Flat Creek Fishing Report – (8.11.26)
With July’s hot weather and low natural streamflow leading to warm water temperatures, Wyoming Game and Fish Department has issued a voluntary warm-water catch-and-release closure from noon to sunrise on (1) the Snake River from the Yellowstone Park boundary to Palisades, and (2) Flat Creek.
For catch and release anglers, Game and Fish asks that fishing be focused between sunrise and noon when water temperatures are cooler. In addition to getting out early, consider carrying a pocket thermometer to check water temperatures. Game and Fish recommends adjusting catch-and-release fishing practices above 65°F.
Across the watershed, the Buffalo Fork, Fish Creek, and Hoback remain the coolest sites with real-time temperature data. Water temperatures in these reaches remain in the upper 50s and low 60s through the morning and into the early afternoon.
Monsoonal rainstorms continue to cause quick spikes in turbidity on tributaries across the Headwaters and slow the decline of natural streamflow.
Both Jackson Lake and Palisades continue to draft. With outflow remaining near 5,000 cfs, Jackson Lake is currently 59% full, compared to 76% on average. The Colter Bay boat ramp closed on July 21st, and the water level will likely drop below the elevation of the ramp within the next week.
Palisades is currently 25% full, compared to 73% on average. Outflow was dropped from just over the 13,000 to 11,500 cfs over the past week.
– Dr. Sarah Newcomb, TU’s Snake River Headwaters Watershed Scientist
For more information on the voluntary closure from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, please click HERE.
The angling season on Flat Creek is now OPEN until October 31st. Anglers should concentrate on the early morning periods when water tempatures are at the coolest. PMDs, Caddis, Midges as well as Terrestrials are going to be your main hatches for the next couple of weeks. Flat Creek can be a busy place but traffic should subside a bit after the excitement of opening day. Be ready for highly technical fishing. Long leaders, light tippets and a downstream presentation is going to be key. Keep a low profile and get ready for one of the most rewarding or frustrating fishing experiences in the area.
Flat Creek Fishing Resources:
– Flat Creek Fishing Regulations
