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 |
Flow~11,250 CFS at Irwin (down from 12,000 CFS on Monday and 13,000 CFS two weeks ago—dropping steadily; Jet Flow Gate commissioning complete)
Trendfalling
Clarityexcellent—clear and cold; 3-5 feet visibility; best clarity of the season; tailwater clarity advantage over all freestone water in the region
Temp46°F
Perdigon #16-18 (tungsten—fish still keying on smaller nymphs this season)Pheasant Tail Jig #14-18 (tungsten bead—top nymph producer)Pat's Rubberlegs #4-12 (anchor nymph—upsized for imminent salmonfly)Salmonfly Nymph #4-8 (black Rubberlegs variant—nymphs actively migrating)
Flow~4,500 CFS below dam (BOR holding steady for summer irrigation); ~8,000 CFS at Moose (dropping—peak of ~9,100 CFS passed last weekend); canyon flows declining but still high
Trendfalling
ClarityIce-clear dam to Pacific Creek (6+ feet visibility—excellent); 2-3 feet at Moose (improving daily as runoff tapers); muddy below South Park (<1 foot); canyon off-color but improving
Temp50-56°F
Chubby Chernobyl #10-14 (dry-dropper anchor—golden stone imitation; dominant tactic)Golden Stone Dry #8-10 (adults thick—fish foam lineseddy edgesand side channels)
🎣 TACTICS RIGHT NOWDry FlyChubby Chernobyl #10-14 (dry-dropper anchor—dominant tactic right now)Golden Stone Dry #8-10 (adults thick—fish foam lineseddy edgesand side channels)Caddis (Brachycentrus) #16-18 (dam tailwater 1-4:30pm—strong emergence)PMD/Pale Morning Dun #16-18 (afternoon hatches strengthening on warmer days)Yellow Sally #14-16 (reliable and increasing)Griffith's Gnat #18-22 (midge clusters in foam lines)Adams Purple Parachute #16-20 (dam tailwater)—dry-dropper rigs the go-to method in the dam tailwater and side channels. Dam section ice-clear with 6+ feet visibility; Moose section improving daily with 2-3 feet visibility. Yellowstone Park waters producing well: PMDscaddisand BWOs on the FireholeGibbonand Madison. Salt River fishing well with PMDscaddisand small attractors. South Fork salmonfly hatch imminent but not yet started—have salmonfly dries #4-8 and Chubby Chernobyl #8-10 ready
NymphPerdigon #14-18 (tungsten—top dry-dropper dropper on main Snake and South Fork; fish keying on smaller nymphs this season)Pheasant Tail Jig #14-18 (tungsten bead—top nymph producer on South Fork)Pat's Rubberlegs #4-12 (anchor nymph—upsized on South Fork for imminent salmonfly) and #6-12 (anchor—heavy tungstendam tailwater)Flash-back Pheasant Tail Jig #14-18Higa's SOS #16-20 (emerger)Caddis Emerger #16-18 (building)TH Zebra Midge #16-20 (black—dominating South Fork hatches; trailer in slower eddies and foam lines)Hare's Ear #14-16 (South Fork)Stonefly Nymphs #6-10 (South Fork—heavy tungsten; salmonfly nymphs actively migrating)San Juan Worm #12-14 (red—runoff staple below Pacific Creek on main Snake)Egg Pattern/Blob (South Fork—still effective). Set indicators deep on the South Fork—fish holding in slowest water at 11250 CFS; concentrate on bucketstailoutsholesseamsand eddies
StreamerDouble Bunny #4-6 (top streamer producer on South Fork at current flows)Sparkle Minnow #4-8 (strip low and slow with pauses)Dolly Llama #2-6Sculpzilla #4-6 (maintain depth)Egan's Poacher #4-8 (olive and black—top-ranked)Gold Streamers #4-8 (South Fork banks)Olive-over-White Streamers #4-6Pure White Streamers #4-6 (both rivers)White Streamers #4-6 (dam section for lake trout—sink-tip or intermediate lines)Clouser Minnow #4-6 (dam section)Kreelex #4-10 (lake trout)—streamers remain the dominant method on the South Fork; bank-banging with slow strips and long pauses producing best; depth control critical at 11250 CFS. On the main Snakestreamers effective below Pacific Creek where water is off-color
FORECASTRunoff coming to an end—peak at Moose (~9,100 CFS) has passed and flows are dropping steadily. BOR holding dam releases at ~4,500 CFS; dam tailwater fishing remains excellent with ice-clear visibility. Moose section improving daily as freestone runoff tapers from the low snowpack year. Expect the Moose section to continue clearing over the next 1-2 weeks, opening more fishable water. Guides targeting late June to early July for Snake River float trips—earlier than typical years. PMDs strengthening alongside golden stones, caddis, and yellow sallies—hatch diversity expanding rapidly. South Fork dropping steadily through ~11,250 CFS with excellent clarity—salmonfly hatch imminent and could begin any day. When it pops, this will be the marquee dry fly event of the summer. Salt River coming alive with ideal conditions—a strong alternative right now. Yellowstone Park waters fishing well. Options expanding rapidly as runoff ends across the valley.Temperatures in the mid-to-upper 60s°F with afternoon thunderstorms possible. Snowpack nearly exhausted—freestone runoff tapering quickly and the main Snake should continue improving over the next 1-2 weeks. South Fork water at 46°F—fish lethargic early morning, best activity 11am-3pm as water warms. Warming water temps approaching the threshold that triggers salmonfly emergence on the South Fork—watch for adults on bankside vegetation. Jet Flow Gate commissioning complete on Palisades Dam. Monitor USGS gauges daily as conditions are changing rapidly with runoff winding down.
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.
Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat - note the distinctive pepper-like spotting pattern found nowhere else
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.
Float fishing the Snake - drift boats navigate braided channels while anglers work the banks
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
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 roughly 60-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.
The Hoback River - clears 2-3 weeks before the Snake, making it a prime early-season option
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 has hosted international fly fishing competitions for good reason.
The South Fork of the Snake - over 4,700 trout per mile make this one of the most productive tailwaters in the West
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.
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.
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 |
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
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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.
For nearby fishing destinations, see our Pinedale, Wyoming guide covering the Green River and New Fork. For Yellowstone waters, check Wyoming rivers.
