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It's not exactly trout season yet, but we thought you might like an update
on how events are unfolding this winter with an eye towards their possible
effects on the upcoming (only 59 days away) fishing season.
Not unlike last year, Jackson Hole is thus far experiencing a dry winter,
though somewhat colder than in 2000. The snow-water equivalent in the Snake
River Basin as of today resides at 55% of normal, a full 2% drop from yesterday
and part of a slow ongoing trend in the reduction of water in the snowpack. The
Yellowstone snowpack is even less, sitting at 52% of normal.
Will we see a repeat of last year's tremendous early season fishing? Naturally,
only time will tell. But while you may have been caught off guard and missed
out on some of that great early season fishing last year, be forewarned, it may
well happen again this year!
Releases at Jackson Lake Dam have been a steady 400 cfs (cubic feet per second)
most of the winter, not a bad level. Jackson Lake is 75% full (good for this
time of year) and the Palisades Reservoir sits at 36% of total capacity (some
concern there).
If things keep going like they are (i.e. little or no snow), there is a
distinct possibility that we will once again be fishing the Snake River in
June. Of course there are no guarantees, and there is enough winter left that
anything could still happen. Your best bet is to stay informed.
Reading this report is one way to keep up to date, but there is an even better
way. As many of you already know, High Country Flies maintains a Current
Conditions for the Jackson Hole Fly Fisherman page, which is updated daily.
Once there, click the Daily
Snowpack Data for the Snake River Basin link. Then, pay particular
attention to the snow-water equivalent for the Snake River Basin figure.
Knowing how much water remains within the snowpack provides a good gauge of how
long the runoff may last.
Also on the Current Conditions for the Jackson
Hole Fly Fisherman page you'll find:
- Current weather and weather forecast
- Water flows/releases from Jackson Lake Dam and other strategic locations
- Current status of all the reservoirs in the immediate area
And in case you are wondering, the Snake River is open year round with the
exception of March. However, during the winter months you are restricted to
fishing for whitefish (it is against the law to attempt to catch trout). Lately
it has been too cold for productive fishing, but when and if we get some warm
days (upper 30's or 40's) the fishing is usually pretty good. Be sure you pick
a good wintering hole as the fish hang out in pods this time of year. Late
morning and early afternoon is usually best. Dead drift nymphs deep and hope
the midges start hatching so you can fish dry flies for a while.
This summer High Country Flies will be giving away a free guided fishing trip.
Details will be revealed soon.
Jackson
Hole Fishing Report Archives
Guy Turck
High Country Flies
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