Green River Fishing Report

As of May 1, the Governor of the State of Utah has moved from the State’s risk management from the High Risk Category of COVID-19 response to a Moderate Risk Category. There are still A LOT of restrictions in place, but we are allowed to move about a little bit more freely. More information can be found here: https://coronavirus-download.utah.gov/Health/Phased%20Health%20Guidelines%20V4.0.1.pdf

Certain areas are on a stricter lockdown than others and out of state travel is strongly discouraged.

The Tri County Region has moved to the same Moderate Risk Guidelines that the Governor has put into effect.

Spring is here on the Green River in Utah. We are seeing highs in the 60’s and low 70’s with the occasional Spring storm passing through. Snowpack is currently sitting at 104 percent of average in the Upper Green River drainage and 93 percent of average in the Lower Green River drainage. The release out of Flaming Gorge Reservoir is currently at 950 CFS. The water currently being released from the dam is around 42.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

The lower flows have made the fish suspend and look towards Baetis and midges on the surface. Look for fish to be rising in the slower seams and eddies. There has been a steady midge hatch everyday. On cloudy days the Baetis hatch has been very thick. My go to dry flies have been a Trailing Shuck Baetis and a Cluster Midge. For nymphs this time of the year, you will want to have small gray scuds (18-20), small gray and brown WD 40’s (20-24), gray soft hackle (18-20), zebra midge (18-20), Frenchie (16), Baetis nymphs (16-18), Prince Nymph (16) and a variety of San Juan Worms from Secret Riffle down.

With the warming temperatures and low flows, Red Creek has been running off color. The streamer bite is okay below Red Creek, but river clarity is not very ideal.

Southwest Wyoming Fishing Report

The following is copied from https://www.sweetwaternow.com/no-fishing-for-non-residents-in-wyoming-until-may-8/

“The sale of non-resident daily and five-day fishing licenses were suspended a few weeks ago, and that suspension will be extended through May 8.

The suspension of sale is being done to align with Governor Mark Gordon’s directive to have non-resident visitors self quarantine for 14 days upon entering the state through May 8.

Brian Nesvik, Wyoming Game and Fish Director, said the suspension of the sale of these licenses is intended to protect the health of Wyoming residents. With non-residents coming into the state, they present the risk of bringing the COVID-19 Coronavirus with them.

On May 8, the Wyoming Game and Fish plans to resume the sale of the non-resident fishing licenses immediately.”

I will update my fishing reports accordingly once this restriction has been lifted.

Green River Fishing Report

Due to COVID-19, Utahns are expected to stay home whenever possible. The directive includes specific instructions for all individuals, as well as high-risk individuals (60 years and older and those with serious underlying medical conditions), and children. The directives regarding hygiene, gatherings, travel, and outdoor recreation are effective immediately.

According to the State of Utah, traveling to engage in recreational and outdoor activities is considered essential travel, therefore I am updating our fishing reports. The TriCounty Health Department has instituted the same proclamation as the State of Utah for Duchesne, Uintah, and Daggett Counties.

Signs of Spring are starting to show up on the Green River in Utah. We are seeing highs in the 40’s and low 50’s with the occasional Spring storm passing through. Snowpack is currently sitting at 105 percent of average in the Upper Green River drainage and 115 percent of average in the Lower Green River drainage. The daily average release out of Flaming Gorge Reservoir is currently at 2,150 CFS. The current flow pattern is a double peak in flows. At 6 AM the flows are increased to 2,700 CFS and then they drop around 1 PM to around 1,300 CFS. The flow increases again to around 2,700 CFS around 5 PM then drops back to 1,300 CFS at midnight. It is expected to remain there until the end of March. The water currently being released from the dam is around 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

The streamer fishing continues to be decent, but there has been a bit more pressure on the river than a few weeks ago. My best colors have been ginger, white and gold, olive and copper, gray, and black. A decent midge hatch is happening during the warmest part of the day. Look for fish to be rising in the slower seams and eddies. We have also seen a few blue wings starting to show up, but don’t expect a great Beatis hatch for another week or so. For nymphs this time of the year, you will want to have small gray scuds (18-20), small gray and brown WD 40’s (20-24), gray soft hackle (18-20), zebra midge (18-20), Frenchie (16), Prince Nymph (16) and a variety of San Juan Worms from Secret Riffle down.

With the warming temperatures, Red Creek has been running off color. On most days, the lower river is still fishable. Especially with darker colored streamers. Below Indian Crossing there has been quite a bit of moss floating in the river. This has made the streamer fishing down on C a little difficult, but still manageable.

Southwest Wyoming Fishing Report

In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, The Wyoming Department of Health finds it necessary to protect the health of the public by implementing emergency measures to close all restaurants, bars, theaters, gymnasiums, child care facilities, K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and trade schools, in the State of Wyoming, through April 17, 2020.

There are some signs of Spring making their way into Southwestern Wyoming. Some of these signs include melting snow, mud, and run off on the warmer days. If you are going to head this way, dress warm and expect to still find frozen guides throughout the early morning hours. If you are wade fishing be mindful of where you are driving. Icy and snowy roads in the morning can become mud pits in the afternoon. Flows below Fontenelle Reservoir are around 1,030 CFS. Snowpack in the Upper Green River drainage is currently sitting at 105 percent of normal and 114 percent of normal in the Lower Green River drainage.

With the warming temperatures, expect the Green River to start turning off color from Slate Creek down. River temperatures are still quite cold so think scuds and midges if you are nymphing. Expect fish to be holding in drop offs and deep seams. Some Baetis are starting to show up, but they won’t be of much significance for a few more weeks. Streamer fishing has been decent. White and gold, ginger, olive and copper, and black have been my go to colors up North.