Hey guys!
I posted this on the Idaho board, but I didn't get any replies. I thought I'd ask here, on our board.
I'm taking the 14-18 year old young men rafting on the Snake River in mid-July. We'll be starting around Jackson Hole, and the float trip will last three days, with various stops.
I'm wondering if that stretch of the Snake River is fishable with spinning gear? I won't have the time to teach fly fishing to the boys. If so, can it be productive to fishing from a moving raft, or do you need to be stationary and fish from shore there?
Thanks in advance for any tips!!
Nate
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I fish it that way every year on the popular canyon section (from a moving raft). I think spinning gear is way more effective anyway. I use a backpacking rod that can be collapsed and tucked away for the big rapids. The upper section is even better for fishing. I cast a 1/4 oz jig with a white powergrub on 4-6lb test. Cheap and effective. You WILL lose rigs since you can't stop on a snag up, so cheap is good. Cast into holes, back eddies, close to shore, off cliff faces etc. Reel and use the current as neccessary to keep your lure in the zone. A little different with the raft always moving, but you'll pick it up quickly. I think you'll be surprised at how many fish you'll hook. There are some real brutes in there too. Those fine spotted cutts are just about as pretty a fish as they come.
Been a lot of years for me, but we used to really nail the fish up there. We caught six varieties one trip, Cuts, Mac, Bows, Brown, Whitefish and sucker... Some of the cuts used to be big fish too... For sure take your pole if you can it used to be one of our favorite spots to fish... Good luck... J
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Thanks for the detailed help. It looks like I'll plan on helping the boys fish during the slow parts of the float. I love the tip to have one of those folding rods to easily stow during rapids. I'm really looking forward to the trip!
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The flows on the snake are supposed to be around 4000 cfs for most of the summer. This is twice as fast as normal. It will make for a better float but tougher fishing. The guides here are not happy about it. Spinning gear will be fine for the snake. The usual will work, spinners, small rapalas, etc. pm me for current info when you get close. I live in Jackson.
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Thanks Jacksonlaker. That is some great information.
Does that faster flow make for pretty muddy water, or will the water be less muddy by mid-July in your experience.
Thanks!
Nate
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Hey Nate, I will be up there from the 18th to the 21st, fishing, camping and rafting with my wife's family. We fish as we raft and usually do very well. Spinners are the way to go, but don't forget the rapala, maybe we will see you on the river.
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[quote senkonate]Does that faster flow make for pretty muddy water, or will the water be less muddy by mid-July in your experience.
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Run off is all but done already. My bud ran it last week ,its already low and clear.
Of course you know and will have WY licenses. I only say this becasue we all know how the 14-18 year old "dosent-apply-to-me" mindest is. There's a big law presence on the river. Good chance the boys will get checked.
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I drive over it about 4 times a day, it is not low and clear now. It should be clear by the time you get here, and you can still catch fish, it will just be a little faster than usual !!
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