By Staff
Waterhead™ Watersports
November 1, 2011

The Green river is a 730 mile river that is a major tributary to the Colorado River.  While located primarily in Wyoming and Utah, the river takes a small detour through northwest Colorado.  The source of the river is the snow melt of the Wind River Mountains in Wyoming and it begins at Green River Lakes and ends at the Colorado river in Canyonlands National Park in Utah.  According to legend, the river was named for the St. Louis partner of explorer William Ashley in the 1820s.  Regardless of whether the legend is true, the Green River provides an excellent opportunity for waterheads to enjoy some of their favorite water sports, including fishing and rafting.

Waterheads will find the Green River home to abundant wildlife all along its course.  There are wild fish, some such as the Kendal Warms springs found only in this river, moose, osprey and eagles, just to name a few. 

The Green River provides a great place for anglers looking for trout of all varieties, including rainbows, brook, brown, cutthroat or  Mackinaw as well as mountain whitefish.  In Wyoming bank and wading fishermen must have the permission of the landowners and those in boats must remain in the boat while in these private areas.  A good map of the area can alert those floating the river when they are passing through private property.  On public lands fishing, wading and floating are allowed, but not always safe.  Everyone is urged to use caution and wear a life vest as the water is very cold and can be both fast and deep, with emergency services far away.

Once the Green River leaves the National Forest, there are several boat launches that allow for opportunities to float down the river.  Simply park a vehicle where you plan to take out of the river and put in up river.  Remember there are no places for purchasing supplies nearby, so bring your own gear, including a hat, insect repellent and sunblock. 

There are several locations which provide good access for day long float trips.  Most floaters choose from 3.5 to 8 miles as their route consult a map for boat launches to plan the trip accordingly.  One such 8 mile trip begins at one or several accesses north of the Warren Bridge Located on US Highway 191 and ends at 40 Rod Creek or the Daniel Fish hatchery, which is west of Hwy 191 on Pape road.  In addition, there are several private launches that can be accessed by paying a small fee.  Finally, there are float services that can provide a complete package, including raft rental and returning the rafters to their vehicles at the end of the trip.

The Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge provides a great place for waterheads that enjoy birdwatching.  Located below Fontenelle Reservoir, it is worth a visit.  This narrow strip stretches 36 miles along the Green River and is not highly developed.  There are several dirt roads and boat launches that allow those interested to have good view points of the wildlife in the area.  This provides a place that is quiet and unccrowded for a picnic along with the pelicans, cranes and trumpeter swans.  There are many other forms of birds and wildlife in the area, but visitors will want to bring a spotting scope or binoculars for the best view.  In addition, the refuge allows some hunting.  Contact the Wyoming Department of Wildlife for more information.

Once the Green River passes Flaming Gorge Dam in Utah, it provides world-renowned fly-fishing.  Just below the dam there is a large population of trout.  The most common here are rainbow, but further downstream, the browns dominate the water.  Fishers will also find a few cutthroats.  In this area, anglers are restricted to use of artificial baits and catch and release is encouraged.  The latest Utah proclamation will provide further information for anglers.  While fly fishing is most common, spinners and other artificial lures can also be effective in the area.

In Utah, part of the Green River flows through steep walled yet scenic canyons.  In this area the access to the river is only available through an area just below the dam and at Browns and Little Hole parks.  Anglers may choose to drive to one of the locations and work their way up or down the stream.  Another option is to float the river in a rubber raft or drift boat, but beware that this is a popular area for recreational rafting and is often busy in the summer, especially on weekends.  You may have to share the beautiful Green River with other waterheads.

The brown trout in this area are wild and produced by natural reproduction.  They grow rather quickly in the water of the Green River and average 15-17 inches in length.  In 1996, a 29 pound brown set the record for the area.

Fly fishermen enjoy the insect hatches that are very prolific in the area.  One of the primary food sources for the river is scuds.  Flies that look like a scud are effective all year long.  During the winter through early spring, midges work the water surface.  In the spring, incredible numbers of blue-winged olives hatch.  For the summer, big cicadas work very well as do ants, hoppers and many other dry fly patterns.

Waterheads that enjoy whitewater rafting will also enjoy the Green River.  This river runs through some of the most rugged and remote landscape in Utah before it meets up with the Colorado River in the southeast portion of the state.  The river provides several sections that are appropriate for rafting, kayaking and canoeing.  White water sports on the Green River provide a unique look at the geology and landscape that were important on the frontier as well as for outlaw history.  In addition, waterheads will see rock art and Native American ruins.  This allows those on the river to not only enjoy their sport but to also experience the unique history of the area.

Rafting season on the Green River runs from early in April and ends in October.  Often late May and early June provides the best flows.  In addition to the great rapids produced during this season, waterheads also are treated to spectacular wildflower shows.  These shows may feature anything from desert primrose blossoms to Indian paintbrush to flowering cacti.

Lodore Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in Utah.  It is located in the Dinosaur National Monumnet area and provides miles of scenic beauty.  There are several sets of rapids in the area, including Triplet Falls, Hell's Half-Mile and Disaster Falls.  The average descent of the river is thirteen feet per mile in this red rocked walled canyon that offers views of Big Horn Sheep, waterfalls and pristine springs.

When the area known as the Gates of Lodore were explored in 1869, John Wesley Powell described it as a mountain drinking a river.  The area was called seeds-ke-dee by the American Indians and few brave souls ever tackled them.  With the addition of Flaming Gorge Dam, the water has backed up and the flows are more regulated, providing easier access to recreational floaters.  The summer is the perfect time for three to four day float trips through this area.  The Green River was one of the major obstacles for those crossing on the Oregon and many other trails that led west.  It was often too deep, wide and dangerous to try to cross alone.  For this reason, many ferries operated to provide safe passage to those who would eventually settle much of the west coast.

The Gray Canyon and the Desolation Canyon offer more than 60 Class 1-3 rapids.  These rapids themselves are just part of the fascination a trip to the Green River can bring.  Farmers, ranchers, homesteaders, prospectors and outlaws all left their legacies on the area.  For example, McPherson Ranch was often the hideout of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid.

Canoes and touring kayaks are excellent for use below these canyons as the Green River meanders with calm waters where the passengers are able to see Indian ruins, historical relics and beautiful scenery.

The Green River offers many different opportunities for waterheads that want to enjoy their favorite sports.  Whether you prefer the white water action of the canyons or the slower lazy rivers that are great choices for canoes and rafts there is plenty of action for boaters.  For anglers, there are lots of chances for fishing of all sorts.  In addition, families will find opportunity for camping and other family activities. 

For more information about activities in the area, waterheads may want to speak to the state department of wildlife for the state in which the portion of the river they want to visit is located.  If visiting from out of state, be sure to read and be aware of any local laws that may differ from your own area.  In addition, always do your part in keeping this area clean by removing any garbage that you create in your visit to this beautiful area.

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