Snake River
river in Wyoming
The Snake River in Jackson Hole produces heavy insect hatches (PMDs, baetis, caddis) and supports wild Yellowstone cutthroat and large browns; popular access spans from South Park through Moose and into the national park with many guided float and wade options.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
What's working on Snake River
- 01Excellent fall conditions with clear skies and mild temperatures.
- 02Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) mayflies are a dominant force, especially on overcast afternoons.
- 03Lingering October Caddis hatches may occur during warmer parts of the day.
- 04Opportunistic feeding on eggs is a significant factor in the trout’s diet due to spawning cycles.
- 05Streamer fishing is highly effective as larger fish become more aggressive and territorial.
Past reports week by week
9 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
October Caddis (Dry)
As one of the last major caddis hatches of the year in many western rivers, these larger dries can bring aggressive strikes from eager trout if found actively hatching.
Buy at AmazonBlood Dot Egg
Fall is prime egg season on the Snake River. Dead-drifting these subsurface will imitate eggs in the drift, appealing to opportunistic trout, including Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Cutthroat Trout, looking for a protein-rich meal.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
Fall BWO hatches are a consistent event on the Snake River, especially on overcast days. This low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout keying on adults in softer currents.
Buy at AmazonTravis Hi-Vis BWO Para Emerger
BWO emergers are crucial during fall hatches. This high-visibility pattern helps detect subtle takes when trout are keying on vulnerable insects in the surface film.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A versatile streamer, the olive Woolly Bugger effectively mimics leeches and baitfish that are active in colder fall waters, provoking aggressive strikes from larger brown and rainbow trout.
Tungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
A reliable year-round stonefly nymph imitation, its weight helps it get down quickly to where actively feeding trout and Mountain Whitefish are holding in deeper runs during the fall.
Buy at AmazonSchroeder’s Parachute Hopper
Terrestrial activity, particularly with grasshoppers, can still be strong in early fall along grassy banks, offering a substantial meal that appeals to opportunistic trout.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source for trout and whitefish year-round, and nymphing with these weighted patterns is always a good option in the colder fall waters.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Gros Ventre Confluence
Where Gros Ventre Creek joins the Snake; good runs and riffles that hold trout and produce large summer dries and nymphs.
Moose / Snake River Overlook
Classic float and wade water inside Grand Teton National Park with lots of shoreline structure and historic hatches.
South Park / Jackson Access
Popular wading/float access upstream of town with productive hatches and good public put-ins.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Westbank Anglers
Mangis Fishing Guides
Grand Teton Fly Fishing
JD High Country Outfitters
Get Snake River reports by email
Save this water and we'll email you a weekly summary of conditions, hatches and what's working.
Wyoming season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Best Fly Fishing Waders of 2025 – Breathable vs. Neoprene
Expert comparison of breathable and neoprene waders with top 2025 models for every budget and fishing condition.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Quick answers
Common questions about Snake River.
What flies work best on Snake River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Snake River right now are Chubby Chernobyl (Tan) (80% confidence), Elk Hair Caddis (80% confidence), Pat's Rubber Legs (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Snake River?
Snake River holds Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout (Snake River Fine-Spotted), Rainbow Trout, Mountain Whitefish. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Snake River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Snake River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.