Flaming Gorge Dam & Green River — Fishing and Water Flow Report
Prepared for: Dutch John Resort
Report Date: April 20, 2026
Report Overview
This report covers conditions for the week of April 20–27, 2026, on the Green River tailwater below Flaming Gorge Dam and Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
Included in this report:
- Current hydrology data
- Water temperatures
- Fishing conditions across all three sections
- Rafting conditions
- Guide recommendations
Important Note:
This is a critical week. The Bureau of Reclamation has announced an emergency water release of 660,000 to 1,000,000 acre-feet from Flaming Gorge to Lake Powell over the next 12 months. Releases could begin ramping up in late April or early May 2026.
Hydrology & Dam Operations
As of April 17, 2026:
- Reservoir Elevation: 6,022.77 ft (17.21 ft below full pool)
- Live Storage: 82% (~3,005,146 acre-feet)
- Total Capacity: 79.33% full
- Current Release: ~830–870 CFS (stable)
- Inflow (past 10 days): 187–1,630 CFS
Water Year 2026:
- Total Inflows: 332,516 AF (74% of average)
- Total Releases: 307,127 AF
- Net Storage Gain: +7,263 AF
Water Temperatures
- Dam / Section A: 44–46°F
- Mid-River: 42–46°F
- Section C: 46–48°F (estimated)
Trend:
Cold water overall. Morning temps in the high 30s, warming into the mid-40s.
Forecast:
Temperatures expected to remain consistent this week.
Possible slight drop if releases increase.
Flow Forecast & Emergency Advisory
⚠ Critical Advisory – Bureau of Reclamation
- Current flows: ~850–870 CFS (stable)
- Forecast (April 18): 870 CFS regulated flow
- Expected increase: ~1,600 CFS by early May
Week Outlook:
- Likely stable early in the week
- Possible ramp-up toward the end
Snowpack & Inflow Conditions
- Upper basin snowpack: 51% of normal
- Lower basin snowpack: 31% of normal
Forecasted Inflows:
- April: 95,000 AF (76% avg)
- May: 100,000 AF (40% avg)
- June: 210,000 AF (54% avg)
Colorado River System Storage:
36% capacity
Projection:
Flaming Gorge could drop up to 35 feet if full release occurs.
Upcoming Meeting
Flaming Gorge Working Group Meeting
April 21, 2026 — 12:00 PM MT
Vernal, Utah
This meeting may clarify release timing and flow changes.
River Sections Breakdown
Section A — Dam to Little Hole
- Distance: ~7 miles
- Float Time: 3–4 hours
- Conditions: Excellent
- Flow: ~850 CFS
- Water Temp: 44–46°F
Fish Density: Up to 20,000 fish per mile
Fishing Window
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Hatch Activity
- Midges: ~10:00 AM
- BWOs: Noon–2:00 PM
- Terrestrials: Sunny days
Best Tactics
- Deep nymphing (primary)
- Transition to BWO dries in afternoon
- Euro/indicator nymphing
- Light streamer action early/late
Guide Insight:
Nymphing is exceptionally strong. Moss present — expect temporary decline if flows increase.
Section B — Little Hole to Indian Crossing
- Distance: ~8 miles
- Float Time: 4–5 hours
- Conditions: Good to Excellent
- Water Temp: 42–46°F
Hatch Activity
- Midges: Morning
- BWOs: Noon–2 PM
- Terrestrials: Active on sunny days
Best Tactics
- Indicator nymphing
- Soft hackle swings
- Dry fly opportunities with risers
Hazard
Red Creek Rapid (Class III)
Scout before running. Conditions vary daily.
Section C — Indian Crossing to Swallow Canyon
- Distance: ~13 miles
- Float Time: 5–6 hours
- Conditions: Fair to Good
- Water Temp: 46–48°F
Characteristics
- Wider, slower, braided channels
- Spooky fish at low flows
- Remote, scenic environment
Best Tactics
- Streamers (primary)
- Dry-dropper rigs
- Fish early morning / evening
Recommendation
Take out at Swallow Canyon — downstream fishing quality declines.
Rafting & Float Conditions
Section A
- Class I–II
- Beginner-friendly
- Ideal for fishing floats
Section B
- Class I–II+
- Slightly technical
- Red Creek Rapid (Class III)
Section C
- Class I–II
- Relaxed floating
- Shallow areas possible
Safety Notes
- Water temps: 42–46°F (very cold)
- Wear PFD
- Prepare for hypothermia risk
- Expect stronger currents if flows increase
Fishing Recommendations
Dry Flies
- BWO patterns (#18–20)
- Griffith’s Gnat (#20)
- CDC emergers
- Ants & terrestrials
Nymphs
- Zebra Midge (#18–24)
- Pheasant Tail (#16–20)
- Frenchie (#16–18)
- Jig nymphs
Streamers
- Woolly Bugger (#6–8)
- Sculpin patterns
- Articulated leeches
Color Tip:
- Dark flies = cloudy days
- Light flies = sunny days
Gear Recommendations
- Rod: 9’ 5-weight
- Backup: 3–4 weight for dries
- Tippet: 4X–7X
- Leaders: 9–12 ft (nymph), 12+ ft (dry)
Streamer Setup:
- 6–8 weight rod
- Sink-tip line
- 20–30 lb shock tippet
Tactical Strategy
Morning (Before 10 AM)
- Deep nymphing
- Focus on seams and tailouts
Midday (10 AM – 2 PM)
- Transition to emergers
- Watch for risers
Afternoon (2–4 PM)
- Prime BWO hatch
Evening
- Streamer fishing
General Tips
- Mend frequently
- Avoid casting shadows
- Use long leaders and light tippet
- Expect moss during initial flow increases
Regulations Reminder
- Verify Utah/Wyoming regulations
- Check licensing requirements
- Follow spawning area protections
Week-Ahead Outlook
| Category | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Flows | Stable ~850–870 CFS; possible increase late week |
| Temps | 42–46°F |
| Fishing | Excellent |
| Weather | Cool mornings, mild afternoons |
| Rafting | Ideal, slightly pushier if flows rise |
Bottom Line
Get on the water this week.
Conditions are stable and fishing is outstanding.
Once flows increase, the river will change significantly for the season.
This is a prime window before transition.
Sources:
Bureau of Reclamation, CBRFC, Spinner Fall Guide Service, Orvis, Fly Fish Food, Dutch John Resort