South Fork of the Snake

FAOL Community Fly Anglers Online
1

ok folks… another question.

I am wanting to float the Snake this summer on my trip, and want to float the section that has the best view of the Grand Tetons. I saw this section of water on TV a few weeks back, and was wanting to hit it. I think its the section within the park, but not 100% sure. I’m reading alot about the south section of the River near the Henry’s Fork confluence… but i’m not sure that is the section i’m looking for…

anybody out there able to clear things up for me?

Thanks!
WV browntrout

2

WV,
For the best view of the Tetons you will want to float the section of the Snake norht of Jackson hole. Fishing can be red hot on this section, it is a very popular float for both fisherman, and rafters, you won’t be alone. The south fork of the Snake is aslo a very nice float, not as many people ans again great fishing! If you can just fish both sections!! Good luck

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Hey WVBT,
The South Fork is NOT where the best views are to be had. The best views are within GTNP starting at the Jackson Lake Dam just North of the Signal Mountain Resort/campground. Unfortunately, to my knowledge, no commercial float trips start there but if you have a personal water craft… Dornans, just inside the Moose entrance has float trips that offer Teton views. Their bar window views will intoxicate you. Bring a camera and lots of film or mbs for those breathtaking vistas.

Mark

PS: Signal Mountain also books floats but I’m not sure where they put in.

I’d rather be in Wyoming!

[This message has been edited by Marco (edited 05 April 2006).]

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I Live on the section you’er wondering about it is great fishing but not better than the rest of the river.

Rich

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Talk to Jack Dennis, or one of his guys, at [url=http://www.jackdennis.com/:576d0]http://www.jackdennis.com/[/url:576d0]

I spend two weeks up there every summer, so I kind of know the place. I also ‘hate’ Rich because he lives there.

Depending on when you go, there probably will be a water issue up there this year, so talk to the fly shop before you make firm plans.

I’ll be there the first two weeks of July, so let me know if your going to be there then and we’ll try to hook up.

Ken

“The memory of a fisherman is more like fiction than journalism, that is, it doesn’t ignore the facts, but it is not entirely bound by them, either.”

John Gierach

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I plan on floating the Snake on the 31st of July or the 1st of August… I would like to find a place where I could rent a boat, so I could make the trip myself (as my girlfriend will be with me). I would like to float the section with the Tetons as the backdrop so that I can pull off there and propose (plus, that is supposed to be the best fishing, right??) I figured that “place” would be a summary of our relationship for the past 5 years, and a look ahead of the years to come (traveling to nice places, fishing great rivers, and enjoying one another’s company). I’m afraid that a guide would only take away from this… or “limit” any reaction that might occur!

WV browntrout

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So, if she accepts , go back to Jackson Lake Lodge and get married.

My wife and I got married there and it offers one of the most beautiful panoramas (sp?) you will see anwhere.

Congrats!!!

Ken

“The memory of a fisherman is more like fiction than journalism, that is, it doesn’t ignore the facts, but it is not entirely bound by them, either.”

John Gierach

8

As mentioned by others for Teton views the Snake upstream from Jackson is a great choice.

By the end of July hopefully run-off will be done on it.

You will not get even a peek of the Tetons from the S. Fork.

Another option would be to float the upper Teton river on the Idaho side of the Tetons.

A little different aspect then most of the photos you see of the grand but nonetheless still awsome.

The river should be fishable by the end of June and there are some big Rainbows and a few large Cutts still left in it.

It is a great dry-fly stream.

And it is extremely easy to float in the upper sections, and is very rarely subjected to crowding.

Rob

9

Great resources given above. If you go it alone on the Snake in GTNP, be sure you’re experienced with big water. There are lots of other places within GTNP that would provide a dramatic backdrop for proposing to the lady. A canoe daytrip on the String Lakes would be a great one, and there are many more. [url=http://www.shannontech.com/ParkVision/GrandTeton/GrandTeton6.html:2729f]http://www.shannontech.com/ParkVision/GrandTeton/GrandTeton6.html[/url:2729f] Lots of things to see in GTNP. Then top it off with a float trip down the South Fork between Swan Valley, Idaho, and Ririe. No Tetons, but a great trip, good scenery, and good fishing. The water should be in good shape by the end of July.

Just a couple of suggestions tossed in the mix. Have a great trip!

info@reel-women.com [url=http://www.reel-women.com:2729f]www.reel-women.com[/url:2729f]

Lew

[This message has been edited by Lew (edited 05 April 2006).]

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! thing to take note of!! Marriages preformed by A guide are good only for the duration of the float!! Call it a test drive LOL

Rich

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Lew, i’ve taken class III rapids on the New River, here in WV.
I don’t think i’m ready for class IV or V, but didn’t think the section of the Snake near Jackson Hole was that bad…

anybody know of a place where I can rent a boat or raft for a day?

thanks for the info guys! and if any of my WV buddies are on the board reading this, don’t let the cat out of the bag! I’m not afraid to post me proposing on this message board, but she would see it on WVAngler.com for sure! lol.

And Rich… by the way… I’ve been in trial for 5 years now… if I don’t marry her soon, she’ll be gone forever. She golf with me, fly fishes with me (trout, bass, musky), boats with me… I can’t imagine that God made too many like her!

Thanks again!

WV browntrout

[This message has been edited by WV browntrout (edited 05 April 2006).]

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Sounds like you know what you’re doing on gnarly water wvbrowntrout. Didn’t want a newby to get into heavy water. I’ve never floated that stretch, but had a friend drown there in a canoe. From the pictures I’ve seen, it appears that most of the trip is deep in the channel, and wouldn’t afford the Teton views that you desire, from where the pictures are taken. Correct me if I’m wrong, you folks that know. I do know the views from the area near Jenny’s and String Lakes, and they are breathtaking. Lots of people in the area in the summertime, but you can get away from them on the water. In any event, bring a lot of film, or digital capacity, and while you’re that close, you might as well take in Yellowstone Park while you’re at it. Have a great trip!!

Lew

13

The upper stretch of the Snake river technically is not very difficult.

I don’t think any rapid in those stretches is bigger then a small 3 and that would only be at certain water levels.

The problem is with the log jams and sweepers.

These are what usually get the unsuspecting!!!

The big water on the Snake is downstream from Jackson in the canyon above Alpine.

Rendevous river sports in Jackson has a driftboat for rent. 307 733-2471.

If it was me I would call them ahead of time to reserve it.

Hope this helps? Rob

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Hey WVBT (again)
I second the Jackson Lake Lodge suggestion.The Blue Heron lounge there will get you intoxicatedwith nary a drink. Or if you’re of the Catholic persuasion, there’s a chapel just South of the Lodge and North Of Signal Mountain on Jackson Lake with services on weekends and “special” occasions.
Boat rentals are difficult in this area due to the hazzards like “sweepers” and the liability associated. Two lovey-dovey swooners paying little attention to the waters could end up in the drink and worse. Here’s another “proposdal”. Canoe across Jenny Lake and hike up to hidden falls or up to inspiration point and propose there. Tell her if she says NO, she’ll have to swim back
Mark

I’d rather be in Wyoming!

[This message has been edited by Marco (edited 05 April 2006).]

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WVbrowntrout:

When you are there, you have access to great numerous great waters within 1.5 hours. Reading this thread is giving me ramblin fever, the kind that can’t be measured in degrees…

Of course you know that everything is crazy expensive in Jackson.

The cuts in the Snake and surrounding rives are frequently more willing to bite than their cousins in outlying waters. Late July and August is the big ugly bug season, and I came across my box for that area a while back.

I’ve been in a flyshop in Driggs before, it may be idahofishers. I spoke with them abut the Teton River and would like to get back and do that just to see that area. The water was pretty low when I was last there and I decided to postpone it for a better time. Driggs has a bluegrass festival that can be worthwhile too. In addition, there is a surprising little general aviation airport there, and the FBO was operated by a doctor from Jackson (former flight surgeon and descendant of the King Ranch families). They have joy rides out of there, and mist impressively, they do gliding (soaring) and ride the mountain waves.

The South Fork of the Snake is a river that is worthy of every anglers list, and Swan Valley is something to see, IMO.

If I could have found a way to make a living in Idaho Falls or somewhere nearby, I would have gone there for the fishing and upland hunting.

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Rawthumb, I am sure it was me. Look foreward to seeing you again when you get back to the valley.

The Teton will be waiting for you!

With the good water this winter the teton river should be good. I had some great days on it last summer.

Your info on the region is spot on!!!

Rob

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WVBT

How much time do you have to spend? As was mentioned above, it’s pretty pricey in Jackson Hole, and less so over the hill in
Teton Valley. It’s about 30 miles, over a beautiful high mountain pass. From there, about 20 miles or so to Swan Valley and the South Fork. Stay in touch with Idahofisher’s shop for conditions and flies, as the time draws near. Start tyin’ pmd’s and caddis of different styles and persuasions. A double Humpy and Chernobyl ant would stand you in good stead as well. Good fishing reports can be found at Jimmy’s All Season Anglers, in Idaho Falls. [url=http://www.jimmysflyshop.com/:b0fa0]http://www.jimmysflyshop.com/[/url:b0fa0]

Lew

[This message has been edited by Lew (edited 05 April 2006).]

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Lew, I will be out there from 7-29 thru 8-6. I have 2 days that I can’t figure out what to do with… not sure what to fish.
Slough Creek is something that I want to get on… but I don’t want to walk in 3-5 hours, fish for 2 then make the 3-5 hour trip back out… plus, I don’t think we have the time to camp up in there… so I’m thinking of something to replace it with… like maybe the Gallitan… or a good small creek…
here in WV, our small creeks are full of big browns… and when I say small… i mean like 10’-20’(max) wide. It would be nice to hit something like that… but understand that streams like that aren’t talked about openly on a public message board. but I have an e-mail address: jlb_1975@hotmail … at any rate… I hope that answers your question… and thanks for all the info.

browntrout