Fishing in Grand Teton National Park

Few places in the world rival the setting that Grand Teton National Park provides for anglers looking to test their skills on the many blue ribbon trout waters within its boundaries. With high peaks overlooking clear lakes and rushing creeks falling down mountainsides, anglers have chances to throw their lines in all types of waters.

Overview

In addition to classic climbs, wildlife and beautiful hikes, Grand Teton National Park is home to unparalleled fishing experiences for both novice and expert anglers. Lake anglers are often drawn to Jackson, Jenny and Leigh Lake, where the east faces of the Tetons reflect up from the clear waters that hold some of the Park’s largest trout. If you prefer wading creeks, Pacific Creek and the many tributaries of the Snake River provide scenic spots to cast a line. And for those in search of a day (or two or three) spent floating and fishing, the Snake River has plenty of options to keep you busy.

Licenses

Fishing within Grand Teton National Park is overseen and licensed by Wyoming Game and Fish. Licenses are required to fish within Grand Teton National Park.

Fishing Seasons

Fishing within Grand Teton National Park is open year-round, with a few exceptions. 

• Fishing on Jackson Lake is closed during the month of August. 
• From November through March, all Cutthroat Trout caught on the Snake River proper must be released. 
• The Snake River is closed from Buffalo Fork to Menor’s Ferry from December 15 to April 1. 
• Tributaries upstream of Jackson Lake Dam, Buffalo Fork, the Gros Ventre Rivers and Pacific Creek are closed from November through March. 
• Tributaries of the Snake River below Jackson Lake Dam (except those listed above) are only open from August 1 until November 1.
• Late summer through mid-fall is the most consistent fishing season, but every part of the year holds its own surprises, challenges and rewards.

Access

Access to Grand Teton National Park’s fishing is easy and abundant. Jenny and Jackson Lake both have trails winding around them, and the Jackson Lake Dam, just below Jackson Lake, has excellent fishing just a short walk from the car.

A number of boat launches can also be found throughout the park. The inlet of Pacific Creek, about a mile downstream from Jackson Lake Dam, is a popular put-in for boaters floating south through the park. Dead Man’s Launch, 10 miles south of Moran Junction, is another popular put-in that offers access to faster-moving water.

Fishing Locations

Jenny Lake
While Jenny Lake may not be as large as Jackson Lake, no one will bemoan its scenery, smooth trails that offer easy access or bounty of large trout. Jenny Lake is open for fishing year-round; however, the road does close during the winter.

Jackson Lake Dam
At the south end of Jackson Lake the Snake River is held back by Jackson Dam, accessible with a short walk from the nearby parking lot. The tailwaters of this section of the Snake River hold large Cutthroat and Mackinaw Trout. Fishing is open year-round, but only for catch-and-release from November through March.

Snake River
The mighty Snake River, one of the most famous rivers in the west, enters Jackson Lake shortly after leaving Yellowstone National Park and flows south through the Park. Many tributaries and boat launches offer options for those looking to wade, fish from shore or float. Seasons vary for different sections of the Snake River, with some areas closed and some lower sections being catch-and-release during parts of the year, so check in before heading out.