Fly Fishing Green River - Section B

Fly fishing Green River – Section B offers anglers a slight change of pace and scenery from the river's upper reaches while maintaining the extraordinary trout density this Utah tailwater is famous for. Flowing through the spectacular red-rock canyons of Northeast Utah, this section is a transitional zone where the river begins to mature, but the water quality and nutrient load remain pristine, courtesy of the Flaming Gorge Dam releases. While often floated as part of a multi-section trip, Section B provides unique opportunities for finding large, less-pressured trout that have drifted downstream from the headwaters of the Green River Basin.

Section B is a classic tailwater environment characterized by wider, deeper glides and slower, more predictable current seams compared to Section A. The river here settles into long, slow pools that hold massive schools of fish, alongside intermittent riffles and faster runs that provide excellent dry fly and nymphing opportunities. The surrounding terrain transitions from sheer canyon walls to slightly more open areas, though the high-desert vegetation—willows, cottonwoods, and sagebrush—still dominates the banks. The clarity of the water is consistently high, necessitating a stealthy approach and long, fluorocarbon leaders to avoid spooking the sophisticated trout that patrol the deep trenches and current edges.

The species composition in Green River Section B remains dominated by healthy populations of wild brown trout and rainbow trout. Unlike the section immediately below the dam, Section B also introduces mountain whitefish into the mix, indicating the river's maturing character. Brown trout are the primary focus for anglers seeking trophy-sized fish, with many individuals exceeding the 20-inch mark. Rainbows are equally abundant and known for their aggressive strikes and aerial fights. The sheer number of trout per mile here is staggering, driven by the abundant insect life and stable water temperatures, providing consistent action throughout the year for all three species.

Consistent hatches are the lifeblood of Section B, offering dependable feeding windows for the resident trout. Blue-winged olives (BWO) hatch in impressive numbers during the spring and fall, especially when the weather is cloudy or damp. The prolific caddis hatch occurs throughout the warmer months and often results in explosive surface feeding. Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) and Tricos are key summer hatches, forcing anglers to employ technical dry fly strategies. Year-round, midges provide critical sustenance, particularly in the slower glides and during the cold winter months. Matching the insect size and color during these events is paramount, as the trout are highly selective in this food-rich environment.

Due to the river's high volume, wading is generally limited and can be dangerous, making this a predominant float fishery. The river flows consistently between 800 and 2,000 CFS for optimal wading visibility and safety. However, Section B is floatable across a wide range, from the base flow of 800 CFS up to high-water releases that can hit 8,000 CFS. Floating provides the best opportunity to access the river's complex structure, target specific deep runs, and cover the significant distance of this section. During high flow periods, floating is the only safe and effective method, allowing anglers to nymph deep slots using heavy weights and tandem fly rigs.

Access to Green River Section B is primarily achieved via drift boat, typically by floating down from Section A. However, designated public access points and boat ramps are available along the river road in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, facilitating both put-ins and take-outs. While the river feels remote and wild, the nearest major commercial airport, Salt Lake City International (SLC), is only a few hours' drive away. Anglers should plan for moderate difficulty in accessing prime water from shore due to the river's width and current, making a guided float trip a highly recommended way to experience the best of this renowned Utah tailwater.

Green River Section B provides a perfect blend of high-volume floating and technical fishing in a spectacular canyon environment. Its reliable populations of brown and rainbow trout, combined with strong, consistent hatches and manageable floating flows, solidify its position as one of the most productive fly fishing destinations in the Western United States. This section is a must-fish part of the legendary Green River experience.