Cutthroat Chapter - Green River Trip Apr 10-14 2010 (updated January 31, 2010 )

Depart Saturday, April 10th, for Flaming Gorge, UT (driving time is approximately 6 1/2 hrs).  We have Saturday night, and Sunday thru Wednesday available for fishing and plan to return to Denver either Tuesday or Wednesday.  Fishing pressure/river traffic should be moderate on Sunday and less on Monday and Tuesday - crowds begin building back up on Wednesday.

The Green River in UT is a tailwater fishery that flows from the Flaming Gorge Dam and is fishable (wade or float) for approximately 16+ miles.  The dam is special in the way the penstocks or gates at the mid level mix water from the bottom level to maintain a consistent temperature of released water, which is why the fish are so well known.  The Green is a large river with fluctuations of water flow throughout the year. The dam is a hydroelectric plant which provides power needs for western states.  While these flows can fluctuate up to 5000 cfs, during this trip our flows should remain 800 to 1200 cfs.  At this time of year you may very well be able to wade across the river at Little Hole, the lower area of section A.

The river has two stretches - sections A and B.  Section A is the most popular and the most accessible.  It is a 7-mile stretch of water from the Dam to Little Hole.  With boat ramps at both ends of section A, access to the river is good and it also has a 7 mile foot trail on the east side for its length.  From Little Hole you can access the upper B section for a mile or two if you are comfortable with hiking.  Section A is very floatable with several rapids, all less than or equal to class III at these lower flows.  The most popular fishing method is to float the river by drift boat and there are several boat rental and guide services available through the Flaming Gorge Lodge, Trout Creek Flies and several independents.  Several of us will float by personal pontoon boat or raft as well as hike up and/or down from both access points.

Section B is accessible from the Little Hole parking lot via a short hike to the other side of the ridge.  Less pressure exists down stream.  To float section B, the river will take you 9 miles downstream to Indian Crossing in Browns Park where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid are rumored to have hid.  Section B has one large rapid that we recommend portage around – the Red Creek Rapid.  The B section has overnight camping sites that require registration with the forest management.

In addition to commercial lodging facilities there are several Forest Service camp sites suitable for RV's, however there will be no power or water at this time of year -  probably only two of these sites will be open.  Contact the Forest service for specifics.

Services, including a gas station and grocery store, are available at both Flaming Gorge Lodge and Trout Creek Flies.  Both shops provide all kinds of fishing gear, boat rentals and guide services.

Jim Schmidt has reserved the "Dormitory" (sleeps 6-8) at Flaming Gorge Lodge plus 1 condo (sleep 3-4) as a backup. He will be managing the reservations of members and matching up the lodging units as needed.  Please contact Jim (303) 978-0075 or jasden@aol.com to make reservations before April 1st. In addition a release of liability is required for all participants. Please include the Liability Release Form with your $75 reservation deposit and send both to Jim Schmidt at 8194 W. Otero Ave, Littleton 80128 - call for more information.

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