On the Fly Magazine: The Greater Yellowstone Fishing Guide

Fishing Report
Sunday, May 13 2007 / 10:51 AM

Location: Jackson Hole

Not much to talk about around here. Mud, goo, and some more mud pretty much tells the tale. Daytime highs have been reaching the mid 70’s – low 80’s and night time lows have been right above freezing even around 10,000. There is a remarkable difference from last week as far as the snow level goes. In fact it looks like we are at least a month ahead of normal, if not more. I hope we get some moisture.

I heard reports of hoppers out and about in southern Wyoming already! They are always a few weeks ahead of the Yellowstone ecosystem but it’s still too early for hopper season, even for them. Makes me wanna trade in my truck for one of those hybred things. Global climate change is really showing it’s face this year and looks like it is here to stay. We will be featuring stories on climate change as it relates to our western fisheries in upcoming issues of On the Fly…stay tuned.

Jackson Lake : We have not been able to get up and fish it ourselves but word is that the fishing is good. The lakers and cutthroat are moving up into the shallows. A sinking line or tip will still be a great asset though. Try your standard Zonkers, Kiwis, and buggers mainly in black or olive. Don’t hesitate to fish other colors if the standards aren’t working. Sometimes the lakers are into chartruse and white. It makes them angry and they strike out of reaction as much as hunger.

Henry’s Fork: Reports from the Henry’s Fork are fair to good and clarity is definitely fishable. The upper river from Island Park Dam down to riverside campground is closed until Memorial Day weekend. PLEASE respect the rules and regs! There is plenty of productive water over there that’s open right now.
It’s almost Salmon Fly time over there. Nymphing is the name of the game. Brown rubber legs, princes, pheasant tails… Keep your eyes peeled for the big bugs. They are predicted to show up a little early this year. Remember, just because there might be a few out doesn’t mean the fish will be keeing on them on top. Stay underneath for the best success right off the bat.
If we get some cloudy weather rolling through try going the streamer route. Sculpins can be very productive on the Henry’s Fork this time of year as can your standard wooly bugger. If you have questions about the Henry’s Fork or another fishery in the Yellowstone region, feel free to drop us a line at (307)690-7490. We will be happy to help you out in a DIY situation or we can recommend the best guides in the area.

Cheers,
The crew at OTF