Green River Fishing Report
Check Fishing Guide Calendar Availability →
Prepared for Dutch John Resort
Green River Fly Fishing Guide Report
Flaming Gorge Dam water flow and release update with this week's temps, fall hatch windows, and section-by-section tactics for the Green River.
Monday September 28 to Sunday October 4, 2026
Check Fishing Guide Calendar Availability →
This Week on the Green
Flows hold steady around 2,170 to 2,180 CFS with cold, clear tailwater as fall settles in. BWOs are building with the cooler weather, midges own the mornings, nymphing gets more productive by the day, and the streamer bite picks up as temperatures drop.
Below is the current dam release status, water temperature and clarity, hatch timing, our recommended fly box, and a full tactical breakdown of Sections A, B, and C. Stable releases from the ongoing DROA drawdown mean predictable seams and soft edges all week long.
2,170-2,180 CFS
Dam Discharge
58-62°F
Water Temp
Clear
Clarity
6,007.6-6,007.8 ft
Reservoir Elevation
Section 01
Dam Release Summary
Dam Discharge
Approximately 2,170-2,180 CFS, based on readings from September 24 to 26, 2026.
Reservoir Elevation
6,007.60-6,007.77 ft (September 24 to 26).
Storage Volume
About 2.51 million acre-feet as of late September.
Operational Pattern
- Releases remain steady as part of the 2026 to 2027 DROA emergency drawdown supporting Lake Powell
- Expect consistent daily flows with minor fluctuations (2,160-2,180 CFS)
Outlook
Flows will remain stable through early October, maintaining cold, clear tailwater conditions ideal for trout.
Section 02 and 03
Water Temperature, Clarity and River Conditions
Water Temperature
Estimated 58-62°F below the dam, inferred from late-September Flaming Gorge tailwater temperature logs (September 13 to 26).
- Cooler fall temps increase nymph productivity
- Afternoon terrestrial activity tapers but remains present
- Evening caddis persists but shortens with earlier sunsets
Clarity
Clear, typical for late-season stable releases.
River Conditions
- Consistent flows create predictable seams and soft edges
- Fish concentrate in deeper troughs and structure as fall cooling begins
- Wind-driven leaf fall may affect drifts in the afternoons
Section 04
Hatch Overview
Fall is shifting the menu. BWOs are on the rise while summer bugs taper, so match size to window and you will find active fish throughout the day.
| Hatch | Size | Window / Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | #20-22 | Morning |
| Tricos | #22-24 | Morning, diminishing but still present |
| BWOs | #20-22 | Morning, increasing with cooler weather |
| PMDs | #18-20 | Midday, tapering |
| Terrestrials | #12-16 | Midday, moderate on warm afternoons |
| Caddis | #18-20 | Evening |
| BWOs (light) | #20-22 | Evening, light emergences |
Section 05
Recommended Fly Patterns
Nymphs
- Pheasant Tail #18-22
- Zebra Midge #20
- Juju Baetis #20-22
- Split Case PMD #18-20
- Frenchie #14-16
- Rainbow Warrior #14-18
Dry Flies
- Parachute BWO #20-22
- Trico Spinner #22-24
- PMD Sparkle Dun #18
- Corn-Fed Caddis #18-20
Terrestrials
- Bionic Ant #16
- Beetle #14-18
- Hopper #12 (warm days only)
Streamers
- Mini-Flatliner
- Baby Gonga (tan)
- Cheech Leech
- Kreelex
- Complex Twist Bugger
- Galloup's Dungeon (articulated)
Section 06
Section by Section Outlook
Tactical notes for Sections A, B, and C covering techniques, best patterns, and what to expect on the water this week.
Section A → Dam to Little Hole
Dam to Little Hole
Sight-fishing midges and BWOs in slow morning eddies, then steady seam nymphing through the day.
Techniques
- Sight-fishing midges and BWOs in slow eddies (morning)
- Nymphing seams during steady flows
- Terrestrial plop-and-drift tight to banks on warm afternoons
- 6X recommended for clear water
Dry Flies
- Parachute BWO #20-22
- Trico Spinner #22-24
- PMD Sparkle Dun #18
Nymphs
- Zebra Midge #20
- Pheasant Tail #18-22
- Split Case PMD #18-20
Streamers
- Baby Gonga
- Mini-Flatliner
- Cheech Leech
Guide Note: The morning midge and BWO window is strongest. Flows are stable at about 2,170 CFS.
Section B → Little Hole to Browns Park
Little Hole to Browns Park
Deep mid-river slots, dry-dropper rigs, and terrestrials tucked right against the bank.
Techniques
- Deep nymphing in mid-river slots
- Dry-dropper rigs (Chubby with a Baetis emerger)
- Terrestrials inches from the bank
Dry Flies
- BWO #20-22
- Caddis #18-20
- Trico Spinner #22-24
Nymphs
- Frenchie #14-16
- Rainbow Warrior #14-18
- Zebra Midge #20
Streamers
- Dungeon
- Complex Twist Bugger
Guide Note: Fish respond aggressively after midday stabilization.
Section C → Browns Park to Colorado Line
Browns Park to the Colorado Line
Broad flats built for long terrestrial drifts, indicator rigs in slow water, and deep streamer swings at dusk.
Techniques
- Long terrestrial drifts in broad flats
- Deep streamer swings at dusk
- Indicator rigs in slow, wide water
Dry Flies
- PMD Spinner #18
- Caddis #18
- BWO #20-22
Nymphs
- PMD Nymph #18-20
- Blowtorch #22-24
- Soft Hackle #22
Streamers
- Galloup's Dungeon
- El Sculpito
- Articulated buggers
Guide Note: Best terrestrial action comes early in the week. The streamer bite increases as temperatures drop.
Section 07
Safety and Operational Notes
Stable FlowsSteady flows around 2,170 CFS reduce the risk of a rapid rise, but always monitor shoreline markers.
Fall WindFall winds may affect boat control and dry-fly presentations.
Cold WaterCold water increases hypothermia risk with prolonged exposure.
DROA DrawdownThe reservoir continues its DROA drawdown through 2027.
Section 08
Week Summary: September 28 to October 4, 2026
| Flows | About 2,170-2,180 CFS |
| Elevation | About 6,007.6-6,007.8 ft |
| Water Temperature | About 58-62°F (inferred) |
| Clarity | Clear |
| Best Tactics | Morning BWOs and midges, midday nymphing, evening caddis, streamers at dusk |
| Best Windows | 8-11 AM (midges and BWOs), 11 AM-2 PM (PMDs and Baetis nymphs), 1-4 PM (terrestrials on warm days), 5-7 PM (caddis and streamers) |
Best Windows to Fish
8-11 AM
Midges and BWOs
11 AM-2 PM
PMDs and Baetis nymphs
1-4 PM
Terrestrials (warm days)
5-7 PM
Caddis and streamers
Green River fly fishing report prepared for Dutch John Resort, Flaming Gorge, Utah. Conditions for September 28 to October 4, 2026.