April on the Snake River? Bring Your Rod and Reel

The ski racks haven’t quite disappeared from the tops of Teton County cars yet, but as winter activities wind down and we all begin to gear up for summer adventures in the mountains, there’s no shortage of waders and drift boats around town (and in the park!).  We asked a local fly fisherman to tell us a bit about why these spring months are such a great time to be out on the water.  Here’s the scoop: 

• The water is “gin clear” this time of year – need we say more?
• Fish are still pooled up in “winter water” versus the high water of summertime when fish are more widely dispersed along the shores
• Temperatures and other indicators of seasonal change are causing fish to start to “looking up” to hatching bugs
• Lots of would-be fishermen are still enjoying the ski slopes (or haven’t yet arrived for the summer), so fishing pressure is minimal
• Daily temperature changes allow for a variety of set ups and techniques, including nymphs, streamers and dry flies; there’s also a great variety of bug activity: stoneflies, mayflies, midges and more
• Fish are hungry coming out of the winter months and are eager to feed, especially on warmer days; they also haven’t seen artificial flies all winter
• The river is low so it’s easy to cover “good water” on foot – a great time for wade fishermen

Fishing in Grand Teton National Park is regulated according to Wyoming state laws. A license is required. For more information visit the Wyoming Game and Fish website at gf.state.wy.us. You may also download the park’s fishing brochure here.