Snake River Fly Fishing Report - January 1/18/2026
SNAKE RIVER FLY FISHING REPORT
Winter Conditions — Tailwater & Nearby Runs
Report Date: January 18, 2026 | Next Update: January 25, 2026
Current River Conditions
Winter tailwater fishing remains productive when you match small, low-profile presentations to the limited insect activity. Expect cold water, clear water, and picky trout — but steady technical nymphing will put fish in the net.
Flows & Clarity
Flow Rate (Jackson area tailwater): ~289 CFS (low, stable).
Clarity: Very clear — sight fishing and long, drag-free drifts are required.
Flow Rate (Jackson area tailwater): ~289 CFS (low, stable).
Clarity: Very clear — sight fishing and long, drag-free drifts are required.
Water Temperature
Current: ~35°F (1.5°C)
Notes: Cold throughout the day; slight mid-day warm-up can trigger brief surface activity.
Current: ~35°F (1.5°C)
Notes: Cold throughout the day; slight mid-day warm-up can trigger brief surface activity.
Weather Conditions
Forecast: Cold mornings, sun around midday, possible light winds. Dress in layers and expect icy shorelines.
Forecast: Cold mornings, sun around midday, possible light winds. Dress in layers and expect icy shorelines.
Access & Safety
Many pullouts near Jackson remain accessible but can be icy — use caution. Wading: wear studded booties or gravel guards; always fish with a partner in winter conditions. Check current regulations and closures before heading out.
Many pullouts near Jackson remain accessible but can be icy — use caution. Wading: wear studded booties or gravel guards; always fish with a partner in winter conditions. Check current regulations and closures before heading out.
Hatch Chart & Insect Activity (Mid January)
| Insect | Expected Activity | Size | Prime Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midges (all life stages) | Primary food source — continuous, low-level activity | #18–24 | All day (best mid/late morning) |
| Baetis (BWO) | Occasional emergers and duns on milder afternoons | #18–22 | Midday, warmer breaks |
| Caddis | Generally scarce but small emerger/pupa patterns can trigger eats | #16–20 | Late morning–afternoon |
| Salmonflies / Stones / Drakes | Not active — winter dormancy | — | — |
Recommended Flies
Winter clarity and low water favor small, heavy nymphs and tight, subtle midge presentations. Below are field-tested picks (links go to suppliers where patterns are available).
Nymphs & Jigs (go-to winter choices)
- Egan's Poacher - Olive — versatile anchor/jig for Euro and indicator nymphing.
- Egan's Poacher - Black — darker profile for low-light or stained pockets.
- Egan's Thread Frenchie Jig - Olive — excellent as a heavy point fly under indicator or on a euro rig.
- Tungsten Dart - Red — compact, fish-attracting tungsten dart for tight presentations.
- Pheasant Tail Tungsten — classic emerger/soft hackle profile with weight for winter depths.
- Black Zebra Midge (bead) — slim, high-contrast midge for picky trout.
Drys & Emergers (occasional use on warmer breaks)
- Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) - Tan — small, realistic caddis imitation for sporadic surface activity.
- Parachute — Blue Wing Olive — a delicate BWO/dun option for mid-day windows.
- Stealth Link Mercer — PMD — small emerger/dun useful when mayfly activity briefly picks up.
- Parachute Adams (poly) — reliable universal dry when a surface take is seen.
Streamers & Baitfish Imitations
- Egan's Poacher - Olive — fishes small, compact profiles well when swung/stripped in deep water.
- Egan's Poacher - Black — dark sculpin/bait profile for low-light or tannic pockets.
- Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow — Sculpin — great for larger trout feeding on sculpins and baitfish in deeper runs.
- Joe's Mini Crayfish Jig — compact cray/crustacean profile for structure and tailouts.
- Sculpzilla — Olive — articulated sculpin-style streamer you can fish fast or slow.
Tactics & Tips — What Works Right Now
Primary approach: winter nymphing. Fish long, weight-forward leaders and get subsurface flies down quickly. Use tungsten jigs and slim peridgon-style nymphs in sizes 14–22 where needed.
- Euro Nymphing: Short, tight leaders with a heavy point (jig or tungsten) are extremely effective in clear, low flows. Start with 2–3' of tippet to a 9–11' leader system and adjust weight to maintain contact.
- Indicator/Dead-drift: A small high-visibility indicator and a tiny dropper midge or zebra midge beneath a weighted nymph will take fish holding in seams and tailouts.
- Emergers & dries: Watch for mid-day BWO activity; when you see rises, swap to a small emerger or parachute and fish long drifts with soft drag-free mends.
- Streamers: Slow strips in deep runs and along structure can produce winter bruisers. Focus on tailouts, undercut banks, and any deep boulder seams.
- Leaders & tippet: In clear winter water, longer leaders (10–12') of fluorocarbon 6X–8X for dries, 4X–6X for nymph rigs; keep your tippet supple and knots smooth.
- Presentation: Gentle, drag-free presentations beat aggressive short-line tactics in winter clarity. Keep drag to a minimum and watch subtle seams.
- Euro Nymphing: Short, tight leaders with a heavy point (jig or tungsten) are extremely effective in clear, low flows. Start with 2–3' of tippet to a 9–11' leader system and adjust weight to maintain contact.
- Indicator/Dead-drift: A small high-visibility indicator and a tiny dropper midge or zebra midge beneath a weighted nymph will take fish holding in seams and tailouts.
- Emergers & dries: Watch for mid-day BWO activity; when you see rises, swap to a small emerger or parachute and fish long drifts with soft drag-free mends.
- Streamers: Slow strips in deep runs and along structure can produce winter bruisers. Focus on tailouts, undercut banks, and any deep boulder seams.
- Leaders & tippet: In clear winter water, longer leaders (10–12') of fluorocarbon 6X–8X for dries, 4X–6X for nymph rigs; keep your tippet supple and knots smooth.
- Presentation: Gentle, drag-free presentations beat aggressive short-line tactics in winter clarity. Keep drag to a minimum and watch subtle seams.
Quick Gear Checklist
Rods & Lines
9' 5–6 wt for dries/streamers; 10'–11' 3–5 wt or switch rods for euro nymphing. Floating line with short, heavy leaders for indicators.
9' 5–6 wt for dries/streamers; 10'–11' 3–5 wt or switch rods for euro nymphing. Floating line with short, heavy leaders for indicators.
Tippets & Leaders
Fluorocarbon 4X–8X based on rig; 2–3' dropper lengths on indicator rigs; clean knots.
Fluorocarbon 4X–8X based on rig; 2–3' dropper lengths on indicator rigs; clean knots.
Winter Essentials
Insulated layers, waterproof outer shell, studded wading boots, spare gloves, hand warmers, safety kit.
Insulated layers, waterproof outer shell, studded wading boots, spare gloves, hand warmers, safety kit.
Fly Selection
Carry a mix of tungsten jigs, slim midges, small emergers, and a couple compact streamers (links above).
Carry a mix of tungsten jigs, slim midges, small emergers, and a couple compact streamers (links above).
Short-Range Forecast & Advice
| Period | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Next 3–7 days | Cold mornings with bright mid-days. Best fishing mid/late morning through early afternoon when bugs push or fish move shallow slightly. If a warm front arrives, be ready to switch to small dries or emergers. |
| Access | Roads and ramps near main access points are generally open but can be icy—plan for slower travel and possible parking changes. Confirm local launch availability before boating. |
Quick reminder: Regulations and seasonal closures can change. Verify daily limits, bait restrictions, and any barbless-hook rules with local authorities before fishing.
