Episode 171 of the Destination Angler Podcast– May 21, 2026
Our destination is the Green River below Fontenelle Dam — perhaps the last major undiscovered trophy trout stream in the lower 48 states.
Tucked inside the Seedskiddie National Wildlife Refuge in the middle of Wyoming's Red Desert, this high desert tailwater is a lush ribbon of life most traveling anglers have never heard of — and that's exactly the point. Today we sit down with Van Beacham, fourth-generation fly fisherman, author of Fly Fisher's Guide to New Mexico, and owner of The Solitary Angler, who has been quietly fishing and guiding this river since the 1980s.
With huge biomass and 18"+ rainbows and browns as the standard, this is a trophy fishery — not a numbers river. Van breaks down why it stays uncrowded, what it takes to unlock the river's big fish, and why the solitude here rivals anything in the American West.
In this episode:
Why the Green River below Fontenelle Dam is the lower 48's best-kept secret
Fish species: rainbows, browns, Bonneville and Snake River cutthroats
The nymphing rig Van relies on — crayfish pattern, San Juan worm, and small mayflies
Managing the notorious weed problem in July and August
How Van built The Solitary Angler's private-water club model on Hams Fork, Smiths Fork, and Fontenelle Creek
Wildlife: trumpeter swans, moose, bald eagles, and antelope in the Seedskiddie Refuge
The river's deep history — Oregon Trail, mountain man rendezvous, and Jim Bridger's Fort
Whether you're planning a Wyoming trip or just dreaming of uncrowded water with legitimate trophy fish, Van delivers the local knowledge you need before you go.
With host Steve Haigh | Destination Angler Podcast — THE podcast for anglers who travel.
Be the first to know about new episodes. Become a subscriber
Follow the show so you never miss a destination.
Contact Van: https://thesolitaryangler.com/ | 575-758-5653
Destination Angler Podcast:
Website | YouTube | Instagram & Facebook @DestinationAnglerPodcast
Please check out our Sponsors:
High N Dry Fishing
Where science and performance meet. Check out the full lineup of floatants, line dressings, and sighter waxes at www.highndryfishingproducts.com
Facebook @highndryfishingproducts Instagram @highndryfishing
Redd's Flies
Premium flies, tied with purpose. Redd's is a family-run company built around premium, hand-tied flies that actually hold up and flat-out catch fish, delivered to your doorstep in days, not weeks. A portion of every order goes directly to organizations protecting trout habitat and restoring rivers.
Use discount Code DESTINATION for a good deal on your next order
Facebook @ReddsFlies Instagram @ReddsFlies
TroutRoutes
The #1 Mapping Resource for Trout Anglers. Podcast listeners can try one month of TroutRoutes PRO for FREE by clicking the link in the episode description. Explore 50,000 trout streams with TroutRoutes today. Get 1 Month Free
Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes
Got Fishing
Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.
Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing
Comments & Suggestions: host, Steve Haigh, email
[email protected] Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Recorded Mar 26, 2026
España