Fly Fishing on Spread Creek in Wyoming

Fishing Spread Creek in Jackson Hole, WY offers an exceptional outdoor experience in one of the most scenic areas of the American West. Nestled in the heart of the Teton Range, this serene, winding creek flows through a diverse landscape, providing anglers with the chance to catch a native cutthroat trout. Below we’ll outline some important information and tips for fly fishing Spread Creek. 

Snake River Fine Spotted Cutthroat Trout in Spread Creek

Spread Creek is home to the Snake River Fine Spotted Cutthroat Trout, a unique subspecies of the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. A tributary of the Snake River, this creek is a vital area for Snake River Fine Spotted Trout. The lower section of Spread Creek serves as a migration corridor for the native trout, while the upper reaches serve as an important spawning habitat. In 2010, through the dedicated work of Trout Unlimited and other agencies, the Spread Creek diversion dam was removed. This reopened close to 50 miles of vital habitat that had been inaccessible to the trout for 50 years. These agencies have continued their work in Spread Creek over the years, restoring and protecting the ecosystem for the native species. 

Seasonality of Trout

Because of its relatively remote location, Spread Creek is most accessible and offers the best fishing opportunities in the summer months. Most mountain creeks tend to start fishing a little bit earlier compared to the larger Snake River. In certain creeks, after the fish end the spawn, they remain for several weeks before making their way back to the Snake River. Spread Creek tends to have deep holes that allow the fish to hold over in the winter. Trout are cold blooded, so their metabolism reacts to the temperature of their environment. When the water temperature drops, their activity level decreases, and they enter torpor. Torpor is a physiological state of inactivity where the body slows down and the fish stops feeding. The trout come out of this state in the high country creeks in late May and early June.

Backcountry Safety and Practices at Spread Creek

When fishing any western river, there are few important factors to keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. It goes without saying to never leave trash like fishing line, flies, and indicators on the bank and always pack out what you pack in. Below we’ll go over two important topics: bear safety and proper catch and release practices for fishing Spread Creek. 

Bear Country: It is critical to always carry bear spray when traveling in bear-populated areas like Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Be aware of your surroundings and prepare yourself for what to do in case of an encounter.  Here are a few helpful tips:  

1. Keep your distance, always keep at least 100 yards away from a grizzly bear. 
2. Avoid approaching, never approach a bear and don’t get between a mother bear and her cubs. Make noise in thick cover to avoid surprising a bear.  
3. Hike in groups and keep children within sight.  
4. Carry bear spray. Bear spray is an effective way to deter a charging or attacking bear.  
5. If attacked, play dead, lie on your stomach with your hands behind your neck, and spread your legs. Stay still until the bear leaves.  

Catch and Release: Practicing catch and release is a great way to enjoy fishing small creeks and to ensure they are fishable for generations to come. Keep an eye on the water level and know what temperatures can negatively affect these trout. Here are some good methods for catch and release trout fishing: 

1. Use barbless hooks, this will allow you to remove the hook easier without breaking the fish’s mandible jaw. If a fish is hooked deep, removal of the hook is also easier.  
2. Keep the fish in the water once landed in the net instead of on the river bank.  
3. Use wet hands and avoid squeezing the fish. Forceps allow a person to hold the line tight, while grabbing the fish with your other hand. 
4. Release the fish by pointing its head upstream into the current, and release slowly. 

Spread Creek is a unique and beautiful backcountry creek to fish in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem offering native Cutthroat Trout and big mountain views. Remember your bear spray and have fun! And don’t forget to check out our Jackson Hole fly fishing trips during your visit!