Fly Fishing Flat Creek Jackson Hole, WY 5.11.20

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A few nights ago, I had spent most of the day inside hoping for some sunshine. It slowly did and by dinner time it was gorgeous outside. With a full belly, I grabbed my gear and hopped in the truck anxious to get some fly fishing done. The short drive to Flat Creek was well worth it!

The sun sets behind the Tetons on a warm day in May

Warm weather has brought runoff to most area rivers and streams, besides tail waters. The shed hunters had moved on after the weekend and it was quiet on the creek. There were BWO spinners and a few Brachycentrus Caddis hovering in the air, but no risers. I had a Rubberlegs and Purple Duracell nymph setup from a recent trip on the Snake River and decided to shorten the depth and give it a whirl after knotting on a bright green Caddis pupa.  In a half dozen casts I had landed three nice Cutthroat, one on each fly. One spunky Cuttie even jumped!

Feel lucky to be on lockdown in such an amazing place. Looking forward to Summer. Wyoming is slowly opening back up and we are taking reservations. Come spend some time in nature!

Jumping Cutthroat trout?!

 

Flat Creek National Elk Refuge Fly Fishing

Flat Creek National Elk Refuge Fly Fishing Report 9.12.16

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Flat Creek winds its way through the National Elk Refuge just north of the town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Flat Creek is an excellent fishery and will challenge you to take your trout stalking game to the next level.  Flat Creek is home to some of the largest Snake River Cutthroat Trout in the Jackson Valley. These Cutthroat are very spooky and are always on the lookout for anglers. There is very little above water cover in the way of trees or shrubs to hide these trout in this slow moving water. Undercut banks in the bends of the oxbows are where you will find these elusive fish.When fly fishing Flat Creek, it is important to take a step back and really think about how you are going to fish a specific section, and also what your are going to put on the end of your line. Grey Drakes (size 12-14), PMD’s (size 14-16), Mahogany Duns (size 16) all make for a tasty treat for the trout of Flat Creek. Try your favorite cripple pattern of these mayflies, although it seems that I often come back to a Rusty Spinner.  We are almost at the end of the terrestrial season here in Jackson Hole, but ants or beetles are still on the menu on warm sunny afternoons.

Fish The Fly Guide Service, National Elk Refuge, Jackson Hole Wyoming, Snake River Cutthroat Trout

A beautiful Cutthroat Trout caught along the banks of Flat Creek on the National Elk Refuge!

Get out and fish Flat Creek because in about a month and a half thousands of elk will be making their winter homes along the river’s bend.  Even though Flat Creek is close to town it is still a fulfilling natural experience to get out there and stroll through its tall grass. The slow moving water is crystal clear and full of fish. During sundown the National Elk Refuge offers a great view of the sun setting on the Sleeping Indian!

Our guides have been fly fishing Flat Creek in the afternoons after their guided trips, and have all the details of where the fish are and what they are eating!

Fish The Fly Guide Service, National Elk Refuge, Jackson Hole Wyoming, Snake River Cutthroat Trout

Releasing a Snake River Cutthroat Trout back into Flat Creek!

Flat Creek National Elk Refuge Fly Fishing

Flat Creek National Elk Refuge Fly Fishing Report 8/12/16

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Fish The Fly Guide Service, National Elk Refuge, Jackson Hole Wyoming, Snake River Cutthroat Trout

Apparently you can catch fish on Flat Creek in a pink shirt 😉

Flat Creek on the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a great fishery located just north of town.  There are two points of entrance, one is right across the street from the National Museum of Wildlife Art, the second is located at the entrance of The Jackson National Fish Hatchery.  When fly fishing Flat Creek walk quietly along the bank before making any casts and take note of the bug life. Taking this approach will allow you to match the hatch and not spook trout while blind casting.

  Fishing Flat Creek is all about not spooking the large Fine Spotted Cutthroats that live in this spring creek. Crouching on the bank and being aware of your shadow is a good plan of attack to not give yourself away.  It is important to be aware of your surroundings when fishing on the Elk Refuge, because it does get crowded and you never know where a fellow angler might be stalking some fish!  The trout tend to stay under the cut banks during the heat of the day, but will give up these lies in low light conditions during the early morning hours and while the sun is setting.

Crane Flies and Damselflies (size 6), PMD Cripples and Rusty Spinners (size 16-18), X-Caddis (sizes 14-16), and hopper patterns all have worked well this past week. Hopper patterns produce in all water types, but especially tight against the grassy banks.  Smaller dry flies such as PMDs and Caddis are great options for long,slow seams.  Fly fishing Flat Creek is similar to stalking big game. Listening for rises, watching the water, and being aware of the bug life are all factors that contribute to catching trout on the Flat Creek stretch on the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming!

Fish The Fly Guide Service, National Elk Refuge, Jackson Hole Wyoming, Snake River Cutthroat Trout

Some nice slow water to target when fishing in the evening!