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Summary
........This section of the Green flowing from Fontenelle Reservoir through the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge has yet to be found by the angling hoards. This will not last as rumors about the improving fishing are spreading quickly.
........The best of the fishing lasts from July through October. If you can endure the cold, good fishing with streamers continues into November.
........For the waters within the Seedskadee Wildlife Refuge, only four outfitter permits are issued. Bennie Johnson of Highland Desert Flies holds one of these permits and is acknowledged as the most proficient guide on the river. He is tireless with a good sense of humor. If you are not comfortable with fishing from early morning to dusk, be sure to make him aware of this.
........He'll fish you until you say quit. He may appear to be little rough around the edges, but Bennie aims to please. A big plus when fishing with Bennie is that he provides all flies as part of the fee. He is in the process of training some guides to work with him.
........If you prefer to fish on your own, the river is rated Class I for drifting. We encountered no rapids, but anglers unfamiliar with the river should make inquiries before launching to make a drift.
........Wyoming Fishing Licenses for non-residents cost $5/one-day, $20/five days and $30/ten days. A season Nonresident Fishing License is $50. The Green River from Sweetwater County Road 8 (4.5 miles below Fontenelle Dam) to the confluence of Big Sandy River is restricted to the use of artificial flies or lures only. The limit is one-trout per day, which must measure more than twenty inches.
Chris and Bennie with a nice rainbow before release. In the Seedskadee Wildlife Area where we fished, only one trout per day can be kept and it must measure more than twenty inches.
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Bennie nets a good size cutthroat for Chris. The fish took a dry after being approached by wading.
Restaurants and accommodations can be found in the towns of La Barge on Highway 189 north of Fontenelle Reservoir, Green River off Interstate 80 and at Rock Springs, which is located about twelve miles east of Green River. Rock Springs is the largest city in Sweetwater County and has a commercial airport.
Below are listed some of the businesses close to the fishing with which we had first-hand experience. For a more complete list of services free upon request, contact the Green River Chamber of Commerce, 1450 Unita Drive, Green River, WY 82935 (307/875-5711) and Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce, 1987 Dewar Drive, Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307/362-3771).
Campgrounds are located below Fontenelle Dam and at Slate Creek about four and one half miles downstream. Bring your own drinking water.
Highland Desert Flies, Bennie and Connie Johnson, 1700 Wilson #39, Green River, WY 82935 (307/875-2358), is the only fly shop in the area. Many of the flies are tied by Bennie especially for this particular section of the Green River. Guide rates are $350/day, which includes lunch, beverages and flies. To be successful, anglers must be able to cast with a high degree of accuracy, sometimes in windy conditions. This fishing is not for beginners. Reservations in advance are strongly suggested, particularly if you want to fish with Bennie. A shuttle from the airport in Rock Springs can be arranged for $25.
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