Guided Fishing Trips in Wyoming -- April

Fly fishing on the Snake between Jackson dam and  Palisades reservoir is open year-round (strict catch-and-release of all cutthroat caught between Nov. 1st and Marc h31st.) All tributaries north of the Hoback River are closed until May 21 (the Hoback is open year round). Since commercially guided fishing is not allowed on the Hoback, essentially we are left with the Snake River proper for guided trips in April.

The Green River, one hour drive south of Jackson, is also open year round, but circumstances usually prevent it from being a viable alternative. The water is normally too low for floating and frequently fluctuates from clear to muddy at a moments notice, making it very unreliable. The Snake River is by and large your best bet.

In a normal year the Snake is clear and fishable from the April 1 opening until sometime in early to mid-May, when runoff begins in earnest. It is then unfishable until sometime around mid-June through mid-August, depending on how the runoff proceeds.

The potential for very good fishing exists during the pre-runoff season. Inclement weather can be a factor however, and this keeps less hardy anglers from traveling to Jackson Hole this time of year. That said, the early season can have some fantastic fishing.

While April fishing can be excellent, it may not be as consistent as later in the summer. No big deal if you really want to go fishing however. On a given day, warmer temperatures will provide opportunities for dry fly fishing while streamers like Woolly Buggers and JJ Specials will work in more varied conditions. Spinners (as in Panther Martins and Rooster Tails) are also effective. If you hit it right, the action can be fast and furious, with large cutthroat trout moving aggressively to the fly. In fact, once the runoff begins in early May, you usually won't see many large trout on the Snake again until mid to late August. So in that regard, April is one of the best times for above average trout on the Snake River.

To sum it up, the locals will be using April to wet their first lines of the season, but not that many visitors (a major plus to crowd adverse anglers). Weather is unpredictable and sometimes reminds us that winter isn't quite over yet. Dry flies are a definite possibility on warmer days, but streamers can work whether the day is warm or cool.

If you happen to be in Jackson Hole during this time of year, or are just anxious to wet a line after a long winter call us toll free at (866) 733-7210 for the latest information or to book a trip.