Jackson Hole, Wyoming Fly Fishing Guide

Quick Reference

What	When	Key Numbers
Snake River float fishing	July-October	1,500-3,000 CFS ideal; ~1,000 trout/mile
Jackson Lake Dam tailwater	Year-round	350-7,000 CFS; wade fishing, lake trout bonus
South Fork Snake (Idaho)	June-October	4,700+ trout/mile; 45 min from Jackson
Flat Creek	Aug 1-Oct 31	Flies only; catch-and-release cutthroat
Guided trips	Book March for July	$650-850/day (1-2 anglers)
Fly shop	Snake River Angler	(307) 733-3699, Jackson

Overview

The Jackson Hole valley sits at the confluence of some of the finest cutthroat trout water in the Rocky Mountain West. The Snake River flows from Jackson Lake through Grand Teton National Park and into the Snake River Canyon, offering everything from technical dry fly fishing to family-friendly floats with the Tetons as backdrop.

What makes this area exceptional: it's one of the last strongholds of the Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout, a subspecies found nowhere else. These fish are marked by spots smaller than any other western trout—a sprinkling of pepper across their flanks—and they're absolute dry fly eating machines. Wyoming Game and Fish surveys consistently show around 1,000 trout per mile in the main Snake, with fish averaging 12-16 inches and occasional specimens reaching 20+ inches.

Beyond the main Snake, Jackson serves as a hub for exceptional fishing within an hour's drive: the South Fork of the Snake in Idaho (over 4,700 trout per mile—some of the highest densities in North America), technical spring creeks like Flat Creek, and smaller tributaries like the Gros Ventre and Hoback that fish well when the main river runs high.

Important: Cell service is limited throughout Grand Teton National Park and virtually nonexistent on the river between boat launches. Download offline maps before your trip and consider a satellite communicator (Garmin InReach) for emergencies. Coverage improves near Jackson Lake Lodge, Signal Mountain, and Moose, but don't count on making calls from your drift boat.

Flow Windows

The Snake River's character changes dramatically with seasonal flows. Check Wyoming river flows on RiverReports before planning your trip.

Flow (CFS)	Conditions
Under 500	Winter flows; slow fishing, target warmest hours
500-1,500	Prime wade fishing - clear water, accessible gravel bars
1,500-3,000	Ideal float fishing - good current, manageable speed
3,000-5,000	High but fishable from boat; experienced rowers only
Over 5,500	Runoff conditions; muddy, fast; fish tributaries instead

Runoff timing: Spring runoff typically begins in early May and peaks in early June. The Snake usually clears and fishes well by early July, though high snowpack years can push this into mid-July. By late September, flows often drop below 1,000 CFS, creating excellent wade fishing conditions.

Snake River Sections

Jackson Lake Dam to Pacific Creek (5 miles)

The most accessible and beginner-friendly section. Below the dam, the river flows slowly through a low-gradient stretch ideal for wading.

Character: Calm tailwater; stable cobble bottom; excellent bank access Best for: Beginners, wade fishing, targeting lake trout that move up from Jackson Lake Access: Parking at Jackson Lake Dam via inner park road from Moose entrance (24 miles north) Special note: This stretch stays fishable during runoff when the rest of the Snake is blown out

Regulations: Artificial flies and lures only from gauging station to Wilson Bridge. All cutthroat released November 1 - March 31.

Pacific Creek to Deadman's Bar (10 miles)

The river picks up speed and begins braiding. Swift current requires intermediate floating skills.

Character: Class I-II; braided channels; route-finding required Best for: Float fishing; experienced rowers Hazards: Strong currents push into side channels blocked by logjams

Deadman's Bar to Moose Landing (10 miles)

The most challenging and most productive fishing stretch in Grand Teton National Park. This is classic Snake River water—fast, braided, with stunning Teton views.

Character: Class II; steep gradient; complex braiding Best for: Float fishing with experienced guide or rower Hazards: Logjams, obscured channels, fast current; many accidents occur here Access: Deadman's Bar put-in; Moose Landing takeout

Float time: 4-6 hours depending on flow and fishing stops

Moose to Wilson (14 miles)

Technical floating continues through this long stretch. Good fishing but requires advanced boating skills.

Character: Class II; similar challenges to Deadman's-Moose Access: Moose Landing put-in; Wilson Bridge takeout Bonus: This stretch has the largest congregation of bald eagles in Wyoming

Wilson to South Park (13 miles)

A longer, mellower float. Good for families with some boating experience. Below the South Park Bridge, the river consolidates into a single channel for a few miles—easier to navigate than the braided sections upstream.

Character: Class I-II; easier navigation Float time: 2-4 hours

Wade Fishing Access (Below the Park)

While the Snake is primarily a float fishery, several spots offer quality wade fishing, especially at lower flows (under 1,500 CFS) in September and October.

Wilson Bridge: The best wade access on the lower Snake. Park at the Wilson boat ramp (take Hwy 22 west from Jackson, cross the Snake, turn right on Hwy 390, then right again toward the river). The levy system provides bank access both upstream and downstream:

• East bank: Walk upstream from the bridge for roughly a mile of fishable water
• West bank: Access both up and downstream; the levy road lets you cover significant water on foot

South Park Bridge: Popular primarily as a float launch, but the tailwaters of Flat Creek enter here and can hold larger fish staging in the deeper water. Limited parking; arrive early.

Astoria Bridge area: Some bank access exists, though more limited than Wilson. Better as a float takeout than a wade destination.

Tip: Wade fishing the Snake requires respect. Even at lower flows, the current is powerful and the cobble bottom uneven. Use a wading staff and don't push into water above your knees until you know the river.

Snake River Canyon (8 miles)

The whitewater section. Put in at West Table Boat Ramp, take out at Sheep Gulch. Class III rapids including Lunch Counter, Big Kahuna, and Champagne.

Best flow for whitewater: 6,000-12,000 CFS (excellent surfing and hole riding) Fishing note: Possible to fish this section at lower flows, but most anglers come for the whitewater

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Tributaries & Nearby Waters

Flat Creek

A technical spring creek flowing through the National Elk Refuge, just minutes from downtown Jackson. This is demanding sight-fishing to educated cutthroat in gin-clear water—some of the most challenging dry fly fishing in Wyoming.

Season: August 1 - October 31 (lower section through Refuge) Regulations: Artificial flies only; Wyoming's first fly-fishing-only stream Fish: Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat, some reaching 20+ inches Character: Slow, clear, spooky fish; requires stealth and precision

The challenge: These fish see anglers every day of the short season. They're leader-shy and quick to spook. Expect to crawl, make long casts with fine tippets (5X-6X), and present small flies (#16-20) delicately. A dragging fly means a refusal. Success here is earned.

Best approach: Spot fish first, then plan your approach. Stay low, move slowly, and don't wade if you can avoid it. Tiny terrestrials (#18-20 ants, beetles) and small mayfly patterns work best. This isn't hopper-dropper water.

Upper Flat Creek (above McBride Bridge) opens May 1 - November 30 with less restrictive regulations and easier fish.

Gros Ventre River

A 74-mile tributary flowing through the Gros Ventre Wilderness east of Jackson. The upper sections above Slide Lake offer excellent small-stream fishing for cutthroat and brook trout.

Season: April 1 - October 31 Best fishing: End of runoff (late June/early July) through August Access: Gros Ventre Road east from Kelly; public access at Crystal Creek Campground and between Crystal Creek confluence and Upper Slide Lake Character: Freestone; mix of pocket water and meadow sections Caution: Ford carefully; unstable bottom. Bear country—carry spray.

Hoback River

A 55-mile Snake River tributary that clears earlier than the main river. Excellent option during runoff or for beginners.

Season: April 1 - October 31 Fish: Snake River cutthroat, 8-16 inches; larger fish move up from the Snake in spring and fall Access: Numerous pullouts along Highway 189/191 from Hoback Junction south; best access in Hoback Canyon Character: Fast riffles, pocket water; easy wading Why fish it: Clears 2-3 weeks before the Snake; less pressure; excellent dry fly water

Salt River (Star Valley)

An 84-mile river flowing through Star Valley, about 1.5 hours south of Jackson. Excellent brown trout fishing, especially in October during the spawning run.

Season: Year-round (ice-free in many sections) Fish: Brown trout (10-25 inches, especially fall), cutthroat, rainbow Best time: October brown trout run from Palisades Reservoir Access: Wyoming Game and Fish has public easements signed along Highway 89 near Thayne, Etna, Freedom, and Alpine Junction Character: Mix of slow meadow water and swift riffles

South Fork of the Snake River (Idaho)

The crown jewel—45 minutes west of Jackson. This tailwater below Palisades Dam holds some of the highest trout densities in the West and arguably offers better fishing than the Wyoming Snake itself. The river hosted the 1997 World Fly Fishing Championship for good reason.

Fish population: Idaho Fish and Game surveys show 4,700+ trout per mile, with peak estimates exceeding 6,300 fish/mile at the Conant monitoring reach—higher than nearly any other river in the region.

Fish: Yellowstone cutthroat (primary), rainbow, brown trout; 15-25 inches common. The South Fork is managed to preserve native cutthroat, with regulations aimed at reducing rainbow abundance.

Prime time: Early June (salmonfly hatch) through October

License note: You need an Idaho fishing license, not Wyoming. Available online at Idaho Fish and Game or at fly shops in Victor, ID.

South Fork Flow Windows

Flow (CFS)	Conditions
900-1,500	Winter/low flows; excellent wade fishing access
1,500-3,000	Prime fishing flows - technical sight nymphing, pocket water
5,000-8,000	Good float fishing; manageable current
8,000-12,000	Ideal float fishing - foam lines and edges fish well
Over 20,000	Spring runoff; fast and dangerous

Unlike the Wyoming Snake, the South Fork is a true tailwater—flows depend on Palisades Dam releases rather than weather. Conditions can change quickly; check before you go. Watch for rapidly changing water levels and avoid being caught on exposed gravel bars.

South Fork Sections & Access Points

The BLM boating guide provides detailed maps. Key access points from upstream to downstream:

Access Point	River Mile	Facilities	Notes
Palisades Dam	0.0	Concrete ramp, restroom, camping	Start of fishable water
Palisades Creek	2.2	Concrete ramp, restroom	IDFG site
Spring Creek	12.2	Concrete ramp, restroom	USFS; popular launch
Conant	14.2	Concrete ramp, restroom, visitor center	Last ramp before Canyon section
Cottonwood/Fulmer	28.0	Concrete ramp, restroom	Long dirt road access
Wolf Flat	35.1	Bank launch only, no facilities	BLM; free
Byington	39.0	Concrete ramp, restroom, dump station	End of scenic canyon

South Fork Float Sections

Palisades Dam to Spring Creek (12 miles): 4-5 hours. Upper river character; excellent technical water.

Spring Creek to Conant (7 miles): 6-7 hours with fishing. Last easy access before the Canyon. The Conant boat ramp is well-developed with a fly shop nearby.

Conant to Cottonwood—The Canyon Section (14 miles): Overnight float required. This is the heart of the South Fork—remote, scenic, and exceptional fishing. Sixteen designated campsites between Conant and Byington (first-come, first-served). You'll need a free self-issue overnight permit from any boat ramp.

Wolf Flat to Byington (4 miles): Quick 2-hour float for afternoon fishing.

Wolf Flat to Heise Bridge (12 miles): Solid 5-hour fishing day on the lower river.

South Fork Hatches

The salmonfly hatch (early June) is legendary—2-3 inch stoneflies bring fish to the surface aggressively. Following hatches continue through October: golden stones, PMDs, caddis, hoppers (late summer), and October caddis. The diversity keeps dry fly fishing productive all season.

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Seasonal Fishing Guide

Pre-Runoff (March - Early May)

Fish are hungry after winter, and the Snake remains clear before snowmelt hits. Expect smaller hatches but willing fish.

Hatches:

• Blue-winged Olives (#18-20)
• Midges (#20-24)
• March Browns/Rhithrogenia (#12-14)
• Skwalla Stoneflies (#8-10)
• Early Caddis

Strategy: Fish midday when water warms. Nymph rigs with small mayfly patterns; occasional dry fly opportunities on cloudy days.

Runoff (May - Late June)

The Snake runs high and muddy. This is the time to explore tributaries.

Where to fish:

• Jackson Lake Dam tailwater (stays fishable)
• Hoback River (clears first)
• Gros Ventre River (upper sections)
• Alpine lakes (ice-out fishing)

Prime Season (July - August)

The Snake clears and the hatches arrive in force. This is Jackson Hole at its finest.

July Hatches:

• Golden Stoneflies (#8-12) - follow the salmonfly hatch
• Yellow Sallies (#14-16)
• PMDs/Pale Morning Duns (#16-18) - late morning to early afternoon
• Caddis (#14-18) - evening activity
• Gray Drakes (#10-12) - sporadic but exciting

August Hatches:

• Hoppers, beetles, ants - work the willowed banks
• Yellow Sallies continue
• Caddis (#16-18)
• Tricos (#20-24) - early morning spinners

Strategy: Float fishing at its peak. Hopper-dropper rigs are deadly along grassy banks. PMD nymphs below hoppers produce well in riffles.

Fall (September - October)

Many locals consider this the best time to fish Jackson Hole. Crowds thin, fish feed aggressively, and the Tetons wear autumn colors.

September Hatches:

• Blue-winged Olives (#18-22) - afternoon hatches on cloudy days
• Mahogany Duns (#16)
• Streamers become increasingly effective
• Terrestrials on warm afternoons

October Hatches:

• October Caddis (#8-10) - large orange-bellied caddis
• BWOs continue
• Snake/Hecuba Drakes (#6-10)
• Midges (#20-24)

Strategy: Lower flows mean excellent wade fishing access. Cutthroat become aggressive before winter. Streamers draw large fish. October brown trout run on the Salt River.

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Fly Box Essentials

Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat are aggressive surface feeders. Local guides note that red and purple flies seem to trigger strikes—something about those colors gets these fish fired up. Don't be afraid to go big and bold on attractor patterns.

Dries

Pattern	Size	Notes
Gold Chubby Peanut	#8-12	Local favorite; foam body, rubber legs, high visibility
Pink Micro Chubby (Miss Piggy)	#12-14	Downsized Chubby for wary fish in clear water
Chubby Chernobyl	#10-14	All-around attractor; hopper-dropper anchor
Snake River Beetle	#12-16	Jackson Hole staple; deadly in slow slicks and eddies
Yellow Stimulator	#12-16	Golden stone/yellow sally imitation
Parachute Adams	#14-18	Match anything gray
Elk Hair Caddis	#14-18	Tan and olive; evening standard
Schroeder's Parachute Hopper	#8-12	August essential
Dave's Hopper	#8-12	Classic grasshopper pattern
Parachute BWO	#18-22	Fall mayfly
Purple Haze	#14-18	Excellent visibility; cutthroat love purple
Royal Wulff	#12-16	Classic attractor; Double Humpy also works

Nymphs

Pattern	Size	Notes
Pat's Rubberlegs	#6-10	Black/brown; stonefly nymph
Pheasant Tail	#16-18	Mayfly standard
Hare's Ear	#14-16	General searching pattern
Zebra Midge	#18-22	Year-round producer
RS2	#18-22	Emerger pattern
San Juan Worm	#12-16	Red; high water standby
Higa's SOS	#16-20	Effective emerger

Streamers

Pattern	Size	Notes
Woolly Bugger	#6-10	Olive and black
Slumpbuster	#4-6	Sculpin imitation
Kreelex	#4-10	Flash minnow; lake trout love it

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Gear Recommendations

Rods & Lines

• Primary setup: 9' 5-weight or 6-weight rod. The Snake is big water with afternoon wind; don't undergun it.
• Dry fly/late summer: 9' 4-weight for lower flows and smaller patterns
• Lines: Weight-forward floating; 9' leaders in 3X-4X

Wading

• July-August: Wet wading possible on warm afternoons
• Early season/Fall: Breathable waders essential; water stays cold
• Boots: Felt or rubber with studs; slippery cobble

Float Fishing

• Craft: Most floats done from drift boats; rafts work but less maneuverable
• PFDs: Required for all passengers
• Skills: Class II whitewater skills minimum for Deadman's to Moose section

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Access & Logistics

Grand Teton National Park

All Snake River fishing in the park requires a Wyoming fishing license. No park-specific fishing permit needed.

Key regulations:

• Artificial flies and lures only (Snake River from gauging station to Wilson Bridge)
• 3 trout daily limit; max 1 over 16"; max 1 cutthroat over 12"
• All cutthroat released November 1 - March 31
• Floating tributaries within the park is prohibited

Boat launches:

• Jackson Lake Dam
• Pacific Creek
• Deadman's Bar
• Moose Landing

Below the Park (Teton County)

• Wilson Bridge - good wade access above and below bridge; levy provides bank access
• South Park Bridge - popular float hub
• West Table Boat Ramp - canyon whitewater put-in
• Sheep Gulch - canyon takeout

Licenses

Wyoming licenses available at local fly shops or online at Wyoming Game & Fish. Nonresident daily license: ~$14; Annual: ~$102 plus $15 conservation stamp.

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Guided Services

Float fishing the Snake requires local knowledge of channels, hazards, and holding water. A guide is strongly recommended for first-time visitors.

Guide Services

Snake River Angler - (307) 733-3699 - snakeriverangler.com

• Full-service fly shop in Jackson
• More permits than any other outfitter in Jackson Hole
• Snake River, Green River, Yellowstone National Park waters

WorldCast Anglers - 1-800-654-0676 - worldcastanglers.com

• Located in Victor, ID (27 miles from Jackson)
• Permitted on South Fork, Snake, Teton, Henry's Fork
• Excellent South Fork fishing reports

High Alpine Anglers - highalpineanglers.com

• Lake boat trips for trophy trout
• Full-day: $1,175 (2-4 people)

Trip Rates (Typical)

Trip Type	Duration	Price Range
Half-day float	4-5 hours	$595-725
Full-day float	8+ hours	$750-850
Lake boat trip	Full day	$1,175

Rates typically include gear, flies, lunch (full day), and transportation.

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Hazards

River Hazards

Logjams/Strainers: The Snake's braided channels accumulate downed timber, especially on outside bends after high water. Strainers are the primary hazard. If swimming, turn onto your stomach and climb over—never go under.

Cold water: Even in summer, snowmelt keeps water cold. Hypothermia risk exists with any prolonged immersion.

Braided channels: What looks like the main channel may dead-end at a logjam. Float with someone who knows the river, or scout from shore.

Weather

Afternoon thunderstorms are common July-August. Lightning is the primary danger. Get off the water by early afternoon if storms are building.

Wildlife

Grizzly bears inhabit the valley, especially along tributaries. Carry bear spray when fishing the Gros Ventre, Hoback, or any backcountry water.

Moose frequent willow-lined streams. Give them wide berth—they're more dangerous than bears.

Water Temperature

Trout stress above 65°F; mortality risk increases above 68°F even with careful handling. Carry a stream thermometer and stop fishing during afternoon heat waves in July.

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Seasonal Summary

Month	Flows	Conditions	Best For
March-April	350-500 CFS	Pre-runoff; clear, cold	Tailwater, patient anglers
May-June	3,000-7,000+ CFS	Runoff; muddy	Tributaries, alpine lakes
July	2,000-3,500 CFS	Clearing; prime hatches begin	Float fishing, stoneflies
August	1,500-2,500 CFS	Prime season	Hoppers, PMDs, evening caddis
September	800-1,500 CFS	Best fishing	Wade fishing, dry flies, streamers
October	500-1,000 CFS	Fall colors; aggressive fish	BWOs, streamers, Salt River browns

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Using RiverReports

Plan your Jackson Hole trip with real-time data:

• Wyoming river flows - check Snake River conditions
• Compare current flows to seasonal averages
• Set flow alerts for your target window
• Check the 7-day forecast to time your trip

The Snake's flows are controlled by Jackson Lake Dam releases, so conditions can change based on irrigation demands and reservoir management. Check flows within 24-48 hours of your trip.

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For nearby fishing destinations, see our Pinedale, Wyoming guide covering the Green River and New Fork. For Yellowstone waters, check Wyoming rivers.