, 7-pound brown trout, I realized this wasn't just about catching a big fish. This moment represented the culmination of years of learning the Green River's subtle rhythms, understanding the relationship between kokanee runs and brown trout behavior, and developing the patience required to fish challenging water effectively.

That fish became the cover photo for our fall fishing special and remains my personal best from Wyoming waters.

Local Guide Services & Resources

The Solitary Angler

Address: Based in Jackson, Wyoming (serves Green River)
Phone: (307) 732-2340
Website: www.thesolitaryangler.com
Season: May through October
Specialties: Your Solitary Angler Green River fly fishing guide float fishes five sections of this pristine river

"The guides at The Solitary Angler understand the Green River's unique character better than anyone. Their approach emphasizes quality over quantity, focusing on technique refinement and trophy fish opportunities. When I bring podcast guests to the Green River, this is who I call." - Christian Bacasa

Services:

Full-day guided floats through Seedskadee NWR
Technical instruction for educated trout
All equipment provided including specialized nymphing gear
Photography services for trophy documentation
Limited permit availability ensures exclusive experience

Wyoming Fishing Company

Address: Daniel/Pinedale, Wyoming area
Phone: (307) 360-3251
Website: www.wyofishco.com
Season: NOW BOOKING 2025 GUIDED FLY FISHING TRIPS... THROUGH SEEDSKADEE
Specialties: Multi-day packages combining different Green River sections

"Wyoming Fishing Company offers a comprehensive Green River experience. They understand that fishing the Fontenelle tailwater requires different skills than the freestone upper Green, and their guides adjust their approach accordingly." - Christian Bacasa

Services:

Half-day and full-day options
We're one of a few Wyoming fishing guide services with access to 37 miles of the Green River flowing through the breathtaking Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge
Combination trips with other area waters
Equipment rental and fly selection
Lodging assistance and trip planning

Licensing & Regulations

Required Licenses

Wyoming Resident: $24 (annual fishing license)
Non-Resident Annual: $92 (fishing and conservation stamp)
Non-Resident 5-Day: $43 (temporary license)
Non-Resident 1-Day: $14 (daily license)
Conservation Stamp: Additional $12.50 (required for all non-residents)

Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge Regulations

Daily Bag Limit: 3 trout, only 1 over 20 inches
Possession Limit: 6 trout, only 2 over 20 inches
Minimum Size: No minimum size restrictions
Gear Restrictions: Artificial flies and lures only
Season: Open year-round (check current regulations)
Special Rules: Minimum flow releases of at least 800 cubic feet per second (cfs) are maintained in the summer

Green River Specific Considerations

Flows vary significantly - Flows released from Fontenelle Reservoir have exceeded 12,000 cfs in some years. Floating and fishing can be affected by these higher and lower flows
Emergency releases possible - Occasionally, there is a pulse or emergency release, where the flows might increase and decrease 1,000 - 2,000 cfs in a short amount of time without any warning
Check current flow conditions before planning trips

Conservation Ethics

Catch and release encouraged for all trophy-sized fish
Barbless hooks recommended to minimize fish stress
Proper fish handling - keep fish in water when possible
Pack out all trash - Leave No Trace principles apply
Wildlife viewing ethics - maintain distance from wildlife in refuge

"The regulations on the Green River reflect the quality of the fishery and the refuge's conservation mission. As visiting anglers, we have a responsibility to fish ethically and ensure this incredible resource remains healthy for future generations." - Christian Bacasa

License Purchase Locations

Online: Wyoming Game & Fish Department website (wgfd.wyo.gov)
Kemmerer: Ridley's Market, Fossil Country Store
Green River: Walmart, Smith's Food and Drug
Rock Springs: Walmart, Smith's, Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply

Getting There from Salt Lake City

Route Overview

Distance: 185 miles northeast of Salt Lake City Driving Time: 3 hours to Fontenelle Dam area Primary Route: I-80 West to Highway 189 North to Highway 372

Detailed Directions to Fontenelle Dam

From Salt Lake City, take I-80 East for 135 miles to Exit 104 (Evanston)
Take Highway 189 North for 45 miles toward Kemmerer
Turn west on Highway 372 (LaBarge exit) for 15 miles
Follow signs to Fontenelle Dam and Seedskadee NWR

Alternative Access Routes

To Highway 28 Access Points:

Continue on I-80 to Exit 91 (Green River)
Take Highway 28 North for 37 miles to refuge access points

To Upper Green River sections:

Take Highway 189 North through Kemmerer to Daniel/Pinedale area
Add 1-2 hours driving time but access excellent freestone fishing

Transportation and Logistics

Last Services: Kemmerer has full services (gas, food, lodging)
Limited Services: The old Fontenelle town store has been abandoned, and the nearest amenities are at least 25 miles away
Fuel Planning: Fill up in Kemmerer or Green River
Road Conditions: All-weather highways, but check winter conditions

Lodging Options Near Green River

Kemmerer Area (30 miles from upper access):

Fossil Butte Motel - (307) 877-3996 - Budget-friendly, angler-oriented
Energy Inn & Suites - (307) 877-6901 - Modern amenities, continental breakfast
Fairview Motel - (307) 877-3938 - Historic property, reasonable rates

Green River, WY (Full services):

Oak Tree Inn - (307) 875-3500 - Reliable chain hotel, restaurant on-site
Western Inn - (307) 875-2840 - Local property, competitive rates
Super 8 - (307) 875-9330 - Standard accommodations, easy interstate access

Camping Options:

Slate Creek Campground - Developed campground near Fontenelle Dam
Seedskadee NWR Primitive Camping - Though camping is an option at designated areas
Dispersed Camping - BLM land surrounding the area offers many options

Dining and Supplies

Kemmerer:

Luigi's Restaurant - "Best Italian food in southwest Wyoming"
Busy Bee Cafe - "Classic small-town breakfast and lunch"
Ridley's Market - "Full grocery, fishing licenses, basic tackle"

Green River:

Penny's Diner - "Local favorite for hearty meals after long fishing days"
Taco Time - "Quick meals and snacks for river trips"
Smith's Food and Drug - "Full grocery and supplies"

Travel Tip: "I always plan my Green River trips with Kemmerer as my base camp. The town offers everything you need while maintaining that authentic Wyoming character. Plus, you're positioned to fish both the tailwater sections and explore the incredible fossil beds when you need a break from fishing."

Final Thoughts

The Green River through Fontenelle and Seedskadee represents everything I love about Wyoming tailwater fishing—pristine water, educated trout that test your skills, and a wilderness setting that feels genuinely untouched. The river flows through the magnificent Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in the middle of the Red Desert, and it's hardly noticed by anyone. This obscurity is exactly what makes it special.

Over my years of fishing these waters and featuring them on the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast, I've learned that the Green River demands the best of your angling skills while rewarding patience and precision with some of the finest trout fishing in the Lower 48. The combination of trophy fish potential, technical challenges, and stunning high desert scenery creates an experience that goes far beyond just catching fish.

Fish numbers remain relatively low, but fish sizes are high on the Green River in the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge. This quality-over-quantity approach means every fish matters, every cast counts, and every successful day represents a genuine accomplishment.

My advice? Come prepared for a different kind of Wyoming fishing experience. These aren't the eager rainbows of mountain streams or the predictable hatches of spring creeks. These are sophisticated trout in a complex ecosystem that rewards thoughtful anglers and humbles those who underestimate the challenge.

The Green River will teach you about patience, precision, and the rewards of fishing water that few discover. Whether you're swinging streamers for trophy browns or matching tiny midges to selective rainbows, you're participating in one of the American West's great fishing experiences.

About the Author

Christian Bacasa is the host of the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast, where he explores the techniques, stories, and conservation efforts that make fly fishing special. With over 12 years of experience fishing Wyoming's premier tailwaters, Christian brings both technical expertise and storytelling to his river guides. His Green River experiences have been featured in multiple podcast episodes, including the popular "Tailwater Tactics" series and "Wyoming's Hidden Gems."

Connect with Christian:

Podcast: Fly Fishing Insider Podcast - Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms
Website: ffipodcast.com
Instagram: @flyfishinginsider
Email: christian@flyfishinginsiderpodcast.com

Published: July 22, 2025 Last Updated: July 22, 2025

Planning to fish the Green River Fontenelle and Seedskadee sections? Share your questions and experiences in the comments below, or reach out through the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast social channels. This incredible tailwater deserves more recognition among serious trout anglers.