Fishing Reports
Jackson Hole/Snake River | Yellowstone National Park | Green River

Things are finally starting to look up in the greater Jackson area. While we’re still a fair ways off on our larger rivers like the Snake, I think you will find that over the course of the next week, smaller waters, like our seven major tributaries, and their respective tributaries, should start to become fishable. I am not promising that they will be crystal clear, but they should at least become fishable.  Generally you can expect to find the smallest tributaries clear the quickest, followed so on and so forth by larger and larger pieces of water, culminating with the Snake. This year is no different; a few of these smaller streams are certainly fishable, though maintaining exceptionally high flows. To find out which specific pieces of water are clear, stop by and see us, or give us a call. (Due to inconsistent weather, ‘fishability’ has been kind of day to day depending on rainfall.) Because of the high water levels, I would expect that you will need to concentrate your fishing efforts sub-surface. Fly-wise I would look at Woolly Buggers, JJ Specials, and other smaller streamer patterns, as well as large nymph patterns, like Yuk Bugs, big Red Fox Squirrels, and Princes. While this may not seem like a lot of options, keep in mind that there should be more and more every day. As far as our larger tributaries are concerned, things are not quite there yet, but I would be surprised if they did not start to fish over the course of the next two weeks.

Your other option in the greater Jackson Area would be to go lake fishing. The previously mentioned ‘Flying Ant Hatch,’ has really come on in the last week. Fishing has been fairly good, when the Ants hit the water. To be prepared for this ‘hatch’ stock your boxes with Turk’s Power Ants, Flying Ants, and our new Acid Ants. As always, if you fail to see rising fish, move to leech and streamer type patterns.

Like I said earlier, if you find yourself getting discouraged, trust me when I tell you that excellent local fishing is just around the corner. If nothing else, remember there is a distinction between “fishing,” and “catching,” and you do not necessarily have to have both to enjoy the experience. I suggest that if you get the chance to go explore some little creek you’ve always wanted to fish that you get out, enjoy our weather, and do so. If you’ve got any questions or need a report, give us a call here at High Country, (307)-733-7210.

Pat Brennan
High Country Flies