The Snake River - the Jewel of Jackson Hole
Beginning in the backcountry of the Teton Wilderness near Yellowstone National Park, the Snake River gets its name from its slithering nature and oxbow bends.  Home to one of the few native trout species in the United States, the Snake River Cutthroat, the Snake is the ideal river for novice and beginner fishermen looking to catch fish on big dry flies.  Fishing season on the Snake is generally from April 1-October 31.

Beginning from Jackson Lake Dam in Grand Teton National Park, the Snake offers up to 8 different floatable stretches; 4 within Grand Teton National Park jurisdication and 4 outside the park boundary.  Mangis Guides specializes in these 4 latter sections where the cutts are big and the fishing is outstanding.

These “lower” sections blend an incredible variety of braided river channels, steep cliff banks, spring creek-like weed beds, shallow gravel bars and drop offs, and deep pools, making it the favorite among local fly fishermen.  It is not uncommon for first time fly fishermen to hook and release 10-20 trout on dry flies ranging from 8”-14”.  More advanced anglers can enjoy 25+ fish days with larger fish consistently reaching the 16”-20” range.  In the lowest reaches of the river, below the “whitewater” section in the Snake River Canyon, Cutthroat and Brown trout have been recorded in the 22”-25” range usually taken on big streamer-type patterns in both early and late season.

The Snake in early season can be quite cold, due to its glacial-fed sources.  As mid-summer approaches (mid-July through late-August), wet wading is the norm.  Popular patterns in early season include Wolly Buggers, Sculpins, Zonkers and Rubber Leg stone nymphs.  After runoff completes, usually by early to mid July, dry flies begin to dominate the attention of cutts with Royal Wulffs, Humpies, Stimulators, Trudes, Parachute Adams and Elk Hair Caddis as standard fly box elements.  On warmer temperature days, especially in August, flies such as Chernobyl Ants, Turcks Tarantulas, Hopper imitations, and Madam-X patterns are best bets.

Special Note:
For the truly hearty and adventurous anglers, especially those looking for the largest fish of the year, consider trips in April and early May (before runoff), and again in late-September and October.  Some of our best fishing happens, using both dries and streamers, amidst periodic snow squalls and overcast cool days.

Green & New Fork Rivers
Two of the least talked about, yet most prolific fishing rivers in the Rockies, are the Green and New Fork.  Both begin high in the Wind River Range along the Continental Divide near the towns of Cora and Pinedale, Wyoming.  Originating from glaciers in the high country, these rivers flow through their own respective series of lakes before meandering slowly through sage-filled plains and grassy meadows. Though there are plenty of public access points from which to fish, the best fishing is by drift boat or raft through various stretches of river that flow through private property.  Mangis Guides uses both public and private access sections for its guided trips, and promises exceptional opportunities every time.

Both the Green and New Fork cut through the semi-arid plain and grass meadows where cattle, antelope and mule deer abound.  Brown and Rainbow trout dominate these fisheries; fish consistently range from 12”-20” with many topping 22” and larger for the experienced angler.  Since neither are controlled by any impoundments or dams, water conditions are purely at the mercy of localized weather patterns and irrigation practices.  Browns are best caught using big streamers and rubber leg patterns going deep, especially in early morning and late evening runs.  Rainbows are active all the time, and come to dry flies with reckless abandon.

Hatches on the Green are excellent in early June with an abundance of stoneflies, caddis and various mayflies.  Rubber leg stone nymphs, LaFontaine Sparkle Caddis pupa, Bead Head Prince and Pheasant Tails, and Green Drakes are good choices for this time of year.  Later in the month, PMD’s are the ticket along with Golden Stone patterns like the Stimulator and Yellow Sallies.  Elk Hair caddis can do great in late afternoon and evening hours.  On either river, late evening into dark can be a magical time as big browns leave their hidden undercut banks in search of prey as the sun begins to set.  Browns of over 10 lbs. have been taken many times on patterns such as Matuka Sculpins, Muddler Minnows, Pepperoni Yuk Bugs, and one of our favorites, the Kiwi Muddler.

Special Note:
Like the Snake, some of the biggest fish of the year will be caught in both early and late season. If you don't mind putting up the chance for a little inclement weather, clients are often richly rewarded for their persistence.