Summer Fly Fishing!

The Upper Snake River here in Jackson Hole is flowing full as BOR releases 5000 cfs from Jackson Lake dam. This is not the first time we have seen high outflows, most years we average 3500-3800 through most of the Summer and maybe once every 5-6 years we will see an extended outflow exceeding 4500 for a couple months. There are pros and cons to this situation, pros are the fish have ample habitat and hiding zones, many not being touch until later in the fall, showing up to the party fat! A major set back is the challenge for guides to work the swift flows and help guests get their flies in the zone and keep them there. Another setback is the hot summer season has heated the lake and warm flows are entering the river some days already topping 65-68 degrees, not good. We are fishing but we are departing for the river most days around 5:30-6am and wrapping up by noon. These are the new normals in late July and early August and we will likely see this scenario most years to come, caring and adaptation are going to be key, thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

As for our current fishing, early bird gets the worm and we are seeing good action from 7-11am, mostly attractor flies, some droppers. Terrestrials are a very safe bet in any form, ants, beetles, hoppers!

PLEASE, FISH BARBLESS HOOKS AND TAKE CARE OF OUR PRIZED NATIVE CUTTHROATS!

Flows are turbid on some drainages with recent rain but remaining cooler, thankfully. We still recommend avoiding the afternoon on the hot days but fishing is good after the rains pass!

Full closure until further notice, 75 degree water, very sorry!

Flows are below average and the fishing has been good despite a lot of pressure this year since the Snake is high and muddy from recent rain.

Hoppers and pmd’s

JACKSON LAKE: Lake levels are falling but the fishing has been good for lake trout at 50-80′. Green and white tubes and jig streamers, #2 Spark Plug!

JENNY LAKE: no report

Upper section flows are staying cool and the fishing is decent most of the day, but still watch for warming temps on the hot days after 2pm probably call it quits. Below Daniel is slow after about 11am. Some tricos and good hopper fishing picking up.

The lakes are slowing down, especially Yellowstone Lake but seeing some fish still taking sedges and leeches in 5-10′ depths. Points and back bays with the coolest surface temps are holding fish. Mornings start around 64, warming to 68-70, call it after 1pm please!

Lewis lake is good but technical with small terrestrials until about 1-2pm, then too warm also. Use a long leader on the calm days, otherwise good luck getting a fly in front of a wary brown.