Snake River Fly Fishing Trips in Jackson, Wy
Float the wild and scenic Snake River beneath the Tetons, casting to native fine-spotted cutthroat trout in one of the most beautiful settings in the American West.
Guided full-day and half-day trips out of Jackson, WY — all gear, flies, and expertise included.
Flowing broad and steady beneath the Teton Range, the Snake River is the heart of fly fishing in Jackson Hole.
Many anglers travel to Jackson, Wyoming for this river alone — and for good reason. It's home to the Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout, a native fish found almost nowhere else on earth, set against scenery that turns every float into something you don't forget.
The Snake River is also home to all sorts of wildlife, and if luck is on your side you may have the opportunity to view River Otters, Mule Deer, Beavers, Eagles and Osprey. The Snake River is also home to a limited number of Brown Trout, with the Cutthroat being the primary species.
At Satori Anglers, the Snake is our water. Owner and head guide Ryan Mertaugh has spent 20 years guiding the rivers, and no water is more central to what we do. Whether it's your first time holding a fly rod or you're chasing the fish of the season, we'll put you on the water with everything you need for a memorable day. Come join us for a spectacular day on the Snake River!
The Fish of the Snake River
Snake River Fine-Spotted Cutthroat Trout
The star of the river and a true native. Found only in the Snake River drainage of western Wyoming and eastern Idaho, this cutthroat is known for the dense pattern of fine spots running head to tail and a beautiful bronze-gold color.
Aggressive, willing to rise to a dry fly, and perfectly suited to the river's freestone character, they're what makes the Snake such a special — and forgiving — river to fish. Most run 12–16 inches, with the chance at a larger fish that eats a well-placed dry.
Brown Trout
The Snake holds a limited population of wild brown trout. Fewer in number than the cutthroat, but often larger and more selective — a rewarding target for anglers who want to work for a bigger fish.
Mountain Whitefish
Native and abundant, whitefish share the same water as the trout and are a sign of a healthy river. They'll often take the same nymphs and add to the action on a busy day.
We practice catch-and-release on all of our trips to protect this native fishery for generations to come.
Full Day Snake River Float Trip
A full day on the Snake is the classic Jackson Hole fly fishing experience. Expect roughly 8 hours door to door, floating in a drift boat through wild, scenic water while your guide reads the river and puts you on fish. A full day gives us the time and flexibility to cover more water, adapt as hatches and conditions change through the day, and give newer anglers relaxed, unhurried instruction. It's the best way to experience everything the Snake has to offer.
Trip includes: Professional fishing guide · Drift boat · Transportation · Use of Orvis gear · Flies · Lunch · Drinks
Duration: ~8 hours door to door
Price: $800 for two anglers per guide (+$175 for a 3rd angler)
You provide: A valid Wyoming fishing license for the water we fish
Half day Snake River Float Trip
Short on time or want to pair fishing with everything else Jackson Hole has to offer? Our half-day float on the legendary Snake is the answer. Expect about 5 hours door to door, with flexible morning or afternoon start times. It's a great introduction to the river for first-timers and an easy way to get a half day on the water without giving up a full day of your vacation.
Trip includes: Professional fishing guide · Drift boat · Transportation · Use of Orvis gear · Flies · Snacks · Drinks
Duration: ~5 hours door to door · Morning or afternoon
Price: $700 for two anglers per guide (+$175 for a 3rd angler)
You provide: A valid Wyoming fishing license
When to Fish the Snake River
The Snake is driven by snowmelt from the surrounding mountains, so timing shapes the experience. Here's how the season breaks down:
Spring (April–early June)
Snowmelt brings high, off-color water and runoff. Fishing can be challenging on the main river, though pre-runoff windows can offer excellent midge and Blue Winged Olive activity.
Summer (mid-June–August)
Prime time. As flows drop and clear, the dry-fly fishing comes alive — stoneflies and mayflies through June and July, then terrestrials like grasshoppers and ants become key in August. Warm, clear days and eager cutthroat make this the most popular window to fish the Snake.
Fall (September–October)
One of the best-kept secrets on the river. Fewer anglers, beautiful color in the valley, and big cutthroat feeding hard before winter. Excellent for streamers and nymphs in the deeper pools, with terrestrials still producing early in the season.
Not sure when to come? Reach out — we'll help you pick dates that match the fishing you're after.
About the Snake River
The Snake River begins high in Yellowstone National Park and winds south into Jackson Lake before flowing through Grand Teton National Park and the valley of Jackson Hole. Framed by the Teton Range, it's one of the most scenic trout rivers anywhere — a place where a day of fishing comes with the chance to see river otters, mule deer, beavers, bald eagles, and osprey along the banks.
As a freestone river fed by cold mountain snowmelt and natural spring creeks, the Snake holds one of the strongest populations of native cutthroat trout left in the Rocky Mountain West. Fishing here isn't just about the catch — it's about immersing yourself in a wild, intact ecosystem that has drawn anglers for generations.
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Primarily native Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout, with a chance at wild brown trout and mountain whitefish.
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Mid-June through October is prime, with peak dry-fly fishing in summer and big fish and fewer crowds in the fall.
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Not at all. We welcome complete beginners and start with a casting lesson. The Snake's eager cutthroat make it one of the best rivers to learn on.
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We practice catch-and-release to protect this native fishery.
Ready to Fish the Snake River?
Book your Snake River fly fishing trip in Jackson Hole today, or give us a call and we'll help you plan the perfect day on the water.