I want to thank Kory_K, of Flies and Fins for his help and advice on fly selections for the Green River in Utah. He was right on the money with his advice, flies to use and how to fish them. Thanks again Kory! I had heard stories of Utah’s famous Green River and although I have fished in the western parts of the USA, this would be my first trip to the Green River. I was not ready for what I saw and felt drifting down this gin clear river cutting it’s waythrough gorgeous canyons with high red walls. The trout swirled, sipped and swamaround the drift boat in numbers unfathomable to me. Dan andhis brother drifted us down approx. 7 miles of this untiring river withnew scenery and challenges around each bend. We all caught somebeautiful fish. Brown trout with bright bronze tints and rainbow trout withcolors much more pronounced than I expected.For the next few days I spent a lot of time wading the shores of thisquiet, serene and trout filled river. I tied on a yellow stone fly, for no reason other than it would sink. Immediately I hooked a respectable and beautiful rainbow trout. I played the fish for 3 minutes before what looked like a logcame up from the bottom of the river and swallowed him! This was a Brown Trout ofepic proportion and plenty of fight. He soon tired of me and my 5xtippet and took his prize and just left! This is the fish I will be going backfor and I know he will be waiting in that small run. Next time we will see how he likes3x tippet and a big streamer fly.This was a great trip, especially for a March fly fishing trip. Daytime temperatures were 60 – 70 degreesunder bright blue skies for the days I spent on the water.This was a great fly fishing trip from a fly fishingperspective and from a personal enrichment perspective. The fundamentalpurpose for me being on this trip was to become more familiar with theRivers Of Recovery program. Being a veteran myself and having spent myentire career working with and helping veterans .. I have really come tobelieve in this program and look forward to becoming more involved withthe program and doing my part to help the program develop, continue togrow and provide self awareness and support to veterans. I would also like to bring attention to the “Heart of America” 3700 mile rowing trip through the heart of America. If you have a moment, check out Rivers Of Recovery. Thanks.
Greg,
Awesome! Glad the trip worked out for you and you got a chance to experience the Green River. I have fished it with jason-c and it was, as you say, a spectacular place! It’s one of those rivers that I think everyone should fish at least once in their life. The shear amount of trout is amazing and the environmental aesthetics and clear water enhance the total experience. I was equally blown away when I walked the banks and saw virtually endless amounts of trout. I do recall seeing some absolutely monsterous Brown Trout while I was there. I could not get them to take my flies .. but it seems you raised one of them with a small rainbow trout! Now that I know this, next time I go, I will try some big streamers for sure and see if I have any luck! Also, its so great that you have been able to find a way to synchronize your passion for fly fishing with your knowledge, expertise and career of helping disabled veterans. A total win-win situation for you and the veterans you work with. I would imagine that you will find many ways to use fly fishing to enhance the mental and physical recovery process. Good luck to you and every veteran out there – may you all have many peaceful and “lucky” days on the water!
PS. Do you mind sharing some of the flies that Kory Recommended for your trip? I’d like to be sure to bring some of those on my next trip out west. Thanks.
Greg,
So glad your trip went well. I was happy to help you out, looks like my advice didn’t lead you astray. That story reminds me of a story I put up on flies and fins a long time ago about a similar scenario. fliesandfins.com/article303 When I was guiding on the River full time, I would see things like this fairly frequently. It was especially crazy when they would plant the river. They planted 6-8″ rainbows which are perfect meal size for 18″ and bigger browns. It was insane what you would see go down. Browns beaching themselves trying to get the rainbows, rainbows beaching themselves trying to escape, rainbows exploding out of the water being pursued…it was like the stuff you see in saltwater! There were guys that would come out specifically to fish the “rainbow trout hatch” and they would catch some true trophies. The streamers had to be perfect matches for the rainbows though and you had to really make the fly come alive or they wouldn’t eat it.
Anyway, I am really glad your trip went so well and that is some awesome work that you are doing, thanks for all you do and thanks for sharing!
Hey Greg, beautiful looking fish, great color! So perhaps Kory you can give me some tips for my upcoming trip to the British Virgin Islands. I am a total virgin to this sport and if I don’t wrap the line around my neck, the mast of the boat or snag my daughter with the hook I figure I will be in good shape. I will take some video of my first attempt at this sport, it will be worth alot of laughs!
Beautiful fish Greg! Sounds like you had a great time. I have always wanted to fish the Green. After reading your report, looks like I should go sooner than later!
Greg, that must of been a beautiful trip with Dan K, I would love to fish the Green River it must of been awesome to see the big brown attack and hold on for an eight course meal dished right up on plate to him. I wouldn’t let go either. Rivers of Recovery is really incredible program and we send our the best to Dan T Cook on his journey for a great cause.
Nice story greg, glad the green treated you well. It must have been quite a show to see that brown come from the depths and chow on that rainbow. You’ll get him next time.
what a great looking rainbow. I would love to fish the Green at some point. Keep up the good work Greg!