Snake and Green River Runoff Predictions

5.12.2015

Its been about 3 weeks since we last updated the runoff scenario for the Snake and Green River Basins. It was a wild 3 weeks, to say the least and it was really quite warm and the snow was melting faster than a runaway train during this timeframe. Now that it finally cooled off and back to “normal or average” temps the melt has slowed down significantly! Late last week we had over and inch of rain and it snowed some in the Tetons and much more down in the Wyoming and Wind River Ranges. Some places in the center of the sate got 2 feet of snow yesterday. Hallelujah!

The Snake and Green River runoff predictions will be updated after we attend meetings held by the Bureau of Reclamation and BLM. I write about this because the question is asked on a daily basis on when is the “best time” to come and fish. My suggestion to everyone is to give yourself several days and that will only improve your chances of a successful day on the water! It is so difficult to know when the ambient temps will be ideal, the hatch will be too, along with the bite being on too. Not to mention other factors like wind and water clarity.  So the moral of the story is roll with it and hope for the best! We too as guides have to deal with the exact same conditions that we have absolutely no control over.

Below is the current snowpack level statewide as of yesterday. The system was down as of this morning.

Wyoming Snowpack 5.11.2015

Here’s one of several graphs to illustrate just how much snow was melting the past several weeks. This one is from one of the major tribs, the Buffalo River, feeding the Snake River below the Jackson Dam. As you can see the flows were way high as compared to the average.

Buffalo River from 4.21.2015 to 5.11.2015

This graph show the predicted flows of the Snake River below Jackson where Flat Creek meets the Snake. It looks like there will be a strong potential to start fishing the Snake River come late June. Stay tuned…..

Runoff prediction from NOAA

This diagram below shows the Upper Snake River reservoirs and their capacity. Currently the system is 84% full, thankfully!

Upper Snake River Capacity

This one shows almost a mirror on the Buffalo but with a lot more volume, which thankfully has slowed down for the time being.

Snake River Flows

Last but not least, here’s the latest Green River flow prediction, which shows the flows being very promising. What you have to consider that there is no dam where these flows are predicted so whatever Mother Nature gives us is what we have to work with.

Green River Flow Predictions

When the snowmelt is in full force we still have several quality options to fish so please give us a shout to discuss your options. Our number is 307.739.7020.

• Full day trip to the spring creeks in Afton.: Leave JH at 8:30am and return late afternoon. The trip price is $450 plus $100 rod fee per person. Trip price includes rods/reels, waders, lunch, flies/leaders etc.
• Half day wade trip to the Lower Flat Creek in the afternoons for $250. Trip price includes rods/reels, waders, lunch, flies/leaders etc.
• Fontenelle: Full day trip meeting at the Daniel store at 7:30 am and returning by 6:30pm. Trip price is $575 and the price includes rods/reels, waders, lunch, flies/leaders etc.

Thanks and we’re looking forward to seeing you on the water this summer.