Jackson Hole Fishing Report

May 9, 2002

Hi everyone,

As we near the beginning of runoff season the Snake River continues to fish pretty well. As always, this time of year, things are somewhat inconsistent, but the good days have been really good. In general, clear water equals good fishing and snowmelt-induced cloudiness results in catatonic trout .

Snow-water equivalents as of May 9:
-- Snake River Basin 78% of normal
-- Upper Yellowstone-Madison 97% of normal
-- Upper Green River 83% of normal

Impoundments:
-- Jackson Lake 30% full
-- Palisades Reservoir 49% full

All in all, this is not too bad of a scenario. While we would certainly like to see snow-water equivalents equal to or exceeding 100% of normal we are a long way from the doom and gloom some were anticipating. In fact, this is the most water we've seen for three years. Recent weather has been wet and cool helping to preserve what snowpack we do have.

Snake River

The Skwalas have begun to hatch and the trout are on 'em. If you can't get them to take dries go after them with nymphs, which have been particularly effective. We recommend Matt's Fur, George's Brown Stone Rubber Legs, and a great new pattern...Barr's Tungstone Golden Stone. Large Bitch Creek Nymphs have also been effective. Streamers are still working well too.

Green River

The upper Green near Pinedale is starting to fish. The Green will have two run-offs. First you will have a residual run-off. Then it will clear up and a week or two later you will have mountain run-off. Lately it has been going in and out with the first run-off and so has the fishing. Some days it has fished ok but other days it has been pretty tough. Very little dry fly activity. Olive streamers seems to be the most consistent producers, although the old stand by JJ Special is always a local favorite. You might try Buggers, Kiwis, and Woolhead Sculpins all in olive.

Jackson Lake

Happening big time along the shoreline in the shallows. Woolly Buggers should do the trick.

Canyon Club Revisited

The ongoing saga of the proposed Canyon Club golf course and second-home development in Snake River Canyon continues. An important informational meeting which will be attended by a host of federal and state agencies is slated for this Monday, May 13 at 6 pm in the Grand Room of the Snow King Resort, Jackson, WY. It is imperative that the public make a strong showing and voice their concerns about this grandiose project which:

will negatively effect water quality via golf course insect control/fertilization not to mention septic systems
will result in bank armorment in the form of 90'(!) long bendway weirs extending into the river and almost certainly lead to levees
will, according to US Fish & Wildlife, negatively impact endangered bald eagles
has the potential to restrict and limit river use for public and commercial interests