The Whirlpool Canyon section of the Green is one of the most popular commercially rafted rivers in North America. Large groups occupy campsites at the junction during the spring and summer. The creek’s bottom section and large open holes at the mouth are fished heavily by rafters. But few venture more than a mile upstream.

The creek can also be approached on foot from the trailhead at the Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery. This is well-maintained trail is a gentle four-mile descent toward the Green River and a vertical drop of only 600 feet. Along the way are enormous overhanging sandstone cliffs, outstanding pictograph panels and abundant mountain sheep and deer that are nearly oblivious of your presence.

About two miles down the trail, the Ely Creek tributary flows in from the west. Near the junction are two campsites with tables. Permits are required for their use, and no fires are allowed. Fish include brown trout that were probably introduced around the turn of the century, and rainbows that escape from the hatchery.

EARLY-SEASON EXCELLENCE
Early-season fishing on the creek can be excellent. The paved road to the trailhead is usually open in March. But to get there, you have to cross Diamond Mountain at over 8,000 feet. The road is plowed regularly, but fast-moving spring storms can close it temporarily. Early-season fish are hungry and less selective. Still, the best strategy is to match the hatch, which varies depending on temperatures.

Local experts report success in the early season with caddis larvae, wooly worms, egg patterns and lures. Raft trips don’t begin until the end of April, so a trip down the canyon now gives you water that hasn’t had any pressure for several months.

As is our habit, David and I walked for 20 minutes before fishing the creek. This was difficult, passing up one attractive hole after another, but we knew we needed to get away from the fishing pressure from below.

Finally, we jumped in. Recalling our earlier failure, I began rolling rocks right away.

“Dad!” said Dave, “Look at your hat.”

Five No. 16 dark brown caddis flies were sitting on the brim, and another half-dozen in the air. I tied on a pattern to match. Six casts later, a 12-inch, fat rainbow lay in the net.

“See ya, Dad,” said Dave over his shoulder. He headed upstream and disappeared into the brush.

Two hours later, we met at the Ely Creek junction, shared fish stories and a granola bar.

Jones Hole also has quite a history. A rock shelter in the canyon, excavated in 1965, records occupation by 14 different Native American cultures over the past 7,000 years. Rock art along the trail was painted by the Fremont Indians between 1,000 and 1,200 A.D. The first European to visit the creek was John Wesley Powell. During his expedition down the Green in 1869, he named it for his photographer.

Nowadays, strict restrictions apply, so keep handy a copy of the Utah Fishing Proclamation. Only artificial flies and lures are allowed. You may keep only one brown trout, and it must be longer than 16 inches.