Jackson Hole Fishing Report

Snake River & Tributaries

July 9, 2010

Here in the Jackson Hole valley we’ve been eagerly waiting for our local waters to clear.  That time has come as we’ve seen the Snake change over from brown (think mud) to green in the last week.  Side channels are clear, allowing us to see the bottom and fish to see what’s floating in front of and (what’s more enticing) above them.  Pacific Creek, the Gros Ventre, and the Hoback are currently clearing.  Things will only get better on these tributaries as the water levels drop and more fishable water comes into form.

While snow still remains at the higher elevations the bulk of it has disappeared at or below 10,000 feet.  This means that we’re on the downside of runoff.  Expect water clarity to only get better and levels to drop in the coming days.

On the tributaries, expect to see caddis, PMDs, smaller stoneflies (goldens and yellow sallies) and Drakes.  While water levels are still high and water temps are cool don’t be surprised to see a lack of rising despite hatches occurring.  If this is the case consider tailing a dropper such as a pheasant tail, prince or copper john until you see fish coming up to feed on the surface.

If I were to hit the Snake today I would show up armed with streamer patterns like the J.J. Special and McCune’s Sculpin, among others.  Fishing on the side channels should start to produce surface action so having some larger attractor patterns like the Turck’s tarantula, Chernobyl Chubby, Bugmeister or Fat Albert to bring out those aggressive cuts we often find on the Snake.  Keep in mind that the water is still off color so don’t expect much surface action if you can’t see the bottom.

As always, conditions change on a daily basis.  Feel free to stop by or call into the shop for the latest info on fishing in the area.

John Fitzgerald
High Country Flies