Flaming Gorge Dam & Green River — Fishing and Water Flow Report 4/27
Prepared for: Dutch John Resort
Report Date: April 27, 2026
Report Overview
This week offers excellent fishing conditions on the Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam. Flows remain stable, water is cold, and trout are actively feeding subsurface. However, a major change is coming—the Bureau of Reclamation has announced a large-scale water release that could significantly impact flows in the coming weeks.
Hydrology & Dam Operations
- Reservoir Elevation: 6,022.77 ft (17 ft below full pool)
- Storage Capacity: 82% (~3.0M acre-feet)
- Current Flows: ~850–870 CFS (stable)
- Inflow Range: 187–1,630 CFS
- Water Year Inflows: 74% of average
Key Takeaway:
Flows are currently stable, but increases are expected soon.
⚠️ Critical Advisory: Upcoming Flow Increase
The Bureau of Reclamation plans to release:
660,000–1,000,000 acre-feet over the next 12 months.
- Flows may increase to ~1,600 CFS by early May
- Changes could begin late April
- Initial increases may temporarily slow fishing due to debris/moss
Water Temperatures
- Section A (Dam): 44–46°F
- Mid-River: 42–46°F
- Section C: 46–48°F
Trend: Cold water = strong subsurface bite
Best Fishing Window: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Section Breakdown
Section A: Dam → Little Hole
- Distance: 7 miles
- Conditions: Excellent
- Fish Density: Up to 20,000 fish per mile
Best Tactics:
- Deep nymphing (most productive)
- BWO emergers in afternoon
- Light streamer action early/late
Hatches:
- Midges (morning)
- BWOs (midday–afternoon)
Section B: Little Hole → Indian Crossing
- Conditions: Good to Excellent
- Water: Slightly faster, more structure
Best Tactics:
- Indicator nymphing
- Soft hackles in riffles
- Dry flies during BWO hatch
Hazard:
- Red Creek Rapid (Class III) — scout before running
Section C: Indian Crossing → Swallow Canyon
- Conditions: Fair to Good
- Character: Wide, slower, spooky fish
Best Tactics:
- Streamers (primary)
- Dry-dropper setups
- Fish early morning & evening
Note:
Best to take out at Swallow Canyon—longer floats yield diminishing returns.
Rafting Conditions
- Current Flows (~850 CFS): Ideal
- Difficulty: Mostly Class I–II
- Water Temp: Very cold (42–46°F)
Safety Tips:
- Wear a PFD
- Dress for cold water immersion
- Expect slightly stronger currents if flows increase
Recommended Fly Patterns
Dry Flies
- BWO Cripples (#18)
- CDC Emergers (#18)
- Griffith’s Gnat (#20)
- Ants & terrestrials (#14–22)
Nymphs
- Zebra Midge (#18–24)
- Pheasant Tail (#16–20)
- Frenchie (#16–18)
- Pat’s Rubber Legs (#8–10)
Streamers
- Woolly Bugger (#6–8)
- Sculpin patterns
- Articulated leeches
Gear Recommendations
- Rod: 9’ 5-weight (primary)
- Tippet: 4X–7X (6X ideal for clear water)
- Leaders: 9–12 ft (nymphing), 12+ ft (dry flies)
- Streamer Setup: 6–8 wt with sink-tip line
Tactical Tips
Morning:
- Deep nymphing with midge patterns
Midday:
- Watch for rising fish
- Switch to emergers/dry flies
Afternoon:
- Prime BWO hatch window
Evening:
- Streamers along banks
Pro Tips:
- Mend constantly
- Use long leaders
- Stay stealthy—fish are easily spooked
Snowpack & Water Outlook
- Upper Basin Snowpack: 51% of normal
- Lower Basin Snowpack: 31% of normal
- System Storage: 36% capacity
Impact:
Lower snowpack is driving the need for increased dam releases.
Week-Ahead Forecast
| Category | Outlook |
|---|---|
| Flows | Stable now, possible increase late week |
| Water Temps | 42–46°F |
| Fishing | Excellent |
| Weather | Cool mornings, mild afternoons |
| Rafting | Ideal |
Bottom Line
This is one of the best weeks of the season to fish the Green River before flows increase.
- Stable flows
- Strong nymphing
- Active BWO hatch
Recommendation: Get on the water now before conditions change.