Jackson Hole Fishing
Fishing A Way Of Life For Jackson Hole Real Estate Buyers
Call me crazy – well, call me strange – but I find that my flies often have a mind of their own. So I have found it fitting to attach a playful moniker to each one, in essence giving it life. From there I encourage the fly to go out there and get some.
My favorite, my friend, and often my source of encouragement and inspiration is Laddis, the #12 elk hair caddis fly. Laddis has dipped in nearly every Jackson Hole river, stream, lake, creek and pond. It has been hooked into more roots, branches, weeds, trees and, yes, trout than any fly I have ever owned. Laddis is retired now, but read on, and I’ll give you a tour of our favorite fishing holes.
Fishers, by nature, are an extremely territorial breed. With that said, I will do my best to lead you to the fish, without getting my butt whooped in the process.
The Great Snake River
The heart, the spirit, the almighty power of Jackson Hole, second only to the towering beauty of the Teton Range, is the great Snake River. Home of the revered native Snake River fine spotted cutthroat trout, the Snake is probably the best bet for a successful day of fishing. In order to meet success, however, the Snake should be fished properly. The Snake is fast water and very difficult to wade. The best way to fish it is in a boat. Local guides are both highly skilled and abundant. Yes, it’s expensive, but yes, it’s worth it.
If guide service is not in the budget or simply not your style, there are many places to access the Snake on foot. From Jackson, drive west on Wyoming Highway 22. After a few miles, you will reach the Wilson bridge. There are small parking areas and a boat put-in on the west side of the river. From there, you can fish up and down the river at your leisure. Look for seams (where two water currents meet), riffles and soft, calm pools.
Another essential element to fishing the Snake is fly selection. Mayflies, caddisflies and nymphs will score in the early part of the season. When August rolls around, the big boys come out to play – big trout and big bugs. Among the more popular insects are grasshoppers and giant stoneflies. Try Dave’s Hoppers, Yellow Stoneflies, Chernobyl Ants, Humpys, Double Humpys and Parachutes.
As you may know, Jackson Hole is known for skiing as well as for fishing. So it should come as no surprise that it takes a while for the snowpack to melt. Unfortunately, runoff makes for very poor fishing conditions. On average, the runoff lasts from early May to the middle of July. This does not mean you cannot catch fish; it just means you may have to leave the valley to do so.
The Henry’s Fork
Take the drive over Teton Pass and into Idaho (see a map for detailed instructions). The Henry’s Fork of the Snake River has been called the finest dry fly stream in the country. It is known best for its smooth currents, prolific insect hatches and large though selective trout. It is over 60 miles long, and there’s a stretch for everyone, beginners and experts alike.
The Henry’s Fork gets going early. In early June, while other rivers are clouded with runoff, the Henry’s Fork is in full swing. The Railroad Ranch and Box Canyon are the quintessence of Henry’s Fork fishing. The ranch is flatwater fishing, casting to large trout feeding on insect hatches. The famous green and brown drake hatches in June and July are not to be missed and will make the journey worth the effort. As with many rivers in the region, the Henry’s Fork fishes best in the early morning, trailing off a bit in the afternoon hours, and goes out with a bang in the late afternoon and early evening. Often, presentation is crucial, so make that first cast count.
Grand Teton National Park
There is some terrific fishing to be had in Grand Teton National Park. Start with the dam at Jackson Lake. Park on the top and follow the trail just below the dam. Gear up and start casting. You can wade from the banks for quite a while on both sides of the river.
Between the park’s many lakes, there are small feeder streams, such as the stretch between String Lake and Jenny Lake. Hiking trails usually run alongside these streams, providing easy access. Look for deep pools and soft eddys.
Another treasure in GTNP is Cottonwood Creek. It’s a long foot journey to where the creek meets the Snake, but it can be quite rewarding. Not to be forgotten is Oxbow Bend, just inside the North Park Entrance. When fishing in the park, watch out for bears! Pepper spray is a nice addition to your gear.
Flat Creek
Often called the most sacred waters in Jackson Hole, Flat Creek on the National Elk Refuge is open for fishing from August 1 through October 31. Pull out your bag of tricks, sharpen your skills, put on your thinking cap, grab your lucky charm, then sharpen your skills again – because Flat Creek will take everything you’ve got.
The real trick to Flat Creek is stealth. Be the bush. Be the weeds. Flat Creek is slow moving flatwater, and the abundant trout spook easily. Get on one knee and try to stay hidden. Cast softly: Presentation is everything on Flat Creek. Hit the bends, not the straights, and keep a safe distance between you and fellow fishers. Try using small bugs – comparaduns, thoraxes and pale morning duns. During the evening hours, it’s caddis time. Elk hair caddis and peacock caddis are choice. Hoppers are also a Flat Creek staple.
Streamside Philosophy
Sure, everyone’s an expert. From the most basic hook and lines, to “There’s nothing quite like the serene and utterly delicate presentation of a bamboo rod,” to “You want them trout yer best to be stickin’ that there net in the water an’ sayin’ yer prayers.” It takes all kinds. If you ask me, there’s too much science in fishing. You have got to be superstitious as hell. Think like a witch doctor. Fish don’t understand science, but they worship magic. Think about your flies. Make them look as natural as possible. Watch the bugs on the water and let your art imitate life.
For more information on fishing in Jackson Hole, visit Jackson Hole Traveler's webpage on Jackson Hole fishing. //
