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Wyoming · Fishing
Fishing around Jackson, Wyoming centers on the Snake River and a handful of lakes tucked into the surrounding landscape, and the variety is real enough that a week here won't feel repetitive.
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Fishing around Jackson, Wyoming centers on the Snake River and a handful of lakes tucked into the surrounding landscape, and the variety is real enough that a week here won't feel repetitive. The Snake River at South Park sits at 6,050 feet and offers fly fishing for cutthroat, brown, and brook trout at a moderate difficulty level — meaning you don't need to be an expert caster, but you should be comfortable wading moving water and mending a line. River options extend through the Jackson Ranger District and include access points like Atherton Creek Boating Site, which suits anglers who want to cover more water by floating. If stillwater fishing is more your speed, The Six Lakes and Elk Exhibition Pasture round out the options with lake fishing that tends to be more forgiving for beginners or those who prefer a slower pace. The Snake River corridor is the main draw for most visiting anglers, and for good reason — cutthroat trout are the native species here and the river holds all three trout species listed above. Wyoming Game and Fish regulations apply throughout, so picking up a current license and checking the specific rules for each water body before you go is non-negotiable.
The Snake River at South Park holds cutthroat trout, brown trout, and brook trout. Cutthroat are the native species and typically the most common. The lake fishing at spots like The Six Lakes and Elk Exhibition Pasture may hold different species, but check with Wyoming Game and Fish for current stocking and population information on those waters.
Runoff from snowmelt typically muddies the Snake River through late May and into June, making it tough to fish effectively. Late June through early fall is generally the most productive window, with late summer and September often offering excellent dry-fly opportunities as flows drop and water clears. Ice-off timing on the lakes varies, so plan lake trips for late spring through early fall.
Trail Creek
~36 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Big Elk
~48 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Snake River - South Park
~13 min drive
Moderate
McCoy Creek Campground
~56 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
South Fork of the Snake River: Conant Boat Access
~1h 7m drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Teton Canyon
~38 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Alpine North Loop
~52 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Teton River: Driggs Access
~48 min drive
Moderate
Mike Harris
~38 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Calamity
~55 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Reunion Flat
~40 min drive
A worthwhile stop near WY.
Falls Campground
~1h 4m drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
The South Park stretch is rated moderate difficulty, so independent wading is realistic if you have experience reading river currents and handling a fly rod in moving water. If you're newer to river fishing or want to cover more water efficiently, floating with a guide through the Jackson Ranger District section is a common approach. Atherton Creek Boating Site is a practical put-in for those doing a self-guided float.
A 9-foot, 5-weight rod is a solid all-around choice for the Snake River's cutthroat and brown trout. Bring waders and wading boots with good grip since the riverbed is rocky. A selection of dry flies, nymphs, and streamers will cover most conditions — local fly shops in Jackson can tell you exactly what's working on the water during your visit.
A valid Wyoming fishing license is required for all waters in the area. The Snake River and waters within the Jackson Ranger District may have specific rules around catch-and-release, bait restrictions, or seasonal closures that change year to year. Always check the current Wyoming Game and Fish regulations for the specific water body you plan to fish before you go — don't rely on what was true last season.
