Green River

The author of one of my fly-fishing reference books refers to the Green River as the best fly-fishing river in the country (well, actually tied with the White River in Arkansas). I would be hard-pressed to argue the point at this juncture in the trip. This is a fishery that I have to return to. It is obvious why John Wesley Powell named this river the “Green” when discovered on his western expedition. At the dam, unless you can have someone drop you off at the boat launch, access involves a steep descent down a well-maintained trail (the ascent at the end of the day would be the issue). But, there is a great trail that follows the river and provides uncrowded access for seven miles down to the next access area at Little Hole. Outstanding fishable water at the base of a 1,000 foot canyon and packed with many wild fish. Rainbows dominate the upper section, while browns are prevalent in the lower section. And I have to say, I restored my fly-fishing confidence on this river. From nymph fishing the areas below the dam, to terrestrial fishing on the edges at Little Hole, the fishing was successful and enjoyable. It is obvious what runs the economic engine in Dutch John, the very small community near the dam – two café/convenience/fishing/gas stores are the only commercial interests. As evidenced by the row of over a dozen mobile homes, with a drift boat outside each one, the guide business in the summer is huge – in fact, we have been advised that we need to do a float trip on the river to fully appreciate its bounty – hopefully next time!