The Utah DWR has released 3 more river otters on the middle section of the Provo River, with the stated goal of establishing a population of 25-30 otters on the section. Also recently, the DWR said that overpopulation of trout is stunting the growth of the the trout population on that stretch of the river (KSL 5 TV).  Perhaps this is an attempt to reduce the trout population.  Interestingly, the DWR reported the same stunting of growth on the Green River which already has a steady population of otters, so perhaps they may not be the answer, or at least not the complete answer. I don’t really have anything against otters and have spent time enjoying watching them in the past on the Green River.  In fact one time I was guiding my cousin on the Green and we had stopped to land a fish.  I mentioned to him as we sat that there were otters on the river and maybe we would see them. I stood up to pull my anchor and to my surprise a whole family of otters were standing on a rock near the boat watching us.  Pretty funny.

The Green River in Utah

The Green River Outfitter and Guides Association is seeking help with a survey from anglers who have fished the Green at any time in the last few years.  The survey is a fast one but can provide them with information that they will use to hopefully improve the angling experience for all those who enjoy the river.  Take a moment and fill out the survey.  Thanks.

Green River Survey

Pete between the oars

I recently got in touch with my old boss from my guiding days, Pete.  He and my favorite local outdoor news writer Brett Prettyman took a marathon day trip to the Green River on Tuesday 4/13 and floated the B Section.  Sounds like amidst the snow and sun breaks they had a great time fishing.  Read more about it here.

They floated with one of the Green River originals, Emmett Heath who has recently returned to work for Western Rivers Flyfisher in Salt Lake City.  My favorite Emmett story, which I understand is supported by video evidence, is also from the B section of the river.  The story goes that he was taking a crew from Fly Fisherman magazine down the river for a video they were shooting.  They filmed him as he made his way through the most technical rapid on the fishing sections of the river, Red Creek Rapid.  Usually in low water guides choose to have clients walk around the rapid as there is a fairly high chance of a mishap in the rocky rapid.  On this occasion, however, he had the woman who hosted the show float through with him.  Apparently just as they entered the chute where you “drop” into the rapid, his oarlock malfunctioned and pulled out leaving him with only one working oar.  Somehow he had the cool to get through the rest of the rapid and get them both safely through.  It would be cool to see the video of that.  I wonder if it is out on YouTube somewhere.  I would have had to change my shorts after that for sure!

Me and a brown trout

I recently had a chance to float the Green River in Eastern Utah with a couple of old friends Andrew and Kevin.  We had a great time.  We floated the A section from the dam down to Little Hole in a drift boat we rented from the local lodge.  The weather was incredibly snowy, but we carried on undaunted.  The day started a little late as we were recovering from our late-night drive to the lodge which included plenty of snow, an encounter with pajama clad vixens in the Mountain View, Wyoming Maverick gas station, and a VERY near miss with a bounding deer (actually she brushed up against the car, but there was no real contact).

Kevin and a brown trout

After hearty breakfast at the lodge, we headed off to the river.  We started the day with some deep nymphing, but found that to be a little slow, mostly I think this was due to not finding the right depth and feeding lanes.  Within an hour of getting on the water however, we found ourselves in the midst of the biggest midge hatch I have ever seen.  They were on the water in droves and everywhere you looked there dozens of fish up and feeding actively on the surface.  We pulled over to make some rigging adjustments and I got out to wade fish.  I had two beautiful browns in a matter of moments interestingly enough they were both caught on my olive compar-a-merger  pattern which let me know that the BWO were also getting … Continue Reading

Brett Prettyman has just posted part two of the video of his recent trip to the Green River in eastern Utah.  Another great video.  I made a trip to the Green during the week and had a great time.  I will be posting that report later.  For now enjoy the video below.

The Green River in Utah

I have an opportunity next week to go float the Green River with some friends and I couldn’t be more stoked.  These recent posts about the Green have had me thinking and then out of the blue some old friends emailed to invite me to fish with them.  I have started tying bugs including some foamergers and compar-a-mergers and am hoping to get a few chubby muffins in the box.  I should be set to go there. Should be a great trip!

I didn’t realize that the previous story I linked to Fishing: Flying on the Green, also had a companion video, which I have posted below (thanks for the tip Brett).  This is a perfect example of why I love the Green.  Around the 8:00 minute mark prepare to have your mind blown with an underwater shot of the river showing the great numbers of trout for which the Green River is famous and they aren’t tiny.  Unbelievable.  I need to get there soon!

(Click on the resolution setting in the player to watch in HD)

• Green River fishing story and video
• Fishing: Flying on the Green (via Salt Lake Tribune)

Green River brown trout munching a streamer (Francisco Kjolseth / The Salt Lake Tribune )

Brett Prettyman does it again.  This time he gives a great write up of a recent trip to the Green River in Eastern Utah. The Green is a special river and is packed with healthy trout that are usually pretty willing to oblige an angler. I spent 3 seasons guiding on the Green and had an absolute ball while doing.  There are fewer trout fishing destinations more spectacular with the deep red rock gorge.  If you haven’t been before or recently, make plans to get there.  I recommend Spinner Fall guides for your trip.

UPDATED: Oops! I forgot to link to the story.
Fishing: Flying on the Green (via Salt Lake Tribune)