Fish Smart, Fish Early: Help Protect Jackson Hole’s Trout When It Gets Hot

Out here, casting a fly into cool mountain water is more than recreation—it’s ritual for visitors and locals. But right now, the rivers need us to be more than anglers. They need us to be stewards.

In the past few days, water temperatures on the Snake River have hit 68°F—a critical threshold that puts serious stress on trout. These native species are tough, but when the water warms, their chances of survival drop. That’s why our friends at the Snake River Fund keep a close eye on temps throughout the season. And that’s why we’re asking you to do the same.

Here’s how you can help protect the fishery:

• • Fish early. The coolest—and most responsible—fishing happens at dawn. As the day heats up, the stress on fish increases.
  • Track water temps in real-time.
    • Visit SnakeRiverFund.org for river conditions.
    • Or download the new Water Temperature App to monitor stream temps before you head out. If the water hits 68°F or higher, it’s time to give the fish a break.
  • Go barbless. Barbless hooks make for quicker releases and healthier fish.
  • Keep fish wet. Snap your photo fast and get them back in the water.
  • Land them fast. A long fight can be fatal in warm water. Use a stronger leader to bring them in quickly and minimize exhaustion.

We fish because we love this place—and that means fishing with respect. The Snake River and its tributaries are part of what makes Jackson Hole unforgettable. Let’s keep them cold, clean, and wild for the next generation.

Tight lines. Loose barbs. Cold water.