Jackson Hole Fly Fishing Report- April 8, 2013- Snowpack Discussion

This spring is setting up like many do here in Western Wyoming, all over the map. One day it is relatively warm, folks are out fishing and biking and the next can be a vigorous spring snowstorm dumping wet flakes in the valley and a tantalizing fresh bounty of powder in the high country. Good ole Wild Wyoming! The sure way to know spring has arrived is by paying attention to our migratory birds.  Goldfinches and various hawks are on the rise as our snowpack recedes from the valley.   

Redtailed Hawk searches open grass for voles.

As of early April the snowpack for the Tetons is right around 90%, yet one of those vigorous wet systems has moved in and is coating the hills with good moisture. I would expect to see that percentage jump a few ticks in the next week. Overall we are looking fairly well in Western Wyoming and especially in the Snake River drainage. At a minimum we should see an average runoff and timeline. If the current pattern sticks around for, let's say another month, we could be looking at a hefty runoff. If I could make the weather I would rather see some nice summer rains once a week, yet I cannot so we shall all see what happens. 

Munger Mountain from the south end of Rafter J

The fly fishing in the Jackson Hole area is prime as long as we don't see any high temps in the high country. The Snake River has come up a few inches and has a tiny bit of color. If the temps soar it could blow out as the mid-elevation snow is soft and saturated. We are still getting the best results from midges and streamers. I have yet to see any but the skwalla stones are soon to be landing in my boat... love the spring hatches!