5.0(2 Reviews)Half-Day Float Fishing Trips on Snake River
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Halfday guided float fishing on scenic Snake RiverProfessional guide with premium boat and quality equipment includedHotel pickup, snacks, and drinks provided for convenience
Picture yourself drifting down one of Wyoming's most legendary trout waters, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Teton Range. Our half-day float fishing trips on the Snake River near Jackson Hole deliver exactly that—world-class fly fishing paired with some of the most stunning mountain scenery you'll find anywhere. This isn't just another guided trip; it's your chance to experience what makes Jackson Hole a top-rated destination for serious anglers and first-timers alike. We'll pick you up right from your hotel, outfit you with premium gear, and spend 3.5 to 4.5 hours showing you why the Snake River has earned its reputation as a customer favorite among Western trout streams.
Your day starts with hotel pickup—no need to worry about finding boat launches or hauling gear around. Once we're riverside, you'll step into one of our premium drift boats designed specifically for fly fishing the Snake's varied waters. Each boat comfortably handles two anglers, though we can squeeze in a third person if your group needs it (just keep that 500-pound weight limit in mind). Your guide will be rowing and positioning the boat while you focus entirely on your casting and line management. We provide all the tackle, flies, and rods—top-quality gear that's perfectly matched to current river conditions. Between productive runs, we'll pull over for snacks and drinks along the bank, giving you time to stretch, swap stories, and maybe retie some leaders. The whole experience flows at a relaxed pace that lets both beginners and seasoned anglers really enjoy their time on this renowned waterway.
Floating the Snake means covering a lot of productive water without the fatigue of wade fishing. Your guide handles all the boat work—reading currents, positioning for the best drifts, and rowing to keep you in the strike zone. We're primarily fly fishing here, working dry flies during hatches and nymphing the deeper runs when fish are holding low. The boat setup lets you cast to both banks and pick apart water that's impossible to reach from shore. We stock each boat with a full selection of local patterns—everything from tiny blue-wing olives to meaty streamers that'll pull browns out of undercut banks. Rods are matched to conditions, typically 9-foot 5 or 6-weights that handle the Snake's wind and give you the backbone for bigger fish. Your guide will rig everything and switch flies as conditions change, so you spend maximum time with your line in the water. The drift boat approach means we can hit multiple prime spots in a single trip, from fast riffles where cutthroats feed aggressively to slower pools where trophy browns cruise for an easy meal.
Recent guests have been raving about their experiences with our team. "Just finished our float/fishing trip with Matt. I can't say enough about how great he is! Rolled out the red carpet for my 13 year-old and myself, who'd never been fly fishing. Matt made us feel like we were seasoned anglers. Wish I could give more than 5 stars because that doesn't seem to adequately rate how wonderful our trip was." - JT. Another satisfied angler shared: "Excellent guide service! Highly recommend! Our trip down the Snake River was the best!" - Nicole Grindstaff. These stories capture exactly what we're going for—making every angler feel confident and successful on the water, regardless of experience level.
Rainbow Trout are the Snake River's bread and butter, and these aren't your typical stocked rainbows. Wild Snake River rainbows fight with serious attitude, often launching themselves clear out of the water when hooked. They average 14 to 18 inches but can push well over 20. Spring through fall, you'll find them feeding actively in riffles and runs, especially during mayfly and caddis hatches. What makes them special here is their strength—the constant current keeps these fish in fighting shape year-round.
Brown Trout represent the prize catch for many anglers floating the Snake. These fish grow large and smart, often holding in undercut banks and deeper pools where they ambush prey. Fall is prime time for browns as they become more aggressive before spawning, but skilled guides know how to locate them throughout the season. A 20-inch brown from the Snake River is a legitimate trophy, and fish pushing 24 inches get caught every season. They're notorious for subtle takes and powerful runs toward cover.
Cutthroat Trout are the native gems of this system, and catching one connects you to the wild character of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Snake River cutthroats are incredibly beautiful fish with distinctive red slashes under their jaws and heavily spotted bodies. They're often the most willing to take dry flies, especially during summer evenings when terrestrials are active. These fish embody the wild nature of Wyoming waters.
Brook Trout, while less common, provide exciting opportunities in certain sections of the river system. These colorful char prefer cooler water and are most active during spring and fall. When you hook a brook trout in the Snake drainage, you're often looking at fish that have found perfect habitat in side channels and spring creeks. Their vibrant colors—especially during fall spawning season—make them a photographer's dream catch.
At $750 for two anglers, this half-day float delivers serious value for a world-class fishing experience. You're getting professional guiding, premium equipment, convenient transportation, and access to some of the best trout water in the American West. The Snake River's season runs strong from spring through fall, with each period offering different fishing opportunities and scenery. Summer brings consistent dry fly action, while spring and fall often produce the largest fish. Don't forget to grab your Wyoming fishing license before the trip, and plan to tip your guide 15-20
Drift down the Snake River in our spacious 16' Hyde drift boat, designed for serious fly fishing comfort. This 2023 model with a smooth 35HP Yamaha gets you to prime fishing spots quickly, then provides the perfect stable platform for casting to rising trout. Built for two anglers or a family of three, the boat's low profile and quiet drift won't spook fish as you work productive runs and eddies. Your guide positions the boat precisely using oars while you focus on reading water and perfecting your cast. The wide beam offers plenty of room to play larger fish without tangling lines, and comfortable seating keeps you fresh during those magical 4-hour floats when the fishing heats up. Perfect for accessing remote stretches where wade fishing isn't possible.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout are the jewels of our high country - small but absolutely gorgeous with their olive backs, red spots circled in blue, and bright orange fins. Most are 8-12 inches, but their beauty makes up for size. You'll find them in the coldest, cleanest water - often in smaller tributaries and spring creeks feeding the main river. They're temperature sensitive, so early morning and late evening during summer work best, while spring and fall offer all-day action. Guests love them because they're scrappy fighters and stunning to look at - plus they're our only native char. The meat is sweet and delicate. My advice: use a longer rod on these small streams to keep your line off the water, and don't overlook the tiny pockets behind rocks where these fish love to hide.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smartest fish in our river and the most challenging to catch consistently. These golden-brown beauties average 14-20 inches but can push 24+ inches if you're lucky. They're homebodies that stick to deep undercut banks, large boulders, and log jams where they can ambush prey. Fall is prime time when they get aggressive before spawning, but they feed year-round if you know where to look. Guests love the puzzle of outsmarting a wary brown - they're incredibly selective and spook easily. When you do hook one, they fight dirty with powerful runs toward cover. The meat is top-notch with a rich, buttery flavor. Here's the secret: browns often feed at night, so focus on the darkest, deepest water during the day.
Oncorhynchus ClarkiiCutthroats are our native Wyoming trout, and you can spot them by those distinctive red slashes under their jaw. Most run 10-16 inches in our waters, with beautiful golden sides and black spots. They prefer the cleaner, well-oxygenated sections of the river and love hanging around beaver dams and woody debris. Early summer through fall gives you the best shots, especially when stoneflies and caddis are active. What makes them special is their willingness to take a fly - they're less spooky than browns but still selective. They fight clean and strong, and the meat has a sweet, delicate flavor that's hard to beat. Pro tip: match whatever insects are hatching, but if nothing's moving, a gold bead prince nymph drifted deep rarely fails to produce.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are the bread and butter of our Snake River trips, running 12-18 inches with that classic pink stripe and silver body. They love the moving water and rocky cover we have here - you'll find them in the current seams and deeper pools. Spring through fall offers great fishing, but late summer evenings are magic when they rise to dry flies. What makes them special is their fight - they'll jump clean out of the water and make strong runs that test your drag. The meat is excellent too, with that mild, clean taste. My tip: when the water's clear like ours, downsize your tippet to 5X or 6X and fish smaller flies. These fish see a lot of pressure, so being subtle pays off big time.
5.0 out of 5.0Just finished our float/fishing trip with Matt. I can't say enough about how great he is! Rolled out the red carpet for my 13 year...
Excellent guide service! Highly recommend! Our trip down the Snake River was the best!
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