Snake River
The Snake River in Grand Teton National Park is famous for its fishing and rafting experiences. In fact, there are many outfitters that offer rafting and/or fishing tours, and equipment rentals, both inside Grand Teton Park and in nearby Jackson Hole.
With its many publicly accessible sections, the Snake River is ideal for rafters, canoeists and kayakers who have a good understanding of river mechanics, currents and changing conditions. If you are a novice wanting to try these activities, check-in first with a knowledgeable outfitter, retail store or rental company. Their expertise, along with the National Park Service permit desk, can help you plan and experience a safe and enjoyable outing.
As it leaves Yellowstone National Park and flows into Jackson Lake, the Snake is a haven for wade-fishing anglers who enjoy pursuing native cutthroat trout. No commercial rafting is allowed on this section. Leaving the reservoir at Jackson Lake Dam, the Snake flows peacefully through the most pastoral and picturesque setting in the state - the section known as 'Oxbow Bend'. Here kayakers and canoers can be seen almost everyday of the summer.
The Pacific Creek boat access - located near the Moran park entrance - marks the beginning of the Snake's truly magnificent journey down the Jackson Hole valley. Anglers and boaters should always be aware of floating debris and river snags by being proactive in their approach to blind corners or faster water sections with lots of deadfall trees. This water, from Moran to just past the Moose Visitor Center pull out, is wild and scenic, offering awesome views of the Teton mountain range, wildlife and wildflowers along its banks, and large stands of aspen, spruce, lodgepole pine and cottonwood trees. Of most notable stature, watch for herds of bison, hovering bald eagles and osprey, families of river otters, moose mothers and their calves, and the occasional elk and curious pronghorn antelope.
Snake River public access becomes a little more problematic downstream of Moose as it leaves the protection of Grand Teton Park and flows through predominantly private property for the next 50 miles until reaching the Bridger-Teton Forest boundary below Hoback Junction. There are public access points at Wilson bridge, South Park bridge, numerous pullouts along Hwy 191/26 and direct highway access throughout the Snake River Canyon prior to flowing into Palisades Reservoir along the Wyoming/Idaho border.
Fishing in the Snake River is an ideal experience as there are many good spots, some located close to campgrounds and other facilities. Local regulations limit certain catches and waterways during the summer and autumn months, but generally fishing along the river is peaceful and there are plenty of fish for everyone. However, fishing licenses are mandatory and regularly checked by local game & fish personnel.
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