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

Snake River 

With sunny skies and highs approaching the low forties the weather here in the last week has not exactly been typical. Judging by the parking pull-off atop Teton Pass, it’s fair to say local skiers have all but given up on this season. For those of you who find yourselves bumming on winter sports, I’d say it’s time to start looking at buying a license and heading down to the river; the fishing might just surprise you.

Currently the Bureau of Reclamation is releasing approximately 400 cf/s from Jackson Lake Dam, just slightly above the average (generally minimum) flow for this time of year. As you know, low flows on the Snake are incredibly conducive to wade fishing, and since all the ramps are snowed in, foot access is your only option anyways. Spring fishing on the Snake can be especially good for several reasons. First off; bugs! March and early April can see very productive Midge hatches on the right days, with warm temperatures and good weather. We also see lots of ‘Snowflies,’ a small black species of stonefly often mistaken for midges. At times the fish will really look for these insects, and generally hungry trout make for happy fishermen. Productive midge patterns are generally made so by their color; I’d suggest grey and black patterns like very small Parachute Adams and Engle’s Emergent Adult for dries. Small black dries will also imitate the stoneflies aforementioned. If surface activity is minimal, look to sub-surface emergent patterns and pupas like Garcia’s Rojo Midge, WD-40s, Palamino’s and Loop Wing Emergers, again in the same general color schemes; grey, black, and tan. These patterns can be fished just slightly sub-surface, or with an indicator which -in a roundabout sort of way- brings me to my next point.

Low flows tend to force fish to pod up in deeper holes, thus avoiding hard work forced upon them by holding in faster currents and colder, faster-moving water. As a result if the dry-fly bite isn’t on, Spring is one of the few times of year here in Jackson where traditional nymphing can be quite productive for trout in addition to the much-harangued day-saver; the Rocky Mountain Whitefish. As far as nymphing goes, you don’t need to look much further than your old standards; large stonefly nymphs, pheasant tails, and prince nymphs. One thing to keep in mind though is that the fish are seeing more midges than anything, so smaller mayfly and caddis nymphs that also look like midges are generally the most successful. My suggestion it to rig a system with a larger fly like a Rubberlegs and follow it up with a ‘cross-over’ like a Brassie, or a Serendipity. This way you cover four bases effectively with only two flies.

Finally don’t overlook streamer fishing this spring either, as it can be quite productive. Often the low water might allow you to actually spot individual fish, and when the hatch isn’t on, tossing a Micro-Zonker, a Magnum Chub, or a Mirrored Minnow to a good sized cutty might even be compared to a poor-man’s bonefishing. That’s not to say that ripping streamers blind won’t produce results this time of too. I think too, you may find that individual patterns are less important than color schemes. I’d suggest thinking red/white, olive/natural, and black. Typically flashier, brighter patterns are less productive this time of year.

For those of you who’ve been stymied by the skiing and are, like me, tired of staring down your vice, get out there: this is just the beginning. Around the corner look forward to Spring Baetis, Skwala Stones, and then Caddis. For current conditions, information, questions, or just to BS, don’t hesitate to call the boys here at the shop, (307)-733-7210.

Pat Brennan