Small Streams
SMALL STREAMS
ReportThe Teton River in the basin remains a good choice for fly fishing even though daylight hours are diminishing and nights are getting cooler. Terrestrial insect patterns trailed with a small nymph remain very effective. Canyon waters have abundant bankside terrestrial insects (and rattlesnakes!). If water temperatures approach 70°F, give trout a break and resume fishing in the evening. Play and release those trout gently.
From Hog Hollow downstream, terrestrial insects are active during daytime hours with caddisflies active in the evening. Palisades Creek remains a good choice to try, where trout respond to caddis life cycle, terrestrial insect, and traditional attractor patterns throughout the day.
Big Elk Creek's afternoon western green drake hatch is ongoing. Kokanee are in the creek but do not interfere with dry fly fishing. Snagging them is illegal and IDF&G patrols the creek looking for violators.
Bitch, McCoy, and Bear Creeks are in good dry fly conditions with terrestrial insect and caddis activity resulting in feeding trout. Birch Creek remains good fly fishing because of numerous springs flowing into it. Tricos are beginning to show up there.
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrestrials (Ants & Hoppers) | #10–16 | Strong | Daytime |
| Caddisflies | #18–20 | Active | Evening |
| Western Green Drake | #12–14 | Ongoing hatch | Afternoon (Big Elk Creek) |
| Tricos | #20–24 | Beginning | Morning (Birch Creek) |
- MORNING TO MIDDAY: Fish terrestrial dry-dropper rigs tight to the banks on the Teton canyon, Palisades Creek, and Bitch, McCoy, and Bear Creeks while temperatures are comfortable.
- AFTERNOON (3–6 PM): Head to Big Elk Creek for the ongoing western green drake hatch — arrive early to get positioned before the rise begins.
- EVENING: Shift to caddis dries from Hog Hollow downstream and on Palisades Creek as caddisflies become active and air temperatures cool.
