Both beginner and novice anglers find the Teton River to be one of the best fly-fishing areas in Idaho. There are three native species of trout that thrive in the river – cutthroat, rainbow, and brook. The Teton River is one of the most abundant cutthroat waters to fish in the western United States. Each of the native trout species here is gorgeous. Their size and beautiful colors make them highly coveted fish. The cutthroats in the Teton River can grow as big as 16 inches; however, many anglers have bagged some over twenty inches. You can also find a good number of whitefish here.
Because the Teton River is fed by many cold water streams, the river typically has a stable, cool water temperature. This provides a great environment for huge hatches that support thriving trout populations. Insects start hatching and spawning around mid-June.
If you want the privacy of a fishing spot all to yourself, we recommend fishing the Teton River during September – chances are good that you’ll be the only angler in sight. September is also when hatches are plentiful, and fish have a voracious appetite. Even a single attractor-fly will bring fish to the surface of the water to feed. A few of the most effective flies include hoppers, mayfly, caddis, stoneflies, and attractors of all varieties.
Teton River does not permit anglers to harvest cutthroat trout, but there are no catch limits on rainbow trout or trout hybrids. In the upper-Snake region of the Teton River, the daily bass catch limit is six. The brook trout catch limit is twenty-five. Bull trout catch limit is zero – catch and release only. Sturgeons are catch and release only. Barbless hooks are required when fishing for sturgeons. Northern leatherside chub and bluehead suckers found in the Teton River are protected, non-game fish.
