Snake River Fishing Forecast
Premier native cutthroat fishery in Jackson Hole with Teton Mountain backdrop
Open year-round (check section regs)
Below Jackson Lake Dam: daily limit increased to 6 trout in 2026. Cutthroat limit 3 (only 1 over 12in). Open year-round
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 6:45 AM
38°F
1260 CFS
2 AM - 4 AM
WD-40
Free forever • No signup required • Hourly updates
Quick Facts
Snake River Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout
freestone
36°F - 45°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Early hatches begin. Look for BWOs.
March Hatches
BWO
Mayfly
Spring and fall prime. Overcast days best.
Midge
Midge
Winter lower river option. South Park area.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Deep nymphing, Midges, Streamers |
| February | 33-40°F | Midges, Small nymphs, Deep pools |
| March(Now) | 36-45°F | BWO dries, Streamers, Early stonefly nymphs |
| April | 40-50°F | Skwala dries, BWO patterns, Streamers |
| May | 45-55°F | Mother's Day Caddis, Nymphing, Streamers |
| June | 50-60°F | Salmonfly dries, Golden Stones, PMDs |
| July | 55-68°F | PMDs, Hoppers, Caddis, Attractor dries |
| August | 55-70°F | Hoppers, Tricos, PMDs, Terrestrials |
| September | 48-58°F | BWOs, Streamers, Hoppers |
| October | 40-50°F | Streamers, BWOs, Egg patterns |
| November | 35-42°F | Streamers, Deep nymphs, Egg patterns |
| December | 32-38°F | Deep nymphs, Midges, Slow presentations |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Cutthroat Trout
Spawn months: May, June, July
Spring spawners. Timing varies by subspecies and elevation - coastal populations spawn earlier (Feb-Mar), inland populations later (May-July). Eggs develop for 6-7 weeks before hatching.
Access Points & Parking for Snake River
Jackson Hole
Multiple access points in the valley.
South Park
Upper river access.
Wilson
Quality fishing access.
Hoback Junction
Confluence area access.
How to Fish Snake River: Tips & Tactics
The Snake River in Wyoming flows through spectacular Jackson Hole, offering excellent fishing for native Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout with the Teton Range as backdrop.
Best Times of Day
Summer offers the best dry fly fishing with prolific hatches. Fall brings aggressive cutthroat. The Teton views are incredible.
Recommended Techniques
Float fishing is the tradition. Match the diverse hatches. Native cutthroat are willing dry fly feeders.
Water Conditions
The Tetons provide stunning scenery. Clear water and healthy cutthroat populations. Float fishing covers the most water.
Fly Selection
Hopper patterns in late summer. PMD and caddis for hatches. Stimulators and attractors. Cutthroat are willing feeders.
Local Knowledge
Jackson Hole is a world-class destination. Native cutthroat are the prize. Float fishing with Teton views is unforgettable.
Local Tips
Jackson Hole is a world-class destination. Float fishing with Teton views is unforgettable. Native cutthroat are a treasure.
When is the Best Time to Fish Snake River?
Spring
Runoff limits fishing. Late spring improves.
Summer
Prime season. Hopper fishing excellent.
Fall
Cutthroat become aggressive. Great conditions.
Winter
Limited - some sections fishable.
Recommended Equipment for Snake River
Rod
9-foot, 5 or 6-weight.
Line
Floating line for dry flies.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot tapered leader, 4X-5X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Float trips standard.
Essential Flies
Snake River Fishing Regulations
Season
Check Wyoming Game and Fish.
Limits
Native cutthroat regulations protect the fishery.
Special Regulations
Snake River cutthroat must be released in most areas.
Bait Restrictions
Artificial flies and lures only.
Notes
Native Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat are special.
Always verify current regulations with Wyoming fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Snake River
Local Fly Shops
- Jack Dennis Sports - Jackson
- Snake River Angler - Jackson
- World Cast Anglers
Guide Services
- Snake River Angler
- Jackson Hole Fly Fishing
- Grand Fishing Adventures
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
3000 - 8000 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 62°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Wyoming Trout Rivers
North Fork Shoshone
Green
North Platte River
Firehole River
Gibbon River
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