Jackson Hole Fishing Tips

February 2010

We start fishing in April, if spring shows up, on cold clear waters. Fish move slow and seek the warmest water available. We use big streamers in dark colors or throw ¼ to ½ oz spoons with trout colors and spots to mimic small fish.

This window of clear trout water fishing closes with the onset of spring warmth starting the snow pack to melt, and muddy the rivers.

What do trout anglers do then? We hit the lakes as they ice-off, and feed hungry trout as they cruise the warming, shallow waters near the edge of the receding ice.

Boats are crucial for this, and temperature/depth gauges can help pinpoint warmer waters that attract feeding fish.

 Here, the fly fisherman will toss size #4 dark streamers, and when they don’t work, we try the brightest, gaudiest-lets get their attention-colored streamers. This includes bright yellow, chartreuse or purple streamers, also in #4 and #6 sizes.

Spin anglers will work light lines-this is clear water-in 6-10# test, using a variety of spoons and lures to cover the water. I prefer Kastmasters in ¼--1/2 oz in silver/blue, yellow/red and any of the trout colors with spots. Trout anglers also use Crocodiles, Kamloops, spoons, and1/6- 1/4oz Rooster Tails to generate interest.

Rapala’s in CD 7 & 9 sizes, in almost any color can spark a predator response.

A slow retrieve, with some starts and stops is often successful at this time of year. This will mimic fleeing baitfish and you should be ready for the strike after the pause, when you start the retrieve again. The trick is in line control, try to keep some tension on the line during the pause by dropping the rod tip to follow the falling lure or fly.