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The 30 mile stretch of the
Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam to the Colorado line is
definitely one of the great sections of river in the world for
fly-fishing. The sheer numbers of fish is a major draw to the
area. The crystalline water is unique even among Rocky mountain
streams creating a gigantic, spectacular aquarium for observing
fish. The Structure of the river creates many diverse situations
from tumbling rocky rapids to flats which are very similar to
spring creeks.
There are three distinct
sections of the river we fish.
A. (Red Canyon)(7 miles in length)
From the dam down stream 7 miles to
the Little Hole valley, this length flows through a 1000 to 2000
foot deep canyon, rimmed with magnificent red walls. The upper
four miles are generally flat deep water with several shallow
feeding grounds, making it ideal for those who are hiking in and
wading. There are several minor rapids interspersed throughout
this slower area. The lower three miles are mostly fast water
creating very good pocket water style of fishing. This section is
excellent streamer and large attractor fishing. Plenty of shallows
for wade fishing abound throughout the fast water. There are a
total of nine named rapids which you will need care on picking
your way through, however none are large or dangerous if caution
is observed.
B. (Devil's Hole)(9 miles in
length)
A bit more open terrain
although it too goes through some canons. The river has several
wide flats here
giving wade fishermen additional areas to ply their trade. Hatches
start on this stretch in general a bit earlier then in the canyon
and they are also heavier. The only road approach to this area as
either at Little Hole or Browns Park. making it a bit more
difficult for access to certain areas. Red Creek Rapids, half way
down is the only rapid one need be aware of. It is a class three
(very rocky) rapid. When the water is high it is no problem if
taken on the left side. At low water one must be careful with all
the rocks showing. The bottom four miles below Red Creek are
mostly flat water but great for streamers and hoppers. Very good
insect hatches can make this water come alive.
C. (Browns Park)(12 miles in
length)
There are more miles (12) in
this section which snakes through the high desert valley of Browns Park.
Due to it's wide open features, other then several canyons it has
cut through, it seems there is more flat water here then the upper
two stretches. You will find extensive riffles holding many fine
trout. Hatches are very good and they show earlier in the Park,
however it is susceptible to wind which can destroy the day for
the dry fly fisherman. Hopper fishing during the summer months is
exciting and successful. One other tough feature of the Park is
accessibility. Access once you are in the park is very decent, but
the distance to the park on dirt roads and a steep canyon make it
a bit tougher.
One astonishing feature of the
Green river is shore-line accessibility. There is a short bank
behind the Allen ranch in Browns Park which is marked with "No
Trespassing Signs" Other than that brief inconsequential piece of
shoreline the river is completely open to wading.
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