........One of the graphics we use in "The Inside Angler" shows what anglers can expect to catch at each reported location. We try to take into account many factors and then display conservative figures. Many subscribers have reported catches far greater than what we consider optimum results. This possibility always exists when fishing under the best of conditions combined with a high skill level. If fishing results fall into the minimum category, it can probably be attributed to the presence of negative factors beyond anyone's control.
........We come face to face with poor conditions periodically and this was the case two years ago on the Green River downstream of Fontenelle Reservoir in Wyoming. This section of the river is not to be confused with the Green flowing downstream of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, one the most prolific trout streams in the West. During the time of our visit, the winds were blowing so strong that our boat was actually being blown upstream against the current. Our guide had to hike back to the highway and hitch a ride to retrieve his rig. Luckily, the place where our drift ended was easily reached by a dirt road.
........Chris and I returned last year in July to the Green River below Fontenelle Reservoir and experienced fishing at the opposite end of the scale from the year before. Not only did we have three days of near perfect weather, but I believe we were in the care of the best guide on this section of the Green River. We had heard from anglers, including some of our subscribers, that this section of the Green was worth fishing. We now know first hand that it is. But there is some risk to the fishing in regards to the weather, especially the wind. It can be dead calm one day and howling the next.
........Last year at the International Sportsmen's Exposition in San Mateo, Chris and I met Bennie Johnson of Highland Desert Flies, a fly shop in Green River, Wyoming. He had a booth at the show with some photographs of impressive trout taken on the Green below Fontenelle. Bennie was confident he could show us good fishing without a lot of competition from other anglers.
........Chris and I arrived late in the evening on Thursday, July 31, at the town of Green River. We spent the night in our van conversion at Tex's Travel Camp, an RV park at the west end of town. Bennie came by to visit after his guide trip that day. He said he would be back at 6:30 in the morning to pick us up. The Green River flowed right by the RV park where we stayed. At dusk as we sat on the picnic bench at our site, we saw a few trout rise. The fish appeared small and we didn't fish.