Responsible Fishing in Jackson Hole this Fall

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First thing’s first, make a plan and know before you go. The best fishing trips in Jackson, WY and the surrounding areas are well researched and pre-planned. Take a map and know where you’re going – a lot of our water is fishable, but some is restricted and others have must release (or must keep) regulations. Visit a local fly shop to know what you’re fishing for and what they’re eating. In the Fall, stones, hoppers, beetles, and ants are popular. Finally, set yourself up for a good day with the proper gear, good sunglasses, and plenty of water.

Where To Go

Park Fishing
Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer the best National Park fly fishing in the country (in our humble opinion). There’s just nothing like having a “fish on” in the Yellowstone River! Famous for Yellowstone Cutthroat and other varieties of trout, much of the waters in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park are fishable, but it’s important to know before you go. Be sure to stop at a Visitor Center that sells fishing permits on your way in to either park and they’ll provide a map of fishable waters along with rules on which fish you MUST put back and which fish you MUST keep. Click here for more information on fishing in Yellowstone and here for more information on fishing in Grand Teton National Park.

River Fishing
In the Fall, the best rivers to fish include the South Fork of the Snake, the Henry’s Fork, Teton River, Green River, Salt River, Flat Creek, and Hoback. If you know where to go, many of these local waters offer easy access, nearby parking, and waded fishing. Worldcast Angler provides regular fishing reports for Jackson Hole rivers, but we also suggest stopping in to a local guide shop for the most up-to-date information.

Lake Fishing

Jackson Lake, Yellowstone Lake, and even Slide Lake are fishable in Autumn if you’re on the hunt for lake trout. Or, if you’re up for a drive, Henry’s Lake can provide an excellent haul that you’ll be bragging about for years. Again, stop in to a shop like Snake River Anglers or JD High Country Outfitters before hitting the road.

How To Go

Guided Fishing
Without a doubt, a guided fishing trip is the best way to enjoy fishing from a boat for anyone who is unfamiliar with local waters, new to fishing, or just wants a carefree fishing experience. Jackson’s fishing guides are the best of the best and well worth the cost. They’ll take you to the right spot for the experience you want, tie your flies, untangle your line, and provide history and photo opportunities throughout the day. If you’re looking for a guided experience this fall, including famous fall streamer trips, visit our fishing page to pick the right guide.

Choose Your Own Adventure (After Researching)
For the more experienced anglers, rivers and streams can be accessed alone if you know where to go. Going on your own, or with a friend, provides a peaceful retreat as you’ll often be the only one for miles. However, it’s important to know where you’re going, have the gear you need, and know what the fish are biting. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: stop by a local fly shop before heading out.

What to Bring

Any fall activities in the Tetons require a little extra preparation. ‘Tis the season of 20 degree temperature swings, storms with little warning, and treacherous footing. Add waders, nets, flies and other fishing gear to the mix, and you have quite the list. Ultimately, be prepared for different types of weather, bring sunscreen, and drink lots of water. For your gear, check local fishing reports to see what’s fishing well and bring high quality waders to access cold fall water.

Tag Responsibly

Here in Jackson, it’s in our nature to protect our wild places. So tell your stories and share your pictures without revealing our secrets. Tag responsibly, keep Jackson Hole wild!