Flaming Gorge Dam & Green River – Fishing and Water Flow Report

Prepared for: Dutch John Resort
Report Date: April 20, 2026

Report Overview

This report covers conditions for the week of April 20–27, 2026, on the Green River tailwater below Flaming Gorge Dam and Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

Included in this report:

Current hydrology data
Water temperatures
Fishing conditions across all three sections
Rafting conditions
Guide recommendations

Important Note:
This is a critical week. The Bureau of Reclamation has announced an emergency water release of 660,000 to 1,000,000 acre-feet from Flaming Gorge to Lake Powell over the next 12 months. Releases could begin ramping up in late April or early May 2026.

Hydrology & Dam Operations

As of April 17, 2026:

Reservoir Elevation: 6,022.77 ft (17.21 ft below full pool)
Live Storage: 82% (~3,005,146 acre-feet)
Total Capacity: 79.33% full
Current Release: ~830–870 CFS (stable)
Inflow (past 10 days): 187–1,630 CFS

Water Year 2026:

Total Inflows: 332,516 AF (74% of average)
Total Releases: 307,127 AF
Net Storage Gain: +7,263 AF

Water Temperatures

Dam / Section A: 44–46°F
Mid-River: 42–46°F
Section C: 46–48°F (estimated)

Trend:
Cold water overall. Morning temps in the high 30s, warming into the mid-40s.

Forecast:
Temperatures expected to remain consistent this week.
Possible slight drop if releases increase.

Flow Forecast & Emergency Advisory

⚠ Critical Advisory – Bureau of Reclamation

Current flows: ~850–870 CFS (stable)
Forecast (April 18): 870 CFS regulated flow
Expected increase: ~1,600 CFS by early May

Week Outlook:

Likely stable early in the week
Possible ramp-up toward the end

Snowpack & Inflow Conditions

Upper basin snowpack: 51% of normal
Lower basin snowpack: 31% of normal

Forecasted Inflows:

April: 95,000 AF (76% avg)
May: 100,000 AF (40% avg)
June: 210,000 AF (54% avg)

Colorado River System Storage:
36% capacity

Projection:
Flaming Gorge could drop up to 35 feet if full release occurs.

Upcoming Meeting

Flaming Gorge Working Group Meeting
April 21, 2026 — 12:00 PM MT
Vernal, Utah

This meeting may clarify release timing and flow changes.

River Sections Breakdown

Section A — Dam to Little Hole

Distance: ~7 miles
Float Time: 3–4 hours
Conditions: Excellent
Flow: ~850 CFS
Water Temp: 44–46°F

Fish Density: Up to 20,000 fish per mile

Fishing Window

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Hatch Activity

Midges: ~10:00 AM
BWOs: Noon–2:00 PM
Terrestrials: Sunny days

Best Tactics

Deep nymphing (primary)
Transition to BWO dries in afternoon
Euro/indicator nymphing
Light streamer action early/late

Guide Insight:
Nymphing is exceptionally strong. Moss present — expect temporary decline if flows increase.

Section B — Little Hole to Indian Crossing

Distance: ~8 miles
Float Time: 4–5 hours
Conditions: Good to Excellent
Water Temp: 42–46°F

Hatch Activity

Midges: Morning
BWOs: Noon–2 PM
Terrestrials: Active on sunny days

Best Tactics

Indicator nymphing
Soft hackle swings
Dry fly opportunities with risers

Hazard

Red Creek Rapid (Class III)
Scout before running. Conditions vary daily.

Section C — Indian Crossing to Swallow Canyon

Distance: ~13 miles
Float Time: 5–6 hours
Conditions: Fair to Good
Water Temp: 46–48°F

Characteristics

Wider, slower, braided channels
Spooky fish at low flows
Remote, scenic environment

Best Tactics

Streamers (primary)
Dry-dropper rigs
Fish early morning / evening

Recommendation

Take out at Swallow Canyon — downstream fishing quality declines.

Rafting & Float Conditions

Section A

Class I–II
Beginner-friendly
Ideal for fishing floats

Section B

Class I–II+
Slightly technical
Red Creek Rapid (Class III)

Section C

Class I–II
Relaxed floating
Shallow areas possible

Safety Notes

Water temps: 42–46°F (very cold)
Wear PFD
Prepare for hypothermia risk
Expect stronger currents if flows increase

Fishing Recommendations

Dry Flies

BWO patterns (#18–20)
Griffith’s Gnat (#20)
CDC emergers
Ants & terrestrials

Nymphs

Zebra Midge (#18–24)
Pheasant Tail (#16–20)
Frenchie (#16–18)
Jig nymphs

Streamers

Woolly Bugger (#6–8)
Sculpin patterns
Articulated leeches

Color Tip:

Dark flies = cloudy days
Light flies = sunny days

Gear Recommendations

Rod: 9’ 5-weight
Backup: 3–4 weight for dries
Tippet: 4X–7X
Leaders: 9–12 ft (nymph), 12+ ft (dry)

Streamer Setup:

6–8 weight rod
Sink-tip line
20–30 lb shock tippet

Tactical Strategy

Morning (Before 10 AM)

Deep nymphing
Focus on seams and tailouts

Midday (10 AM – 2 PM)

Transition to emergers
Watch for risers

Afternoon (2–4 PM)

Prime BWO hatch

Evening

Streamer fishing

General Tips

Mend frequently
Avoid casting shadows
Use long leaders and light tippet
Expect moss during initial flow increases

Regulations Reminder

Verify Utah/Wyoming regulations
Check licensing requirements
Follow spawning area protections

Week-Ahead Outlook

Category	Forecast
Flows	Stable ~850–870 CFS; possible increase late week
Temps	42–46°F
Fishing	Excellent
Weather	Cool mornings, mild afternoons
Rafting	Ideal, slightly pushier if flows rise

Bottom Line

Get on the water this week.

Conditions are stable and fishing is outstanding.
Once flows increase, the river will change significantly for the season.

This is a prime window before transition.

Sources:
Bureau of Reclamation, CBRFC, Spinner Fall Guide Service, Orvis, Fly Fish Food, Dutch John Resort