Green River fishing report - Roe vs. Wade?

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Ryan Kelly, the Green River Fly Fisher, sent in this report. Enjoy...

If you've ever traveled through Big Piney, Wyo., they have a welcoming sign that states they are "The Icebox of North America." We are currently borrowing that title for a few days, well at least the icebox part. Here's the good news. The colder temps have finally spurred some fish to participate in their biological reproductive desires. One noticeable difference this year, compared to the past few years, has been a decline is visible spawning Rainbows. Several years ago the DWR introduced a fall spawning strain of Rainbows know as Irwin-Sandcreeks. These fish were viewed as the best strain of Rainbows that had ever been introduced into the river. The natural recruitment of Rainbows has always remained low, requiring stocking to subsidies desired Rainbow populations. For many anglers these Bows came with their mythical "pot of gold at the end of the rainbow" in the form of golden colored brown trout ready to engulf any stray eggs. Unfortunately, the Irwin-Sandacreek strain of Rainbow is no longer available and current strains have not shown the same resolve to thrive in the same way.

Much like a recent post pubescent human, infatuation is about to set in for the fish. This infatuation consists of laying eggs, fertilizing eggs, and eating eggs. Just like humans, this infatuation causes a loss of rational and reason. In the vernacular of my generation it becomes "stupid fishing." The term applies to both angler and fish at this time. Here are a few tips that will help both parties. Stay off of spawning beds while wading (they are white, where the fish have cleaned off the rocks). Return fish quickly to the water. If you want a pic to show that you are indeed having a good time, hold the fish gently. If you squeeze, the fish will squirm or sperm at this time of year. This results in a bad time for everyone. The term grip-n-grin should be replaced with something like coddle-n-content. Use heavier tippet. I always pick up free flies at this time of the year. When the fish are keyed in on eggs, light tippets are not required. The use of light tippet is detrimental to fish and fishermen. I've never met anyone who was excited about breaking off the big one.   Roe vs Wade! In the fishing world this is parodied to distinguish between wade fishing and fishing from a boat. This court case will forever be argued about the point in time when fetus becomes human. Anglers will forever argue about the point in time when it is appropriate to mimic a fish. No matter your opinion on when it's appropriate to fish an egg, fry, parr, smolt, or minnow, please be kind to others who don't share your same views. Fishing is about being in nature and having a good time. Everyone has a good time in a different way. Be respectful of those around you. In this case, it's not about life or death.