Jackson Hole Fly Fishing Guide's Report - September 15, 2012

One of the sure signs of the approaching autumn each year is a marked increase in wildlife sightings, a major boost to any day wether in route or on the water. Over the past week or two we have seen all the major large game animals of the area nearly daily, including 4 grizzly bears and 3 black bears. Bull moose, elk and mule deer bucks seem to be everywhere and help create and extraordinary experience for the GTNP visitor, topping off the trip with a few native cutthroat trout keeps everyone coming back for the best season of all. Welcome to autumn in the Tetons!

Two bull elk battle it out for the herd. 

This black bear was found gorging on berries streamside.

Two impressive mule deer bucks rest among some sage brush.

As for the fishing, we are in a late summer pattern that is holding strong with frosty mornings and very warm afternoons, often near 80. The action is starting mid-late morning and can go through the afternoon. Primarily fishing the Snake River and the South Fork after the Jackson Hole One Fly, flows on other area rivers are very low and could be explored with perhaps a single angler but when the large river is in its prime why go elsewhere? Look for mahoganies, hecuba drakes and still a few tricos and late brown stones. Terrestrial fishing is holding up as always and is the best most days after 1pm.

The One Fly went well this year for me on Dam to Pacific Creek. I had my guys fish a small terrestrial dry fly and a small mohair streamer each day. The streamer out fished the dry only because the conditions have been bright for so long the trout feeding on the surface are sipping in shallow flat water where they can be ultra selective and nervous. Hook ups were nice fish but hard to keep buttoned, disappointing in this event but everyone on every section had the same or similar experience. The streamer bite was good in deep runs and among timber but required constant work and focus... some days you have to talk them into it.