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. PMDs, tricos, and yellow sally patterns work especially before bright sunshine arrives. Canyon waters have abundant bankside terrestrial insects (and rattlesnakes!). 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 beginning to wind down but still brings trout up during warm afternoons. Kokanee in the creek 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 (Hoppers & Ants) | #10–16 | High | Midday through afternoon |
| Caddisflies | #18–20 | Moderate–High | Evening |
| PMDs | #18–20 | Moderate | Early morning before bright sun |
| Tricos | #20–22 | Moderate (building at Birch Creek) | Early morning |
| Yellow Sallies | #14–16 | Moderate | Early morning before bright sun |
| Western Green Drake | #12–14 | Low–Moderate (winding down) | Warm afternoons — Big Elk Creek |
- EARLY MORNING (pre-sunrise to 9 AM): Fish PMD, trico, and yellow sally patterns before bright sunshine arrives — most effective on the Teton River and Birch Creek.
- MIDDAY TO AFTERNOON (11 AM–4 PM): Prime terrestrial time across all streams; hopper-dropper rigs shine along canyon banks and on Palisades, Bitch, McCoy, and Bear Creeks. Hit Big Elk Creek for the western green drake.
- EVENING (5 PM–dark): Switch to caddis patterns from Hog Hollow downstream and on Palisades Creek as caddisfly activity picks up.
