Snake River - Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Fishing in the Jackson Hole Valley hasn’t changed much since our last report on July 23. Flows on the Snake have continued to be around 2500 cfs and fishing has remained good. Red has still been the effective fly color. Red Tarantulas, Trina’s Noble Chernobyl, and Parachute Madam X’s, all in red, being good choices for the Snake. The Tributaries have still been fishing great with Royal Stimulators, Chernobyl Ants, Bugmeisters, and Power Ants.

But three things have changed, one for the worst, two for the better. For the worst: The Snake has been producing a lot of fish but the bigger fish haven’t been showing up like they were in July. For the better: As of late, grasshoppers have really started to make their presence known. Also, the nights have been cool, temperatures being in the low 40’s. The cool nighttime temperatures have worked out well in keeping water temps at tolerable levels. So with the combination of acceptable water temps and more and more hopper activity you have to think the larger fish will start looking up.

Many people regard the present fishing conditions on the Snake as being late this year, but really it is much closer to a typical fishing season. While we did get an early start, things now are on track for a normal year, if there is such a thing as normal anymore. In a "normal" year you wouldn't expect large cutthroats to be coming to the surface with any regularity until the latter part of August, and we are right on track for that to happen. Although water conditions are much better this year, it is still a low water year,  this being our 6^th year of drought. These people either don’t know or aren’t remembering how the valley used to fish. Traditionally Jackson Hole has always been thought of as a late season fishery. Back in the Normal Years the middle of August is when the Snake would come around and show its true colors. So technically we are right on schedule. Maybe I’m being optimistic, but I have to believe with the good water flows, great weather conditions and more insect activity that we’ve been encountering, the remainder of the season should be great.

Until next time good fishing,

Howard Cole
High Country Flies