GREEN RIVER — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has lifted the voluntary catch and release fishing closure for the Green River between Fontenelle Reservoir and Flaming Gorge Reservoir, effective immediately.

Game and Fish staff have monitored stream conditions since announcing the voluntary closure. Recent cooler weather has lowered water temperatures across the Green River region, and forecasts indicate a continuing cooling trend, easing immediate stress on local trout populations.

“We truly appreciate anglers’ desire to follow best fishing practices and regulatory guidance to help this treasured fishery through very stressful water conditions,” said John Walrath, Green River Region Fisheries Supervisor.

Responsible Angling Reminders

While conditions have improved, water temperatures will continue to fluctuate. Game and Fish reminds anglers to remain mindful of water temperatures throughout the remainder of the summer and fall:

• Check Water Temps: Carry a pocket stream thermometer. If stream temperatures begin approaching 70°F, anglers should pause catch-and-release fishing for the day.
• Land Them Fast: Minimize fight time to prevent fish exhaustion.
• Keep 'Em Wet: Keep fish submerged in the water while removing hooks, ideally using barbless hooks.
• Stay Updated: Visit the Fishing in the Heat webpage for tips on protecting trout in warm weather and statewide voluntary closures.

Annual fishing closure reminders:

Game and Fish is dedicated to sustaining our diverse aquatic ecosystems. To that end, annual fishing closures are in place to protect spawning fish species in Flaming Gorge Reservoir and the Green River below Fontenelle Dam. 

Flaming Gorge Reservoir

Sep. 10 - Nov. 30: Release all kokanee into the water immediately. This closure aims to protect shoreline kokanee spawning. Shoreline spawning kokanee are crucial for maintaining and recovering the kokanee population in Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Research indicates these spawning fish constitute a significant portion of the kokanee population, ranging from 50-80% depending on the year. Natural recruitment, maintaining stocking rates and reducing predation are essential for sustaining our amazing kokanee fishery. 

“While it's not illegal to fish Flaming Gorge for kokanee during the fall, anglers are required to release them immediately. Kokanee put all their energy into spawning and die soon after. Angling for kokanee during this time period can cause premature mortality, denying those fish the opportunity to reproduce and contribute to the next generation of fish,” Walrath said.

Second Saturday in December: Linwood Bay is closed to nighttime angling. This regulation, mandated by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, protects spawning trophy lake trout, prevents illegal snagging, and encourages boater safety.

Fishing closure on the Green River:

Oct. 1– Dec. 31: The Green River from Fontenelle Dam downstream approximately 1 mile to the U.S. Geological gauge station (cable crossing) at the Weeping Rocks campground is closed to fishing. This closure helps protect fall spawning fish like brown trout, which are a self-sustaining population in the Green River.

For more information about these fishing closures and regulations, visit the Flaming Gorge Management page or contact the Green River regional office at 307-875-3223. If you have questions about the Linwood Bay closure, contact the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Vernal, Utah office at 435-781-9453.