Jackson Hole Fly Fishing Report 1/21

As we approach the end of January, it's time to check on how we're situated as far as snow water equivalent for our area. The Snake River Headwaters are at 111.3% of normal as of today. So even if it seems like it's been dry, we are still doing well up high.

Not just the Snake River headwaters, but much of the GYE here in Wyoming has healthy snowpack in relation to the past 30 years, with the exception of the area around Flagg Ranch Road.

• Lewis Lake Divide: 20.7 inches (128% of median)

• Two Ocean Plateau: 23.7 inches (136% of median)

• Phillips Bench: 14.8 inches (110% of median)

• Togwotee Pass: 15.2 inches (118% of median)

• Snake River Station: 7.6 inches (79% of median)

• Grassy Lake: 11.8 inches (69% of median)

As of now we have 95 + more days of winter to add to this accumulation. Let's hope for it to continue or even improve, to keep our rivers and tributaries fed with cold water throughout the summer and fall.

This past week we had a reprieve from the bitter cold of January. Local temperatures were pushing mid to upper 30's, while in central Wyoming, I witnessed temps almost touching 60 degrees! Those temps brought out the midges in full force (as seen below), and fish were capitalizing on it on the surface.

The South Fork and Henry's Fork also had very good midge activity during the warm parts of the day. On the Snake proper here in JH it has been more of a nymph and streamer game in deeper, slower water. I did hear some reports of adult midges and rising fish around Emily Stevens Park and around the bridge there. The upcoming week will put a hold on any dry fly activity as temps return to a more typical range for January.

Don't forget to check in with us about signing up for our many fly tying classes these coming weeks/months. Do not delay, as some of our class offerings are already nearing full capacity.

Flies

• Adult Midge patterns such as Griffith's Gnat, smoke jumpers, KT Midge Emergers

• Zebra Midges, perdigons, black leeches, pheasant tail nymphs.

• Pat's Rubberlegs, Squishy Turds