Fishing Reports
Jackson Hole/Snake River | Yellowstone National Park | Green River

Snake River

Run-off has hit the Jackson Hole Valley in full force. Fishing any of the valley’s moving water (creeks, streams, rivers) will be met with limited success. The top section of the Snake, from the outlet of Jackson Lake down to the first major tributary, Pacific Creek, will remain fishable. Pacific Creek is dumping in chocolate milk (as are all of the Snakes’ tributaries) and the Snake is off in color from there on downstream. For other stream fishing in the valley you will have to search very high on the tributary systems to find clear water.

Area Fishing

Though it’s a difficult time of year for our stream fishing, this when the valleys’ lake fishing shines. The ice has only been off area lakes for less than a week and for the most part the lakes have fished well. Last weekend Jackson Lake’s Icebreaker fishing tournament was won with a 32lb Laker. Early season is very conducive for fly-fishing the lakes because the fish are relatively high in the water column and relatively close to the shoreline. The venerable Wooly Bugger will be a hard one to beat, followed by Mohair, Marabou, and Bunny Leeches. Black, olive, brown, and blood are standard colors that always produce steady results. I know you have heard it from us many times, but Lake Trout (Mackinaw) like Chartreuse. If you are zeroing in on the Mack’s, give a Chartreuse Lite-Brite Zonker or possibly a Chartreuse Clouser Minnow a try.

Dry-Flies

Though a little early, we have seen some of the big Flying Ants on the back porch of the shop. Typically, they show up a little later in June, but if you are fishing area lakes, you might keep your eyes open for them. As fish fodder, it’s pretty hard to miss their appearance. They are big, size 10’s and when they’re on the water, the fish certainly don’t miss them. Look for them on western shorelines in the late afternoon.

Releases

At the May 14^th water flow meeting, the Bureau of Reclamation projected very encouraging dam releases from Jackson Lake for the 2009 fishing season. As things stand right now: releases from Jackson Lake Dam should peak around June 10th, and drop to 2000cfs by the third week of July. Then the Bureau is predicting to continue dropping flows, and by early September, they would be at 1500cfs. If the Bureau of Reclamation can hold somewhat true to plans, we should have another excellent fishing season (as we had last year, thank you Bureau of Rec.). Because our reservoir system is in such great shape, unless we experience some extremely freakish conditions, the BOR is anticipating little change from their projections.  Right now the release from Jackson Lake is 4530cfs and is expecting to top out at around 6000cfs.

Conclusion

This is the second good water year in a row for the Jackson Hole Valley, as of a matter of fact, all of the Yellowstone Area, and as usual, good water adds up to good fishing. The Snake experienced higher than normal flows all winter and with a little help from the Bureau, we should have another banner fishing year here in Jackson Hole. The Valley’s tributaries have also benefitted from more water and they should fish great. Yes, it is going to take awhile for our local waters to get into shape, but as I already have mentioned, it is great time to get acquainted with area lakes. If you need current conditions don’t hesitate to contact us here at the shop.

Until next time, good fishing,
Howard Cole
High Country Flies