Green River Report

Green River Fly-Fishing Report
May 16, 2013

By: Steve Schmidt

Conditions: Green River fly-fishing has been tremendous lately and it look like until they release flows for run-off that the Green is going to run steady after getting a little scare earlier in the week At the moment flows remain steady at a little over 800 cfs. Considering what the Bureau planned potentially earlier, this is a great flow and now that we know it's going to be steady for a while longer, the great fly-fishing we've been enjoying should continue.

Also, in regards to flows, initially the Bureau was going to peak spring flows the last week of the month. With this sudden heat wave they may move it up a week. That's typically when the change to spring peak flows. They determine spring flows based upon the flows of the Yampa. This record heat is changing all of that. I'll up date this report as flows change. That may be as soon as 2pm today. We'll keep a close eye on these potential changes and go from there. If they hold the flows steady for the next 5dys are so, I'd high tail it over to the Green if you can fit it into your schedule. It has been that good!

Insect Activity: Fly ants are creating some incredible dryfly fishing. There are a few Cicadas around, but not near enough to get the river trout keyed in on them. That's OK because according to our Green River Guides they are enjoying some very good dry fly fishing. The bad news, if you've read this far, is the proposed flow changes will significantly affect the fishing. We won't know how much until it happens.

Every year prior to seeing good number of Cicadas we get consistent fly ant hatches. Most years they occur during peak spring flows and they aren't much of a factor. Especially in the past couple of years with the rather large spring flushes we've had. Hopefully we'll continue to enjoy the good fishing this cinnamon terrestrial is providing.

Although the past cool weather we had prior to the record heat produced some Blue Wings, they're all but done. Midges are always a factor and if flows increase, midge pupa patterns are always effective.

This is an ideal weather pattern for Cicadas. As I mentioned we haven't seen many yet, but it is still early. We should have a good indication as to the extent of this hatch over the next 5-10dys. If the spring flush doesn't go over 4000 ft3/s and we have a decent Cicada hatch, the higher flows will actually be good for the terrestrial fishing. At the moment there are a lot of if's so we'll just have to wait and see.

FLY PATTERNS: Unlike some of our waters your Green River fly selection is fairly simple. This is what I recommend.

Dries: Water Wasp, CDC Honey Ant, Cards Cicada, PMX, Parachute Adams, Skittering Midge

Nymph's/Emergers: JuJu Midge, JuJu Baetis, Zebra Midges, PT's Mercers Micro May, Poison Tung, Pt's, Skinny Nelson

Techniques: Fly-fishing techniques for the Green River that are effective for May are streamers, dry flies, nymphs and Soft Hackles. The same as on our other waters. With hatches now starting to taper off, the dry fly fishing is getting hit or miss. Fly-fishing with nymphs as a dropper, tight lining or with and indicator will prove to be the most effective. For those who have the opportunity to float this river will find that streamers are good. Although a floating line will work with the low flows, it's better to have a sink-tip line. We fish and prefer the Scientific Anglers Deep Water Express in either size 150 or 200gr. If you have a 5wt rod, the 150 will match best with that. On a 6wt you can either throw the 150 or 200 with no problem. These lines are easy to cast and fish your flies much better than a traditional sink-tip. If you prefer to fish a floating line make sure you use a longer leader. At least 7 1/2' or possibly even 9' in 0X or 1X.

If you are planning on fishing nymphs, both Blue Wing Olive and midge patterns will do the trick. Prior to the hatch getting underway you'll want to fish your nymphs 3'-4' deep. If you get a decent hatch and you start to see some adults with the rivers trout transitioning to the surface, to have continued good success, you should fish your flies more shallow. A Parachute Adams is a good fly as a lead fly in this rig, or if it's a warm sunny day on the Green, these trout find it hard to refuse an attractor fly. Given the day that Matt had, I would us a cicada pattern as my lead fly if it's sunny and warm out. Regardless of the time of year, if you find yourself in a good hatch trout will follow their food and at some point there's going to be more food congregated near the surface than there is closer to the bottom. Trout will also start to migrate to more shallow lies, so look before you leap. Late in the day, its common to find hundreds of trout congregated in the rivers large eddies sipping drowned adults, spinners or cripples. Depending on the day, these selective trout can keep you occupied into the evening hours. Again, in late April we were seeing a lot more of this, but as of late, these circumstances have not been happening with any regularity.

For dry flies and emergers, my favorite fly-fishing game, you'll do better if you use either 5X or 6X tippets. For cicidas and larger terrestrials you can easily get away with 4X. On sunny days, you'll find yourself having better success with smaller tippets. On cloudy days you'll be able to get away with larger diameters at the end of your leader.

When ever there are good hatches, Soft Hackles always will produce. If you're new to fly-fishing this is a very effective way to fish any of our waters and have success without dealing with all the frustration that goes with fishing indicators, sinkers and flies. You'll be able to work on your cast, have fewer tangles and on many occasion see the trout take your fly. For those who have been at this game for a while, its simply a great and very relaxing way to have success when fly-fishing for trout. If you're not familiar with fly-fishing using Soft Hackles, or any technique for that matter, stop in and we'll get you dialed in. We also offer Soft Hackle Fly-fishing classes.

Regardless of the way you enjoy fishing with flies, it's good fishing right now using a variety of techniques. If you haven't been out, you want to make time to enjoy the excellent mayfly hatches the Green River offers. Stop in, let us know what we can to help you get the most out of your days on the water.

Shop Talk: We have a variety of classes going on throughout the year. If you want to get in on one of Nick Fly-Fishing 101 classes you better check your calendar and sign up. His first one in April is full. His other classes now that the weather is warming up are also beginning to fill. Towards the end of the month we have another specialty casting class. This one is to improve your " Casting Efficiency. This class is April 27th. For this and other class we have going on check out our web-site or please feel free to stop in or give us a call: (801)521-6424.

Green River Guide Trips: 2013 beginns our 26th year of guiding clients on Utah's Green River. This past year was one of our best in a decade. Given early indications we don't see that changing for 2013. Like every river system that has it's up and downs the Green continues to enjoy consistent fly-fishing opportunities.

We have the longest standing permit that hasn't changed hands on the Green River, since 1986. Emmett Heath was apart of our operation back then and again is running our Green River Guide service. As you look ahead to the upcoming year and begin planning your season, the Green River is one of the West’s most consistent and prolific waters and we'd like to help you get the most out of your experience when fly-fishing the Green. If you are looking for a guide, our Green River Guides will work hard to help you enjoy the many fly-fishing opportunities the Green River offers. If you would like to book a guide on the Green River or one of our other great Utah waters drop us a line: info@wrflyfisher.com or give us a call (801)521-6424, (800)545-4312.

If you are visiting from out of state and don't have time to visit the shop before heading over to the Green the following link will take you to where you can get an On-Line Utah Fishing License. You'll also be able to secure additional helpful information regarding the states fishing.This is a good time to do an over an back in a single day, especially since amenities are at a minimum this time of year. You don't need to be on the water at first light or last light. Best fishing as it is on most waters late November or December is from 10-3pm. When it shuts off, typically it really shuts off.