Around 70 or so fishing trips have been run by Dakota and the River Range Adventures team so far this summer. The crowds of visitors have only increased as the days grew longer and hotter throughout the Jackson Hole Valley. The theme of the summer so far has been the trying times of fishing guides looking for suitable water within odd hours and atypical conditions.

First, the spring was very very dry. Then came the early summer without June snowstorms but rather 90 degree temperatures that dwelled beneath the tall peaks and carried into July. By early July, the surface water equivalent was around 14%. Tributaries had cleared and fished somewhat in the end of June, but after a week or two, they were left running low and slow and seemingly empty. Others, the larger tributaries of the Snake that fish better in August, came into shape by early July. The Snake overtook much of its own banks with abnormally high water as the state of Idaho drew heavy flows from Jackson Lake, to support consumptive AG users on the other side of the mountains. Without much cold water trickling down from the mountains, the Snake struggled to cool overnight and quickly warmed. Hoot owls struck quickly in states like Montana and in Yellowstone National Park. The freestone streams to the south like the Green and Salt became unfishable too early in the guide season. With few options and early morning departures, town guides in Jackson were then hit further with dirty water that poured down the muddy walls of the Buffalo Fork river with an unsubstantial passing storm. Then clouds of smoke finally carried east from CA and OR and WA and NV and everywhere else it seemed. It has been a strange summer no doubt.

THE GOOD NEWS: June fished better than we have ever seen on the Snake. As the river cleared quickly and held warmer water temperatures (low 60’s) the bugs — that usually go unnoticed in high muddy water — were seen. Golden Stoneflies, Green Drakes, Caddis, and PMD’s were all washed into gentle rock bars and back eddies with trout now looking up. The dry fly fishing was incredible in June within GTNP.

Also, with a need to explore the backcountry in search of cold water, the River Range Adventures team found new stretches of productive water that also stoked more adventurous trips than typical drift boat options.

As Dakota and the team has maintained a relationship with Triangle X Ranch, we’ve been able to stay on their permit that grants commercial access in GTNP. This has been paramount in staying within suitable water temperatures and the clear water releases from the Jackson Lake Dam have offered constant fishable water even after lower stretches blow out,

The outlook is better with cooler temperatures and rain on the way. Let’s hope for a big winter to refill the lake.

#RiverRangeAdventures

#wherethewildstillholdsdominion