All fishing is done from our fourteen-foot, low-profile drift boats, which our highly-trained guides prefer for navigating the often narrow and brushy streams, and which give the anglers more intimate contact with the river environment. Our boats offer swivel seats fore and aft, and roomy storage compartments for safely stowing your gear. Although our rivers have no real white-water, their small size make them a challenge to row and our experienced guides work hard behind the oars to get their clients to the best places for the fish. Trips are available for sections on both the Green River and the New Fork River.
The New Fork River
The New Fork River starts high in the Wind River Range as a glacial stream before flowing into the New Fork Lakes, just north of Pinedale. From the lakes it flows as a small stream down the Green River Valley and behind the town of Pinedale. While it widens after merging with Duck Creek, it is still a small, brushy stream at our first put-in site. Lots of willows, undercut banks, and sharp turns provide an excellent habitat for German Brown Trout.
The Green River
The very same Green River that joins the Colorado River to form the Grand Canyon after passing through Flaming Gorge Canyon gets its start as a small glacial stream in the Wind River Mountains. Like the New Fork River, it dumps from the glaciers into a pair of large lakes in the northern region of the Winds and emerges suddenly as a fast-flowing, freestone river with a deep emerald color which appropriately gives the Green its name. As it flows through the valley, it widens, slows and begins to wind its way south. The good bank structure provides holding ground for wild Brown Trout, while the freestone qualities created at the headwaters hold a strong population of hard-fighting Rainbow Trout.
The Green River offers exciting fishing to any type of angler, from beginner to advanced, and whether you are a fly or spin fisherman. Trophy browns and rainbows can surprise experienced anglers who work hard on the Green, but you certainly don't have to be an expert to catch fish in this area, and our guides are happy to help you have a successful day. We float a few different sections on the Green River, and while the floats generally are not as long as a day can be on the New Fork River, anglers should plan on being on the river for most of the day.
Lessons
Our accomplished staff at the Great Outdoor Shop can also arrange for fly fishing lessons, whether you are a beginner who has never held a fly rod, or if you are someone who just wants to finesse their techniques. All equipment necessary will be provided while we take you to calm and forgiving waters to make the learning fun. As well as learning to cast, you will be given a background lesson on the history of fly fishing as well as tips specific to this area, in order to give you the best possible understanding of our fishing environments. The lengths of the lessons are flexible and will depend on your comfort and progress with casting.
Equipment
The Great Outdoor Shop is happy to provide all transportation from Pinedale, and our guides will provide lunch and beverages for each member in their party. Guides will recommend five-to-seven-weight rods for the trips (rental equipment is available if needed) and are more than glad to help you pick out the best local flies for the time of year and place you will be fishing, and can also help with leaders or other necessary equipment to assure you fully enjoy your day on the river. We also recommend polarized sunglasses, a hat, lots of sunscreen and insect repellant, and rain gear just in case. As an added bonus, we also sell Wyoming State fishing licenses for both residents and non-residents, to make your fishing experience even easier.
To schedule a float trip, fill out the form below: