Jackson Hole-Snake
- This topic has 12 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated Jun 27, 2009 at 5:29 pm by
.
-
Posts
-
I can count 5 times I driven by the Snake and never fished it, always making a B-Line to Yellowstone. This August 17-18th this is going to change.
My fishing partner in crime, Tom and I are flying out to SLC on the 17th and driving to Jackson Hole, plan on fishing the Snake on the afternoon of the 17th and all day on the 18th, before we head out to NE Yellowstone.
Tom has fished the Steelhead of the west, Australia, Christmas Island but never the Rocky Mnts for trout.
David –
You can get into the Snake in the most southerly sections of Yellowstone, right by the South Gate. It’s a gorgeous stretch of water but when Lauren and I fished it, it was hot and not all that productive. Also, it had hordes of angry ants. That’s the only place I have ever had to jump feet-first into the river from the bank to wash off an onslaught of pissed off ants. Twice. In August, that section may be a bit warm again.
That said, if you’re smart, you’ll float the section down in Grand Teton–Moose to something. Paul Puckett talked about it in his podcast.
Those are both true Snake River Fine Spotted Cutthroats.
Zach
Well, this is my first time posting, so I picked the subject that hopefully I can talk about with knowledge. I am a guide on the Snake, so take the info for what it is worth, but it will be accurate.
You are coming out at the perfect time. It will be warm during the day and you can encounter some isolated thunder storms. As we tell most people, be prepared for anything. Last year it snowed 6″ on Labor Day.
If you plan on wading the Snake, the best option would be around Schwabackers Landing in Grand Teton National Park. You can access it from either side of the river and has many side channels, as well as the main river, to get around and fish. You will find fish in the side channels feeding on PMD’s, BWO’s and some other mayflies. If you aren’t finding them, throw a small hopper and that will bring them up. You are fishing for Fine Spotted Snake River Cutthroat trout, and anyone will tell you, fo the most part they aren’t too smart.
Two other great options, besides the many tributaries to the Snake, would be Flat Creek and Blacktail Ponds. Both are spring creeks and spawning tribs to the Snake. They do not open until August 1st to allow the fish to finish their business. Tough, technical fishing for BIG fish, up to 26″. Those are big fish considering that the average fish on the Snake is 12″, with few 20″ers coming to the net. A good day is to hit one of the creeks in the morning, then hit the Snake for the rest of the day.
As Zack said, a float through the Park is the best way to see the river and get into fish. The scenery is unbelievable. People ask me all of the time why I don’t get frustrated with clients – Well, all I have to do is look up and to the right and suddenly all is well in life. You are looking up at Grand, eagles are in the trees watching you, elk crossing the river and sometimes you can get a good look at a grizzly along the river.
Definitely stop and fish the river instead of driving by like in years past. After guiding on a bunch of river out here and back east, I will say the Snake is my favorite river to float and fish. The scenery is unparalleled and the fishing is pretty darn good. Not the biggest fish, but they are beautiful, plentiful and eager to eat dry flies.
Feel free to PM me with any questions.
Great post Rob,
My family has some property in the area, so I get out there to fish once a year or so.
I will be joining David for my first trip into this part of the Country. I have no idea why it has taken me this long to get out to the famous waters of the West for trout.
I greatly appreciate all the feedback we have recieved for this post. Hope to meet you on the water.Thanks
TomRob and Tom have been in contact with each other, we have a float trip booked with him through WestBank Anglers for the 18th.
Looking forward to meeting you Rob, and like you I will have a good day just by the surrounds I will be in.
I met Tom from selling him a Gheenoe, we hit it off from the first word and have been constant angling buds since.
DD
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.