Snake River Fly Fishing in Wyoming

The very name of the Snake River invokes images of unsurpassed fishing and fly fishing amidst some of the best scenery the West has to offer, and with good reason.

Overview
When most people think about the great rivers of the West, one in particular that often comes to mind is the mighty Snake River. While some of the finest and most exciting dry fly fishing around can be found in the upper reaches, which begin in Yellowstone National Park and flow south some 70 miles before entering the Palisades Reservoir, it wasn’t until the 1997 World Fly-fishing Championships that the Snake River finally received the world-wide acclaim it was due. Along its length, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and the Teton National Forest create a pictorial setting to cast for rainbow, cutthroat, brown and brook trout of all sizes.

Location
While the Snake River runs from Yellowstone National Park all the way through the Palisades Reservoir, across Idaho and on to join the Columbia, the section usually referred to as the Snake River is the upper Snake, above the Palisades Reservoir. This stretch of river runs from Yellowstone National Park, through Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole Valley and south into the Snake River Canyon and has excellent fishing along its whole length.

Seasons
Snake River fishing is open from April through October. Although early season fishing can be good, fishing on the Snake River usually gets into full swing following run-off in late June to mid-July, when the river turns a turquoise greenish-blue color before running clear again. During the prime months from July through October, anglers can only do their best to keep up. If you only have one chance and want to maximize your shot at some truly spectacular fishing, plan your trip for September.

Floating vs. Wading
Much of the Snake River is regularly fished by foot and from shore, and very successfully at that. To truly experience the entire river, however, a boat is very helpful as it can be difficult to get to much of the large, fast-moving river on foot alone. Sections of the Snake River do require some technical boat navigation. Hiring a guide is highly recommended.

Where to Fish

If you’re not quite sure where to begin fishing the Snake River, some popular spots include: 

• Jackson Lake and the Jackson Lake Dam tailwaters in Grand Teton National Park 
• the inlet of Pacific Creek, where boaters often put in to enjoy that slow and steady current down to Deadman’s Bar, where the current picks up and the floating become more technical
• Moose Bridge, which has roadside access to wade or shore fishing and boat access 
• the Wilson Bridge, 12 miles downriver, where anglers often walk and fish the length of the levy that constrains the Snake River 
• the South Park Bridge, a popular start and end point for float trips and the location of Flat Creek tailwaters of Flat Creek, where large fish sometimes hang out 
• the famous Snake River Canyon, which begins its 20 mile run, complete with great boating and fishing, just seven miles downriver from the South Park Bridge.

Fine Spotted Snake River Cutthroat Trout
One of the highlights of Snake River fly fishing is the fact that it is home to its very own indigenous subspecies of trout – the Fine Spotted Snake River Cutthroat Trout. This beautiful trout is eager to strike at just about any dry fly, often regardless of the presentation, and can be recognized by its explosive strikes.