Often overlooked, sometimes ridiculed, but never forgotten. The Green is one of the largest drainages in the West, and hundreds of miles of it grow large trout, along with some of its tributaries. I'm smitten by Idaho and Montana, all their beauty and tradition, and their favorable stream access laws. The fishing in western Wyoming and northern Utah is just as good in some places though. I have two within 90 miles of the house, and one that is half that. Warm, sunny fall weather hangs on, so I take the week to soak it in while I can. Three days on the lower start it off.
The Utah tailwater now flows at bare minimum during the day, 820 cfs, with a surge at night for power. I get to the river around 10:30ish, just an hour's drive over the mountain. Up the trail 1/2 mile or so leads to some good water to blind fish a hopper or flying ant to the banks and the slower water. The blue wings start around noon and go for two to three hours. I park in a wide riffle or work up a rocky bank and stay engaged with some rising fish. There's a few good ones in the mix, even though it never boils. Just enough fish in just the right spots. It's always productive with as many fish as it holds. The challenge is targeting the nice ones, in skinny water, where they're skittish.
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This is what power generation does, but at least its low and stable during fishing hours, and constant from day to day. |
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Fall with some summer-like feel, without the crowds. |
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These scum holes always hold fish, but they get a bad rap as "scum suckers." Perhaps deservedly. |
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They like this one. |
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Gotta love it. |
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This is a good pre-hatch prospector along the banks. Yes, a hopper in late October! |
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Rainbows too. |
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The ole "splash down" channel is too low to hold fish. (you had to be there!) |
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This thing works both pre-hatch and during the hatch. They just come up for it! |
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These make missing the Beaverhead in October a little less painful. |
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Just enough bwo's. |
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The winner for the bwo's. |
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Just enough of these Colorado River Cutts to get that silly "slam" thing every day. |
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Ate the hopper on the bank! |