Grand Teton Park Fishing
Very few places in the world rival the setting Grand Teton National Park provides for anglers willing to test their skills on the many blue ribbon trout waters within its boundaries. Its highly recommended during your visit that you invest in the services of a professional fishing guide. The investment for a fishing trip in the park is well worth the price as most guides cater an angling experience to your liking providing transportation, boats, excellent equipment, food, and most importantly, their knowledge and experience. If going at it alone is more your style, all you need is a Wyoming fishing license in hand, a car, a map of the park (provided at all entrances,) and the willingness to explore endless fishable water. At every point in the park, the majestic Teton mountain range towers above, inspiring awe and beauty into the many visitors peeking up from the valley floor. With one of the highest peaks in Wyoming guarding the Western border of the park, the presence of Grand Teton peak (13, 770 ft.) mesmerizes and enchants onlookers and has undoubtedly caused many anglers to miss strikes at their fly.
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High Country Flies - The Fly Fishing Resource!
Jackson's only shop devoted entirely to fly fishing. Full service fly shop offering guided fishing trips since 1974. Come see the local experts!!
(866) 733-7210
Whether your genre of fishing is specific to either river, lake, secluded streams, or, maybe all three, then Grand Teton National Park will provide an unparalleled fishing experience for the beginner and expert angler. One of the most famous rivers of the West, the mighty Snake, is born in the southern boundary of Yellowstone Park where it makes a short run into Jackson Lake, the largest lake in Grand Teton National Park. The Snake exits the South end of the lake from the Jackson Dam and provides easy and accessible fishing from the convenience of a short stroll down the bank from the parking lot. Anglers will have the opportunity to catch Wyomings native Snake River Cutthroat Trout from 12 to 16 inches. If youre lucky enough to hook into a large Cutthroat in the sixteen inch plus range, they take on the physical characteristic of displaying a goldish-yellow belly. Hence the name Yellowbellies was given to these fish as many locals will call these heavy bruisers by this name. The dam area also provides great opportunities to catch Mackinaw Trout which can range in size from 12 to over 25 inches. Anglers can walk along the river as far as they would like. While the access areas near the road will obviously contain more fisherman, there is abundant water off the beaten track awaiting anglers wishing to find water that may not have been excessively fished over.
It is important to note however, that bushwhackers venturing away from roads and marked trails should always be on alert for large and potentially dangerous wildlife including Moose, Bison, Grizzly and Black Bears. Any one of these animals can present a threatening situation for a person who mistakenly surprises an unalert animal. A rule of thumb is to whistle or talk while hiking. The noise alerts any animals of your presence and theyll be more likely to walk away then become a problem to an unsuspecting hiker.
A little over one mile down the river from the dam is a boat launch at Pacific Creek. This is a popular starting point for rafters and fishermen who have boats and plan to float South through the park. The upper part of the Snake river is mostly a slow and meandering stretch of water with great opportunities for Dry fly fishermen. Heading South onto the main highway 191, there are numerous pull-offs for viewing spectacular scenery and river access. Dead Mans Bar, 10 miles South of Moran Junction, is another area that provides a boat launch and contains some fast water with many riffles North and South of the boat launch. This is an opportunistic area for Anglers wishing to use big attractor dry flies such as a Double Humpy, a Turks Tarantula, and Hopper patterns. Another easily accessible area is located in Moose near the South entrance to the Park. Here, you may fish near the bridge and boat launch or, walk up and down stream working the banks and riffles with large attractor patterns.
If lake fishing is more your speed, then head North up the Teton Park Rd. to Jenny Lake. With trails winding around this blue-water gem, it can provide great fun for exploring the lakes vast shoreline. Bring your sinking line and try throwing some big flashy streamers such as white leaches and wooly buggers as they consistently entice strikes from cruising Cutthroats along the lakes edge. Farther North lies two more smaller lakes, String and Leigh Lake. You may find more seclusion in these bodies of water as the Park road veers well away to the East making them only accessible by foot. North of these small lakes lies Jackson Lake which is a tremendous body of water holding many large Lake trout. As with most big lake fishing , the desired and successful method for catching these trophies is trolling deep with large spoons or streamers. But success is also found from shore if you can find fish cruising along dramatic bottom formations such as shallow bars and steep drop-offs.
Remember to check local fishing regulations in the park regarding creel limits. Catch and release is a great way to promote a positive angling experience as many fish are native and wild. So, please handle fish gently, especially if you plan on releasing your catch. These creatures are some the Parks most sought after treasures. Enjoy the fishing and most importantly, enjoy the beauty surrounding it.
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