GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) has announced changes to fishing regulation that will go into affect for the Jackson region starting on Jan. 1, 2026. Changes include the end of a 70-year ban on October fishing on Jackson Lake and bumping up limits on trout harvesting along one section of the Snake River.

Since the 1930s, Jackson Lake has been closed to anglers for the month of October. The law was established as a way to help protect a newly introduced lake trout population, but since then the fish have become fully established.

“Fall weather usually provides a warm enough day here and there to sneak in some fishing,” WGFD said in a statement. “Cooler water temperatures make some fish species more active — particularly trout.”

Limits on trout fishing are also set to increase in 2026. From 150 feet below Jackson Lake Dam to the gauging station located 1,500 feet downstream of the dam, anglers who previously could only harvest three brown trout can now take home six without length restrictions.

The limit for cutthroat trout remains unchanged, which is three per day and only one which exceeds 12 inches.

All WGFD regulations can be reviewed here.

Hannah is a Buckrail Staff Reporter and freelance web developer and designer who has called Jackson home since 2015. When she’s not outside, you can probably find her eating a good meal, playing cribbage, or at one of the local yoga studios. She’s interested in what makes this community tick, both from the individual and collective perspective.