Snake River
Moran to Jackson · Grand Teton NP
NW Wyoming, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Cutthroat.
Stream gauge: 13011000. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
At 4540 cfs with water hitting 53.8°F, the Snake is riding the perfect edge of early summer — high enough for confident float fishing but clear enough for visual presentations. Caddis are active in the afternoon warming, and cutthroat are aggressive in the current breaks and foam lines. No recent shop intel — outlook based on current conditions and the approaching warm stretch through Saturday.
- Flow: 4540 cfs — ideal float level with good clarity. Braided channels navigable, back eddies holding fish without being blown out.
- Hatches: Caddis emergence picking up as water crosses 53°F. Afternoon activity from 1-4pm, Elk Hair Caddis #16 and Stimulators working.
- Water Temp: 53.8°F and climbing — right in the sweet spot for caddis activity. PMD emergence threshold (55°F) within reach this weekend.
- Best Window: Afternoon float 12-6pm. Morning too cool for surface action, but cutthroat active subsurface in deeper channels.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: June–Oct, peak Aug–Sept
The Snake River through Jackson Hole offers exceptional cutthroat fishing in one of the most spectacular mountain settings in North America. Native Snake River Fine-Spotted Cutthroat are the prize — aggressive, beautifully marked fish that rise freely to hoppers and attractor patterns throughout summer. The river winds through braided channels beneath the Tetons in prime float country.
The Snake's fine-spotted cutthroat subspecies is found only in this drainage — fishing them in the shadow of the Tetons is a bucket-list experience.
January Outlook
The Snake River headwaters near Moran and within Grand Teton National Park are closed for the winter season. Deep snow, cold temperatures, and federal closures make this inaccessible.
Productive Patterns
- Closed — winter season
Tips
The Snake in GTNP has a defined season. Check nps.gov/grte for current regulations. The river opens in early to mid-April in most years.
Water Notes
Closed. Deep snow. River cold and partially iced. Park access limited.
February Outlook
Still closed. Grand Teton National Park's Snake River drainage is in full winter. The Tetons are spectacular in winter snow but the river is not accessible.
Productive Patterns
- Closed — winter season
Tips
Grand Teton National Park offers winter activities including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The fishing season is months away.
Water Notes
Closed. Deep winter conditions.
March Outlook
March remains closed in GTNP. The park begins winter transition in late March — snowshoeing and skiing give way to the first early spring wildlife sightings. The Snake River season is approaching.
Productive Patterns
- Closed — approaching season
Tips
The GTNP Snake opens in early to mid-April. Monitor nps.gov/grte for current season opening dates and regulations.
Water Notes
Closed. Ice-out beginning on Jackson Lake. Park entering spring transition.
April Outlook
The Grand Teton National Park season opens in April on the Snake River. Ice-out on Jackson Lake and the first spring cutthroat fishing of the year. A spectacular early-season opportunity.
Productive Patterns
- Streamer
- Sparkle Dun #18
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Hare's Ear
Tips
The season opener in GTNP is a significant event for Jackson Hole anglers. The first floats from Pacific Creek to Moose begin mid-April in most years. Check current opening dates with park staff.
Water Notes
Opening mid-April typically. High cold flows 2,000–6,000 cfs with spring input. Cold 42–50°F. Float fishing strongly recommended.
May Outlook
The Snake in GTNP fishes well in May as flows build toward the June Salmonfly peak. The park is stunning with spring wildflowers and wildlife — grizzly bears are visible from float boats. A world-class experience.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Stimulator
- PMD (late May)
- Streamer
Tips
May floats through GTNP offer spectacular scenery with the Tetons reflecting in the river. The Salmonfly hatch is approaching. Book guides well in advance for the full June season.
Water Notes
2,000–6,000 cfs building. Cold 46–54°F. Float required in most sections. Grizzly activity high — follow park guidelines.
June Outlook
The upper Snake in Grand Teton NP fishes after runoff subsides. Cutthroat and some brown trout respond to Caddis and PMDs.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD
- Golden Stone
- Stimulator
Tips
Float trips from Pacific Creek downstream are the classic experience. A guide is valuable for navigating the braided channels. The scenery is unmatched with the Teton Range as a backdrop.
Water Notes
High flows in early June dropping to 3,000–7,000 cfs by late June. Float required for most access.
July Outlook
Prime float season on the upper Snake. Cutthroat trout are cooperative and the river is at its most beautiful.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper-Dropper
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD
- Chubby Chernobyl
Tips
The section from Deadman's Bar to Moose is the most popular float. Book guides weeks in advance. Jackson Hole guides offer excellent half and full-day float options.
Water Notes
3,000–6,000 cfs. Water 56–64°F. Prime float conditions with spectacular scenery.
August Outlook
Hopper fishing on the upper Snake with the Tetons as a backdrop. One of the most scenic hopper rivers in North America.
Productive Patterns
- Dave's Hopper
- Chubby Chernobyl
- Parachute Ant
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
The gravel bar banks and braided channels create excellent hopper habitat. Cutthroat attack hoppers enthusiastically. Evening caddis adds a productive final session.
Water Notes
2,500–4,500 cfs. Water 58–65°F. Beautiful summer conditions. Afternoon thunderstorms are common — plan accordingly.
September Outlook
Excellent fall fishing with BWO hatches and the beginning of streamer season. Less crowded after summer tourists depart.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Hopper
- Mahogany Dun
- Streamer
Tips
September on the upper Snake is exceptional. The crowds thin dramatically after Labor Day and the fishing remains superb. Float trips are still running through mid-September.
Water Notes
2,000–3,500 cfs. Cooling 52–62°F. Excellent late-season float conditions.
October Outlook
October in Grand Teton National Park is spectacular. Fall color on the cottonwoods along the Snake, bull elk in the meadows, and excellent late-season trout fishing. The season closes in October — check current GTNP regulations.
Productive Patterns
- Streamer
- Blue Winged Olive
- Hopper (early October)
- Copper John
Tips
October floats through the park are among the most scenic in North America. Large cutthroats are active and aggressive. Book a guide for the spectacular fall float.
Water Notes
1,500–3,000 cfs. Cold 44–52°F. Season closing in October per GTNP regulations.
November Outlook
The GTNP Snake River season closes in October. November sees the river return to winter conditions. The park continues to offer world-class wildlife viewing.
Productive Patterns
- Closed — season ended
Tips
The season is closed. The Snake near Jackson continues south of the park with different regulations. Check WGFD regulations for the lower river below GTNP.
Water Notes
Closed within GTNP. River cold and approaching ice-over.
December Outlook
The Snake River in Grand Teton National Park is closed for the winter season. The park is accessible for winter recreation. The extraordinary fishery rests through winter.
Productive Patterns
- Closed — winter season
Tips
GTNP winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife watching from the park roads (when open). The fishing season returns in April.
Water Notes
Closed. Deep winter. Park road access limited by snow.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
May, Oct | Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Caddis Hydropsyche spp. |
Jul | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #14–18 |
|
Access & Approach
Multiple floatable sections from Pacific Creek to the Hoback confluence. Drift boats preferred. Snake River Angler and High Country Flies in Jackson are excellent resources.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Westbank Anglers
- JD High Country Outfitters
- Snake River Angler
- WorldCast Anglers
- TLAPC (The Lodge at Palisades Creek)
Regulations & License
Fishing in Wyoming requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Wyoming fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Snake River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
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