What to Expect on Your Guided Fly Fishing Trip in Jackson Hole
You just booked your fly-fishing adventure in Jackson Hole, now what? Below is a comprehensive breakdown of what to expect before, during, and after your trip, along with helpful information on fishing licenses, what to bring, and more. Guided Fly Fishing is an incredible way to experience Jackson Hole, and we want to help make your trip seamless, comfortable, and memorable, whether this is your first time fishing or you’re a seasoned angler!
If you are still in the booking process and have questions, feel free to check out our FAQ page or contact us at 307-699-3986 or [email protected].
Pre-Trip: Getting Ready for Your Day on the Water!
Communication:
- After booking your trip, you will receive a confirmation email with details on start time, location, what to bring, etc. Many guests book their trip months in advance, meaning those confirmation emails can get buried. We’ll send a reminder email with all the same details 2 days before your trip.
- Your fishing guide will text you the evening before the trip between 6pm and 8pm, so you have their contact information and to answer any last-minute questions. Many of our guides work every day, so it is common for a guide to finish up that day’s trip at 6pm before they text you.
Fishing Licenses and Waivers:
- We strongly recommend getting licenses and completing waivers ahead of time to ensure the morning of your trip is seamless and efficient.
- Waivers: All guests must complete a waiver. There is a link in your confirmation and reminder emails to sign and send digitally, no printing required!
- Fishing Licenses: If your trip is booked in May or June, please wait to purchase your fishing license. This time of year, we choose fishing locations based on conditions which can change the fishing license you need. If your trip is in March, April, July, August, September or October you can purchase licenses at https://wgfd.wyo.gov/licenses-applications. Anyone 14 and older will need a license. No need to print, you can keep a screenshot on your phone.
What We Provide
- Cooler with waters and snacks
- All the fishing gear (including traditional spin rods for families/kids)
- Waders and boots for walk wade trips
What You Should Bring
- Lunch or additional snacks (as needed)
- Sunglasses (very important)
- Hats, sunscreen, appropriate clothes for the weather
- Important medications, inhalers, etc
- Fishing licenses
During the Trip: Your Day on the Water
Meeting Your Guide
- Once you meet your guide at the location determined during the booking process, they will give you a quick overview of the day and make sure everyone has necessary items before heading to the river. Drive time can vary depending on location and time of year. The Snake River (End of June – October) is 15 minutes from downtown Jackson. The Green, Salt, Lewis Lake, and Fire Hole River vary in drive time from an hour to two hours.
- Once we arrive at the boat ramp, your guide will prep the boat (float trips) or help you gear up in waders and boots (walk wade trips). In the summer boat ramps can be busy places so be sure to wait in designated areas. Boat and wader prep usually takes 15-20 minutes and is a great time to use the last civilized restroom for a little while!
Instruction
- Now it’s time to hit the water and begin with some instruction! The length of instruction depends on the guest experience level, but it’s a great time to learn the basics of casting a fly rod and nailing down terminology you’ll hear from your guide throughout the day. Ask questions, don’t be afraid to try, this trip is about you! This casting lesson occurs on the river and it is not uncommon for guests to hook fish while learning the basics.
The Experience
- Float Trips: Most float trips cover 13 miles of scenic Snake River with the Grand Tetons as your background. Half day trips are typically 4 hours on the water, while Full day trips are 6 hours on the water. There’s a lot to fly fishing, so throughout the day your guide will share tips on casting, how to read water, fish behavior, fly selection, fly presentation and more.
- Wade Trips: We offer several different trip length options for walk and wades including 2,3,4 and 6 hour trips. Similar to float trips, your guide will share tips on casting, how to read water, fish behavior, fly selection, fly presentation and more. Wade trips do require some physical fitness as we walk the banks of the river through rock, mud, dirt, bushes and more.
Comfort and Safety
- Throughout the day your guide will check in with the group and see how everyone is doing. There are no established restrooms during the trip (just at the start and end) so guests are encouraged to “hit a bush” as we say.
- Jackson is located at more than 6,000 ft in elevation so it’s important to stay hydrated and fueled throughout the trip and reapply sunscreen as many times as needed.
- Safety is our top priority on the water, so be sure to listen to you guide if they need to adjust how anyone is positioned in the boat or water.
Photos and Memories
- We practice catch and release on all trips to protect the resource and ensure there are fish in the river for years to come. That being said, we will get plenty of pictures of you with your big catch to also keep and share for years to come!
Post-Trip: Wrapping up Your Experience
Gear Breakdown
- We have now arrived back on dry land and it’s time to start packing up for the day. Your guide will take care of all the gear storage and make sure you have all your personal belongings. This a great time to use the civilized restrooms, get a group photo, or share a picture of the big one!
Gratuity and Etiquette
- If you booked directly with us, an 18% gratuity has already been applied for the guide. If you booked through a third party like Trip Advisor or Project Expedition, please consider tipping your guide, 15-25% being the industry standard.
Transportation
- Your guide will transport you back to the original meeting location, before saying goodbye. Make sure to double check for all personal belongings: phones, sunglasses, hats, etc.
Sharing Your Experience
- If you enjoyed your day on the water we’d love to hear about! Feel free to leave a review on Google or Trip Advisor and tag us in photos @wanderingangler. We love seeing guests’ photos and sharing the experience of fly fishing with friends new and old.
Book a trip with us!
Perfect for Larger Groups
Group and Family Big Boat
Our custom Big Boats are a great option for those looking to catch fish while spending quality time with family and friends. These larger drift-boats accommodate 3 to 5 guests plus the guide, so we will match your group with the best-sized big boat.
- $900 - $1,425
- Half & Full Day Options
- May - October
More Fishing Time Per Person
Traditional Drift-Boat
Our traditional drift-boat offers the classic fishing experience with one or two guests per boat accompanied by their guide. With half and full day options and multiple rivers to choose from, the traditional drift-boat is great for those of all ability levels looking for a tight line!
- $725 - $825
- Half & Full Day Options
- March - October
Connect with Nature
Walk and Wade
Our Walk and Wade trips are great for all angling ability levels! There is nothing quite like walking along the river banks with Teton views and spotting hungry trout feeding. Wade trips are a great way to connect with nature and the possibility of a large fish.
- $385 - $1,035
- 2hr, 3hr, Half & Full Day Options
- March - October