Winter fishing in Jackson

There are those that seek trout in fair weather, opting for
shorts, shirtsleeves and sandals. Then there is another breed
of angler. One who foregoes the ski lifts, preferring to tramp
through ice- crusted river bottom, donning Gore-Tex and a stiff
6 weight; risking hypothermia, wind-burned cheeks and
clumps of snow on their felt boots that resemble high heals.
These anglers are a hardy bunch; more concerned with getting
out, rather than how many fish they catch. Catch fish they do
though. Mainly on nymphs, however the occasional midge
hatch keeps things on the surface interesting.

I can’t claim that winter fishing around here in western
Wyoming is great; a fish here and there (whitefish or
cutthroat) will do, but casting a fly rod all while watching a
moose feed on willow buds across the river channel sure beats
sitting inside. These winter days, fish or no fish, leave the
astute winter angler wondering why no one else is out.

Here’s a shot of Sage supervising the winter fly fishing
along the Snake. Not bad for being 13.