Spring Water & Fishing Update and Coronavirus – Revised 3/27/20

Much has transpired in the last few weeks and we feel it is important to deliver a message about our current and future operating plans. First, the spring fishing has been very good and before the resorts closed on March 15, 2020 we had several very successful trips to the Snake River during one of our favorite times of the season. At this time of the year streamers and midges will be your best approach. In the next few weeks we expect to see a push of skwalla stoneflies move up river just before the runoff kicks in, typically late in April. When the weather cooperates the fishing is outstanding, perhaps keep this in mind for next year and hopefully you can get outside and enjoy this prime fishing window and its solitude. The winter was yet another good one and our current snowpack is coming in around 110% for the Snake River drainage and about 105% on the Upper Green River. Fingers crossed we have a delayed runoff as our Nation fights this virus, giving us precious time to get comfortably back on the water in June and July. Over the weekend(March 14) we just wrapped up some of our training requirements to get started for the 2020 season and as imagined the current National situation was a big topic. We are very much on board with giving our community and Nation time to gain a better combative grasp on this virus, this is very important. Currently much of Jackson Hole is basically shutdown and we expect this to be a quiet off season, perhaps well into May. Late March typically is peak Spring Break but can quickly go sleepy by the first week in April when the resorts begin to close then followed by runoff. We had several trip cancellations due to the resort closing and we greatly respect and support these decisions and since March 19 have stopped our river operations. With all this said we are taking calls for the summer and making best case scenario judgements for our guests now and as things hopefully get back to normal in the coming months we will resume our normal operations. Our store will delay its opening until May 1st or whenever is prudent but if you are interested in requesting a guide please do call(307.690.0910) or email([email protected]) us so we can discuss your options. Our goal is to help anyone who has a desire to escape and enjoy some time outdoors through this tough period for our Nation but only once our community feels it is safe to return to normal operations. Currently our town is in a virtual lockdown and we do not expect things to be open for a few weeks at best. We hope once we emerge from the worst of this pandemic we can all get back to our lives, working to help one another while maintaining all the awareness that is changing us culturally as a Nation. Social Distancing and fly fishing can work! We typically see peak calls for Summer bookings in May and June as our high water season comes to a close. It is anyone's guess how this season will end up but we do hope if you find yourself able to travel, please let us help you have a great day on the water.  Keep in mind most outfitters of the area have limited permit use or slots so planning ahead can greatly increase your chance to get on the river or section of your choice but in any case we are always delighted to help you plan your fishing adventure. We will also be following any new business recommendations from the NPS or the CDC, so we will appreciate your cooperation and patience as we all navigate this new cultural era we are entering. Lastly, our hearts go out to everyone effected by this virus in the worst way. I think we are all holding our breaths, hoping for a safe outcome for any and all loved ones. Kind Regards and Best Wishes to you and your families- GTFF Management and Guide Staff Scott Smith, Bruce James, Chris Doeberl and Mark Fuller