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
