Fly Fishing Green River - Fontenelle

Overview

The Green River below Fontenelle Dam runs through sagebrush country and cottonwood-lined banks toward Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge. Reservoir releases shape this tailwater, with riffles, slower edges and deeper runs offering varied trout habitat. Brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout inhabit the river, and presentations change with the current and feeding activity.

Tailwater Presentations

Midges and blue-winged olives provide small-fly choices in spring. A nymph can cover a riffle seam or slower edge when fish feed below the surface; adjust its depth and weight to that particular lie. Caddis and pale morning duns add late-spring and summer options when trout begin rising.

Hoppers, ants and beetles offer summer presentations along undercut banks and side channels. In fall, streamers can search deeper structure, while blue-winged olives and midges provide alternatives for surface-feeding fish. A slower retrieve or smaller nymph can cover a quiet pool when feeding activity is limited.

Dam releases influence the channel’s depth and current. Study the chosen run rather than assuming conditions are uniform throughout the section. The contrast between open sagebrush slopes, cottonwood banks and cold tailwater gives this stretch its distinctive setting.