Casting in Paradise

Fly-fishing in the Jackson Hole area is a bucket-list endeavor for many anglers, and for good reason. The pristine waters surrounding the Tetons offer an unparalleled experience with breathtaking views and thriving trout populations. 

What truly makes Jackson Hole exceptional, however, is the incredible amount of fishable water that can be accessed publicly. 

“It is not hyperbole to say there is a lifetime of fishing within a two-hour drive from the Town Square and 90% of it is on federal or state land that we can access as anglers. It's truly awe-inspiring,” said Chris Littauer with WorldCast Anglers, a local company that offers guided fly-fishing excursions throughout Jackson Hole and Teton Valley.

The region is also at the headwaters of the major river systems of the Rocky Mountain West. Being in such close proximity to the original sources of the Yellowstone, Snake, and Green river systems is why the water stays cold year-round, providing a stable habitat for a robust number of trout.

The trout in the area have adapted to feeding off the surface, and their willingness to eat a dry fly nine months out of the year is quite remarkable, said Scott Smith of Grand Teton Fly Fishing, another local guide service. 

“While this area doesn't boast huge numbers or size, directly due to geography it does offer healthy numbers of cooperative trout for novice anglers and plenty of trophy fish to challenge a seasoned angler,” he said.

Where to go

While there is an abundance of fishable water throughout the area, some of WorldCast Anglers’ go-to spots for its guided trips include: the Snake River in Wyoming, the South Fork of the Snake, Henry's Fork of the Snake, and the Teton Rivers in Idaho.

The company also frequents the Green, Salt and New Fork Rivers, Bitch Creek, and local reservoirs like Henry's Lake, Blackfoot Reservoir and Yellowstone National Park on its guided trips.

Scott said the best spot to fish all depends on the season, “so knowing when to be somewhere specific is one of the primary instincts of the best guides.”

What are their favorites? For Scott, floating Pacific Creek to Deadmans is an iconic piece of river that he says is truly unforgettable. For Chris, it’s the South Fork of the Snake in Idaho. 

“If I had one day to fly-fish for the rest of my life, I would fish the canyon of the South Fork of the Snake in Idaho,” he said. “Though it is only an hour drive from Jackson, spending a day or two days on an overnight trip in the South Fork Canyon makes you feel like you went to a different world, the best world.”

A day on the river

A guided fly-fishing trip with WorldCast Anglers is a curated experience tailored to the individual expectations and interests of each guest. 

The process begins with the team selecting the ideal trip, water and guide based on the guest’s experience level and preferences. With a guide staff averaging 11-plus years of experience, WorldCast Anglers ensures that each guide is not only highly skilled but also an effective teacher. 

Grand Teton Fly Fishing also has an experienced staff of guides who enjoy teaching and sharing the experience. Additionally, they work to promote conservation.

“Promoting stewardship and creating connections to the resources is always a goal, as well as having that memorable moment with your family, friends or boat mate,” Scott said. “The social component to float fishing cannot be overstated.”

Tips for First-Timers

— Hire a guide, said Chris Littauer with WorldCast Anglers. “Fly-fishing is not an easy sport to pick up and teach yourself unless you have plenty of time on your hands. Hiring a professionally trained educator who not only knows how to teach the sport but also how to put beginner anglers onto fish is an incredibly helpful learning experience. It can take years to learn what is taught over the course of a six-hour fishing day with the right guide.”

— Trust your guide. “We have the greatest concentration of career-oriented fly-fishing guides in the world in the Jackson Hole area,” Chris said.

— Simplify your tactics, according to Scott of Grand Teton Fly Fishing. “Focus on prime water and make your first cast into that prime water a good one. Our fish are eager but can be turned off quickly with a poor presentation.”

— Look up and take it all in. “Close your eyes and listen: the water, wind and birds all create a natural therapeutic connection we all need,” Scott said.

Jackson Hole One Fly

The Jackson Hole One Fly, held every September since 1986, is a celebration of fly-fishing that combines friendly competition with a strong focus on conservation of the area’s rivers and streams. Forty teams gather each year to fish for two days using a single fly. While there are no cash prizes, trophies, fishing gear and awards go to the top scorers.

The catch? Each angler can only use a single fly for the day, making for an exhilarating challenge of angling skill!

This unique event raises funds for stream improvement projects for trout habitat, particularly focused on the native fine-spotted and Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the Snake River drainage and Yellowstone Park’s headwaters. Proceeds support conservation efforts, habitat restoration and rehabilitation projects, as well as educational programs aimed at preserving trout populations.

This year’s event will be held Sept. 4–7. Go to jacksonholeonefly.org to learn more.