JACKSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) has released its statewide fall fishing forecast, with specific recommendations for the Jackson region.
“Fall is always a good time to fish the area’s rivers,” WGFD Jackson Region Fisheries Supervisor Darren Rhea said in a statement. “Temperatures are generally cooler in the morning, and as they warm up during the day the bug life can really get active. There are some great hatches in the fall and the cutthroat will really key in on them.”
Trout activity will ramp up in local lakes; they’re likely to move along the shoreline as temperatures drop, creating opportunities for anglers on the shore. Lake trout, brown trout and cutthroat trout will be “more available and eager during the fall,” WGFD said.
Rhea noted that Jackson and Jenny lakes are popular trout-fishing destinations, and intrepid anglers can head to Bradley, Taggart and Phelps lakes. Check on fishing regulations in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park before heading out.
Some lakes in the area allow anglers to take home lake trout less than 24 inches long. Check signage to be sure.
WGFD suggests downsizing lures and baits in the fall. Trout anglers can try small, bright spoons and kastmasters. Fly anglers might employ blue-winged olive mayflies, caddisflies, grasshoppers and ants.
“As temperatures drop, slow down retrieves and experiment with soft plastics for slow-moving fish,” WGFD said.
The agency encourages anglers to be aware that many fish species spawn during the fall, so keep an eye out for nests to avoid stepping on them. Fish nests, or redds, can be spotted on river bottoms, noticeable as “oval-shaped patches of abnormally clean gravel,” WGFD said.
Anglers should also be extra bear-aware as bears prepare for hibernation. WGFD encourages the possession of bear spray while fishing.
More fishing resources from WGFD:
- 2024 Fishing Regulations
- Interactive Wyoming Fishing Guide
- Fish stocking report
- Fishing challenges
- Aquatic invasive species prevention
