With such a diverse region as Jackson Hole it is impossible to list all of the fly patterns an angler might need. Having said that, most of the streams and rivers in Jackson Hole proper, like the Snake River, are not overly technical fisheries (Flat Creek being a notable exception). Attractor patterns, terrestrials, and larger than normal patterns are the norm, not the exception. A good selection of the following dry fly patterns will go a long way towards making your fishing excursion successful. Continue reading →

With such a diverse region as Jackson Hole it is impossible to list all of the fly patterns an angler might need. Having said that, most of the streams and rivers in Jackson Hole proper, like the Snake River, are not overly technical fisheries (Flat Creek being a notable exception). Attractor patterns, terrestrials, and larger than normal patterns are the norm, not the exception. A good selection of the following streamers will go a long way towards making your fishing excursion successful. Continue reading →

With such a diverse region as Jackson Hole it is impossible to list all of the fly patterns an angler might need. Having said that, most of the streams and rivers in Jackson Hole proper, like the Snake River, are not overly technical fisheries (Flat Creek being a notable exception). Attractor patterns, terrestrials, and larger than normal patterns are the norm, not the exception. A good selection of the following Nymphs will go a long way towards making your fishing excursion successful. Continue reading →

This article was originally published in the summer 2000 issue of Jackson Hole magazine. Designing trout flies for a living is pretty risky, unless you happen to catch a little luck and you’re Guy Joseph Turck.  Then you can live the life most of us in the real world can only dream about… every day. Turck, 42, is a poster boy for “laid back;” one of those people you’ve really got to get to know for a while before he says very much.  When the talking finally kicks in, you’re going to learn something about trout fishing.  Count on it. … Continue reading →

While dry fly fishing clearly ranks as the preferred fly technique amongst most trout anglers, I personally will happily chuck big streamers if the larger trout aren’t rising on a given day. Streamer fishing is the least used and most overlooked of the “Big 3″ fly fishing styles, behind nymphing and dry flies. Trout which will sit dormant as dry flies and nymphs pass by can often be enticed to lash out at a well-presented streamer, and that is much of the appeal. It feels as though you can make the trout strike when you get the proper action on … Continue reading →

  Innovations by Jackson Hole anglers provide western trout fishermen with many valuable tools. The late Boots Allen popularized the addition of multiple chrome and brass spinners placed above both trolled lures and minnows for lake fishing.  Now universally called “cowbells” by trollers, these flashy spinner strings are believed to duplicate baitfish schools. Early flyfishing guide Bob Carmichael introduced a number of unique fly imitations that became western fly box standards. The colorful Moose guide is best remembered for his unique Carmichael Indispensable. Current fly innovators like Jack Dennis truly etched such Jackson Hole specialties as the Royal Humpy and … Continue reading →