Well, in true fashion, the fishing season kept me extremely busy here in Jackson Hole and I slacked on my blog posts and updates. Good news is that i made it through another fishing season and had a great time with guest! It was a hot summer out here with area waters struggling to stay cool. Many days began early to fish when water temperatures were the coolest. On top of water temperatures, the Snake was running high all season with irrigation demands never ceasing. Despite these challenges, good days on the water were had, both on the usual haunts like the Snake, Salt and Green but also on Yellowstone Park waters, etc.
Having just finished my last trip of the season, I’m looking forward to catching up on things around the house, getting to spend more time with Jamie and do a little fishing myself. Oh, and we got a new pup; a 5 yr old black lab named Tilly! It’s been great having a dog around the house and Tilly is adjusting well to life in the Bennnet house.
Below are a few pictures from recent fishing trips. Hope those reading this are well!
Stillwater fishing can be a lot of fun! Particularly when Yellowstone Cutthroat trout are eating big foam grasshoppers!Craig (pictured here with a cutthroat from the Salt River) and his son Bennett came out to fish a few days with me. It was really fun teaching them about fly fishing and putting them on some fish despite the inclement weather!Anglers always enjoy fishing the many side channels on the Snake. Not only are they fishy, but the scenery is pretty great too!Guest having a fun day float fishing the Snake RiverMy man Kevin after landing a really nice Yellowstone Cutthroat trout on Slough Creek. Kevin and his son, Korey have been fishing with me for years. This time we spent the better part of a week staying and fishing up in the North East corner of Yellowstone Park.Ellie with a nice Snake River cutthroat trout caught on a small dry fly. Eventhough fall here in Jackson Hole is notorious for unpredictable weather, the bug hatches make for some pretty good fishing!Longtime client and friend, ER dr Bob, was in the boat again this year and got to enjoy a few days on the water. Our day on the Salt provided him and his friend Jim with ample cutthroat and brown trout.Jamie and I after officially adopting Tilly!
https://tetonflyfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/tenton-fish-logo.png00Nathan Bennetthttps://tetonflyfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/tenton-fish-logo.pngNathan Bennett2026-10-22 10:48:102026-10-22 10:48:10End of Fishing Season Wrap
Well after a number of good weeks float fishing the Snake, the river is now out of commission for a while due to runoff. I had some great days with guests over the past month, with fine weather and good dry fly fishing. I love fishing the Snake pre runoff. The skwalas were hatching and it was fun fishing big stonefly patterns!
Now it’s time to pivot to another favorite of mine, fishing the Firehole River. This year Yellowstone National Park opened up the Firehole, Madison and Gibbon for fishing a few weeks earlier than normal. This is great news for those of us who love fishing up in the park! The Firehole stays clear and fishes really well while most other area rivers are blown out with snow melt. Now that the south entrance road is open, I’ve been taking guests fishing up on the Firehole and it’s been great. Rainbow and Brown trout are hungry after a long winter and hatches of BWOs, PMDs and Miller Caddis have them looking up for food. When the bugs aren’t hatching, swinging soft hackle wet flies and nymphs is a great tactic. In addition to the fun fishing, we’ve been treated to a host of area animals on display during our drives. Yesterday we saw a grizzly bear on the way home putting an exclamation point on a fine day.
Mike with a nice Rainbow trout from the Firehole riverOne of the many brown trout we found. The trout in the Firehole aren’t big, but man are they spunky!Mike and Brien looking over the Firehole river. It’s an amazing place to fly fish, particularly in the spring when other area waters aren’t fishable. Besides the trout, it’s hard to beat the views and wildlife!
https://tetonflyfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/tenton-fish-logo.png00Nathan Bennetthttps://tetonflyfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/tenton-fish-logo.pngNathan Bennett2026-05-16 18:21:032026-05-16 18:21:04Yellowstone in the Spring
The Snake River here in Jackson has been fishing pretty well this month. While flows have risen a bit and led to water clarity changing here and there, clients have been having success fishing with me. Fishing’s mostly been a dry dropper game, with a larger Skwala stonefly floating on top and a nymph fish subsurface. Action on surface vs. subsurface flies varies day to day, even hour to hour. We’re definitely finding fish holding in the riffles and along slow foamy seams. Not as much action along the banks, but that could certainly change. As Skwala stoneflies appear more and more, I suspect the fish will really key in on big, skittering dry flies. During warmer parts of the afternoon we’ve also been seeing fish feeding on midges and blue wing olives. This can make for some fun dry fly fishing!
Spring fishing should continue for the next few weeks as it looks like temperatures will remain cool. Here’s a few pictures from our recent days on the water!
The Struggle is real! Phil with a cutthroat to hand.Nice day fishing Phil and his son, Dylan on the Snake. He we are looking for feeding fishPhil showing off one of his many cutthroat troutEvan with his first Snake River Cutthroat troutHailing from FL, Josh learned that fly fishing is much different that the fishing he’s accustomed to! He did well landing some native trout!
https://tetonflyfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/tenton-fish-logo.png00Nathan Bennetthttps://tetonflyfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/tenton-fish-logo.pngNathan Bennett2026-04-15 09:49:272026-04-15 09:51:07Spring Fishing on the Snake
We’ve been experiencing some warm days here in Jackson Hole lately and I’ve been out on the water guiding some anglers. While fishing hasn’t been exactly easy, it’s been pretty decent, with folks learning how to fly fish and finding a few cutthroat and whitefish in the process. Nothing is cooler than helping folks ease into the fly fishing game and watching them hook their first fish on the long rod! We’ve been able to enjoy some nice walks into fishing spots due to the lack of snow and in addition to seeing some fish, we’ve also seen moose and eagles. All in all, a good way to spend the days!
While I have been seeing midges on the water, our fish have come fishing a dry/dropper, with the dropper getting it done. I suspect fishing will continue to be good as we get into March.
Adam with his first ever fish on a fly rod! Not to be outdone, Adams father Eric got a nice cutthroat too! These guys are spoiled!John shows off a nice Mountain Whitefish from the Snake river. Not a bad start to his fly fishing journey!John and his wife, Becky braved some inclement weather and learned how to fly fish.
https://tetonflyfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_2450.jpeg900675Nathan Bennetthttps://tetonflyfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/tenton-fish-logo.pngNathan Bennett2026-03-02 18:59:592026-03-02 19:00:00Some good days winter fly fishing
I recently returned from a little over two weeks fishing in the Bahamas. Had a great time and got to fish with some really good friends. I joined longtime fishing clients and friends, Chris and Mark for our annual Bahamas bonefish extravaganza. This is always such a great time filled with good fishing, food, drinks and company. We prefer doing our own trip; a combination DIY with a few guided boat days thrown in for good measure. It’s nice to stay at on our own and be able to fish when we want and relax when we want. Plus we’re all pretty good around the kitchen and bar!
This year was a little tougher than usual. Upon arriving, a cold front came down from the east coast of the US and hit us hard. Temperatures were cold (dead fish were floating in back bays) and the wind was punishing. Fortunately we made the most of things and managed some fish. So great to catch up with those guys and see our guide friend, Shervin.
Weather not exactly “tropical” but that’s ok. Despite the clouds, wind and coolness, we saw and caught bonefish. Here’s Chris hooked up on our first day.
The morning Chris and Mark headed home, I found myself in a local Bahamian school, teaching students about fly fishing, guiding, etc. My friend and local Bahamian fishing guide, Shervin Tate, had invited me to speak to the kids. Shervin, in addition to being a great guide and conservationist, is also involved in teaching local kids about the opportunities that bonefishing provides on the islands. It was really cool to spend time with such great kids and help open their eyes to the opportunities out their back door. I’m already looking forward to seeing them all next time!
Me (in back) with local students. After talking about all things fly fishing, guiding and bonefishing, it was time to cast. Each student got to cast a 9wt fly rod with me. Shervin grabbed their line and ran with it, giving the kids an idea of the power and strength of the bonefish. They had FUN!
After a few hours at school, I returned to the airport to pick up some other dear friends and then headed to our accommodations for the week. The weather was improving, but was still pretty chilly and windy. We got settled and hit the water, fighting the conditions and trying to spot fish. Long story short, we did pretty well. There were some nice bonefish caught, snapper caught (and eaten), and lobster harvested. Kurt and I saw some Permit. They examined and followed our flies and then did what Permit do- casually swam away. Kurt had the fish of the week, hooking a HUGE jack from a school of them swimming in the deeper water on the flats. That fish made Kurt’s 9wt rod and reel look like a trout setup. Ha! Throughout the week, Kaliks and rum drinks flowed freely. It was another great week in the islands!
Chris getting the morning off to a good start! Me with my biggest bone of the trip. Saw this guy slowly working a sand flat and cast an Avalon fly to him. He liked it.The man! Mr. Shervin Tate. We decided a post school beach beer was in order. Shervin is a dear friend and puts his heart and soul into his work- both guiding and local politics. Plus he’s got the voice of an angel.Kurt doing battle from the bow. A 9wt was little match for the Jack he has on.
Upon returning home, it’s back to work; substitute teaching, working on some paintings, tying flies, etc. As nice as it was to return to Jackson, I can’t help but wish i was back doing battle with the bonefish.
Weather around here is pretty nice for the end of February. We’re seeing temperatures in the 40s here in the valley. Not a bad time to get out on the water and look for cutthroat feeding on midges. Folks are booking trips with me and my calendar is filling. If you’re wanting to get out and fish this year, give me a shout sooner than later to ensure availability.
https://tetonflyfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_2006-1.jpeg900675Nathan Bennetthttps://tetonflyfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/tenton-fish-logo.pngNathan Bennett2026-02-27 11:33:082026-02-27 11:33:09Escape to the land of Bonefish
Good news for all the folks coming to Jackson in early May and want to fly fish. Yellowstone National Park yesterday issued a press release confirming that the Firehole River, as well as the Madison and Gibbon will open for fly fishing anglers on May 1st this year. Per the park’s webpage:
Yellowstone National Park to extend fishing season on three rivers
2026 Yellowstone Fishing Season Map: Madison, Gibbon, and Firehole Rivers NPS
MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – Starting this year, Yellowstone National Park will extend the fishing season on three rivers in the park. The following waterways, located in the west side of the park, will open May 1 for fishing access, weeks in advance of the standard fishing season:
Firehole River (see map): The Firehole River and all associated tributaries downstream to the confluence with the Gibbon River at Madison Junction.
Gibbon River (see map): The Gibbon River and all associated tributaries from the bridge on the Grand Loop Road at the Norris Campground entrance downstream to the confluence with the Firehole River at Madison Junction.
Madison River (see map): The Madison River and all associated tributaries from the Montana-Wyoming state line upstream to the confluence with the Gibbon and Firehole rivers at Madison Junction.
The Madison River from the Montana-Wyoming state line downstream to the park boundary near the West Entrance in West Yellowstone, Montana, is open to fishing year-round (see map).
The fishing season on these sections of the Firehole, Gibbon, and Madison rivers will end Oct. 31, the same date as the standard fishing season in the park. Temporary, partial, or full fishing closures typically occur later in the fishing season on these three waterways due to warm water temperatures and low river flows. The earlier opening date of May 1 will align fishing access with more optimal angling and water conditions. No adverse impacts to the fisheries are anticipated with this extension. Water temperature and flow data for park waterways is available at Water Data for the Nation.
Most other fishing areas in the park will continue to be available during the standard fishing season, which is from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 31 each year. Learn more about fishing in Yellowstone, including information about fishing areas, regulations, and permits.
https://tetonflyfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/tenton-fish-logo.png00Nathan Bennetthttps://tetonflyfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/tenton-fish-logo.pngNathan Bennett2026-01-28 11:32:512026-01-28 11:32:52Firehole River in YNP now open for fishing May 1
Just completed the first proper winter fly fishing trip of the season. I had the pleasure of taking Ray out while he and his wife visited Jackson this past week. We managed to get a couple hours in on the water before a much needed snow storm swept into the region. As we fished, winds picked up and temperatures dropped. This didn’t stop Ray from landing a few hard fishing mountain whitefish! He had a blast and is determined to come back during prime fishing season.
Winter fishing is always an adventure around here in Jackson Hole. It’s a great activity for those who want to get out and try to fool a few fish during our winter months. The next week looks pretty good with valley temperatures predicted to be in the 40s. If you’re coming in for the holidays and are interested, you can learn more here.
Ray shows off his first winter fly fishing catch; a mountain whitefish from the Snake RiverRay working a slowly stripped nymph on the Snake River
https://tetonflyfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/tenton-fish-logo.png00Nathan Bennetthttps://tetonflyfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/tenton-fish-logo.pngNathan Bennett2025-12-08 15:43:092025-12-08 15:43:10Winter Fly Fishing is Beginning
It’s mid November here in Jackson Hole and another busy fishing season has come to an end. I put the drift boat away for the winter and did a couple afternoon wade fishing trips. Now I find myself back in the classroom, substitute teaching, while also getting back into creating art. Jamie and I spent two weeks road tripping it through southern Utah, visiting all the national parks.
Looking back on the fishing season, I’m thankful to all of guests and friends that I got to fish with. We survived a pretty hot and dry summer. Area rivers and streams ran lower than normal but the fishing was still pretty good. The fish made us work, demanding different fly patterns on a daily basis but we were always (usually) able to figure out what would make them bite. Below are a few pictures from the fall.
In the months to come, I expect to do some winter wade fishing trips with guests. These wade fishing adventures are always fun, allowing guests to experience some winter fly fishing on the Snake River. While the fishing is unpredictable, it’s peaceful being out on the river in the snow, observing eagles, moose, etc. I will also be heading back to the Bahamas for two weeks to get my bonefishing fix.
Hope folks are well and have a happy thanksgiving!
George and I working a plunge pool in Yellowstone National ParkBeautiful fall float down the Snake RiverFriend and client, Craig with a nice Yellowstone Cutthroat trout.Bill working the inside of a riffle. We had some spectacularly beautiful days on the water this fall!Rich showing off a nice Snake River Cutthroat trout in October. BWOs starting hatching around 3pm and fishing turned on!End of season vacation in southern Utah. I traded the oars for my paints. Great time!
https://tetonflyfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/tenton-fish-logo.png00Nathan Bennetthttps://tetonflyfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/tenton-fish-logo.pngNathan Bennett2025-11-19 10:26:502025-11-19 10:26:51That’s a wrap
I’ve been busy guiding folks and finally have a day off so i thought I’d do a quick fishing blog post on what I’ve been up to around here in Jackson Hole. The summer has been going by quickly (can’t believe it’s just about August)! Our waters in Jackson are fishing pretty well. Tributaries this year seemed to drop quicker than normal but there is still water in them holding hungry cutthroat trout.
After many a day fishing folks up in Yellowstone earlier this season, I’ve now found myself most days floating our area rivers, with the occasional walk/wade trip thrown in the mix for good measure. Guest and I have been having fun fishing dry flies primarily on the Snake and Salt Rivers. Lately, hoppers are out and about and the fish are looking up for them. Yesterday we had some awesome eats on twitched foam flies. One thing to note, being that it’s the hottest part of the summer, warm temperatures are warming up in the afternoons. Best to get out on the water early, fish with heavier tippet, play your fish quickly and finish up by 3 or so (or when your water thermometer hits 67 degrees). The trout will thank you. Here’s a few pictures from recent weeks…..
Jamie and I even got away for a quick camping trip! Alway nice to hang with my lady.
Last week Yellowstone Park opened for yet another fishing season. I’ve been up on the Firehole with guests having fun with its resident Brown and Rainbow trout. Days have been really nice- sunny, warm and hence the mayfly hatches haven’t been super heavy (usually cloudy weather gets the PMDs and BWOs really pouring off). Regardless, we’ve had fun swinging wet flies and fishing Miller Caddis’ to risers.
In the weeks to come fishing will continue to be good up in the Park! Other areas rivers are in full runoff mode with snow melt. I suspect mid to late June the upper Green River will start fishing and I look forward to floating folks on it. Then shortly after, everything comes into play. Looking forward to summer and it’s great to be out now!
Jason got back in the swing of fly fishing. Here he is with one of his many Rainbow trout from the Firehole RiverSavanah and her wife Brianna learned a lot, first working the New Perce then graduating to the FireholeThe Ladies (and me) are all smiles after a fun day of fishing in Yellowstone National ParkPatrick and Jeanie work the water. They were blown away by the wonders of Jellystone (and the fish!!)Geyser along the Firehole RiverMama Grizzly and cub looking for food
https://tetonflyfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/tenton-fish-logo.png00Nathan Bennetthttps://tetonflyfishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/tenton-fish-logo.pngNathan Bennett2025-06-02 15:18:572025-06-02 15:18:58Days in Yellowstone
