The drift boat is officially retired for the season, but that doesn't mean the fly rods go into storage. For the Hunt Fish Reload crew, late fall means one thing: an RV camping road trip fishing adventure. This November, we launched our 14-day quest from Central Oregon straight to the heart of the Tetons for some Jackson Hole Wyoming fishing, hitting some unexpected Idaho fly fishing spots along the way.
It was a test of dedication against the cold, a mission to connect with wild trout in three states, all from the cozy comfort of our 2023 Leisure Travel Van. When the weather holds, the fish are still willing.
The Central Oregon Launch: Transitioning to Winter Tactics
Our journey began in the familiar high-desert landscape of Central Oregon. While summer hatches have long passed, local rivers like the Crooked and Metolius are still prime fly fishing territory in the fall. This time of year demands a serious shift in tactics — dries are few and far between, and the game becomes all about subsurface presentation.
We rigged up our 5-weights with heavy tungsten nymphs, focusing on deep, slow-moving pools. The trout are congregated and conserving energy, so your drift needs to be immaculate — hitting them on the nose. We found success with size 18-20 Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) nymphs and the ever-reliable red San Juan Worm. Having our mobile basecamp — the Leisure Travel Van — was a game-changer: instant heat and hot coffee after a frigid morning session.
Idaho's Unexpected Gem: Finding Idaho Falls
The drive east across the Great Basin is spectacular but long. We discovered the true gem of the trip: Idaho Falls. Not only is the town vibrant and friendly, but it serves as the perfect jumping-off point for some of the West's most legendary trout waters — the South Fork of the Snake River and the technical Henry's Fork.
We spent a few glorious days exploring the surrounding area. The Idaho fly fishing here is phenomenal, even in late season. The rivers, often tailwaters, offer more stable water temperatures, keeping the fish active longer. We had decent luck swinging small streamers through the riffles, looking for aggressive fall browns, and found hungry cutthroat on tiny midge patterns in calm back-eddies.
Jackson Hole: The Ultimate Wyoming Trophy Water
The main destination: Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Rolling into Jackson with the Tetons towering overhead is a feeling every outdoor enthusiast needs to experience. The cold had definitely settled in, but mild November weather gave us clear skies and crisp mornings.
Jackson Hole Wyoming fishing in late November is a commitment. The Snake River, Teton River, and others in the area require persistence. This isn't a high-count fishing trip — it's a hunt for a trophy. We focused on deeper slots and structure, using heavily weighted streamers like olive Sculpzillas and black articulated patterns.
On our last day on the water, the sun peaked out around 1 PM, and a sparse BWO hatch popped off in a sheltered canyon bend. The sight of a large, native Cutthroat rising confidently in the Teton water made the entire 14-day trip worth every mile. Nothing beats a cold-weather dry fly take!
