There’s something special about chasing big trout in Jackson Hole—especially when you hit the right windows. Whether you’re casting during the early spring Skwala hatch or hunting brown drakes in the fall, these seasonal shifts create the perfect storm for landing a true trophy. In this guide, we’ll break down the best times, hatches, and locations to target large trout on the Snake River and nearby waters.
Pre-Run off Skwala on the Snake River
There are certain windows of opportunity for a truly large trout to be caught in the Jackson Hole Area and the months of March and April are some of our favorites! Spring fishing really starts to ramp up when the nighttime temps don’t drop below 20 degrees and the daytime temperatures are in the 40’s and 50’s. The midge hatch is fairly prolific, and it is really one of the only times these large Cutty’s will pod up and eat on a rifle. The large fish in the spring love to bulk up in preparation for their spawn in May and June.
The most famous hatch is the Skwala hatch, a medium-sized stonefly that elicits a slashing feed from the trout. The bugs are skittering across the water at a fairly decent speed and that attracts the attention of big trout. Size 8-10 adults and nymphs in an olive and dark brown combination work very well. If the water is a little off-color from snow melt a small olive and brown striped sculpin can work very well.
Fall Harvest on the Snake River
Another great time of the year to catch big trout is during September and October. This is the reason the famous Jackson Hole One Fly occurs during that time period. Large trout are done with their spawn and looking to bulk up for the long winter months ahead. The September Stonefly or Mutant Stonefly is a large meal for big trout at that time of the year.
The other most prolific hatch is the large brown drake, also commonly called the Hecuba. On overcast days and days with light rain the streamer bite can be very good. The size of the streamer depends on how fast the water is moving and the ability of the angler. I have always done well with the different sizes of the black dungeon and small olive leeches fished in tandem.
Honorable Mentions: More Big Trout Waters Near Jackson Hole
So far, we have focused mostly on the Snake River, specifically. The Upper Green River is also famous for large brown trout, meaning 22 inches and bigger, on some days several 18 fish are common with a few bruisers that are hard to get to the net. We find the period during the off-color is the best time to tie into an absolute monster, meaning 24-28 inches and up to 10 lbs. When the water clears up, the big fish become spookier and also probably eat more baitfish at night or in the very early morning hours.
Lewis Lake can be a great spot to fish for large lake trout on the fly or spin rod when the ice comes off in late May or early June. Callebaetis May flies hatch and cruising browns are on the lookout for them. A sinking line with a large leech or baitfish imitation can be great for large lake trout.
Looking to catch the fishing of a lifetime? Give us a call and we’d be happy to chat more!
Who We Are
Any trip to Jackson Hole isn’t complete without time spent on the water—and that’s where we come in. At The Wandering Angler, we offer unforgettable fly fishing Jackson Hole experiences on the Snake River and other legendary waters around the Tetons. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back walk and wade session or a scenic float fishing trip, our expert guides are here to help you make the most of your time outdoors. From beginners and families to seasoned anglers chasing trophy trout, we customize each trip to match your goals and skill level. Join us for a half day, full day, or walk-wade fishing adventure—and let Jackson Hole’s rivers leave their mark.
