Narrows of the Teton River

Teton Valley Lodge is blessed to fish some of the most prolific waters of all the world. The excellent fishing of the Henry’s Fork and South Fork are well documented. These two rivers are spoken of in hushed tones in fly fishing circles, but guests of Teton Valley Lodge know that there is a jewel found in between these two streams that offers dry fly fishing that is second to none.

The narrows has many heart pumping attributes. There are rapids, snakes, and difficult put-ins. The guides handle the put-ins, and the snakes normally don’t bother anyone. The rapids are right where the fish are and that is where you want to be. Our guides are well trained and know how to take you through this type of water with no need for concern. Some of these rapids are big enough that it may be necessary, for safety, to get out of the boat and walk around them while your guide takes the boat through. There are four main floats in the Narrows. Only the upper and middle sections have heavy rapids. All of the floats have huge trout, and lots of them. These fish are Rainbows, Rainbow/Cutthroat hybrid and Cutthroat.

The secluded conditions, along with the fish species, create the prime environment for the fisherman who loves the dry fly. At times it may be necessary to fish a nymph dropper but most of the time a single attractor fly is all that is needed to bring fish after fish to the surface. The flies you will be using here include stoneflies, hoppers, attractors of every kind, and streamers in some rare instances. we are still experiencing incredible days of over 100 fish per boat in this beautiful scenic canyon. Matt Berry had five consecutive days where his fishermen caught 100 plus fish. For the past 40 years these floats have been favorites of our guests. Most of our anglers like to spend at least one day in the Narrows while at the Lodge each trip.

The lower and lower-lower narrows are best fished from a drift boat. They are somewhat mild compared to the middle and upper floats in terms of white water, but this is a very special part of the river. Teton Valley Lodge has a private access to launch on the lower narrows, which guarantees low fishing pressure and fresh fish. We regularly rest this section, trying to ensure great fishing. The water is beautiful, full of riffles and pools. This section truly is one of our best.

The middle narrows is fished from a cat-a-raft style boat. These boats are very safe and easy for the guides to handle. Very few people gain or attempt access to the Narrows because of the heavy rapids. It is a great feeling to fish all day and usually not see another fisherman. To access the upper portion of river, the guide needs to lower the boat down a thousand foot canyon before you even reach the water. Teton Valley Lodge was the first to guide this canyon. We broke the trails. The hike down to the water is steep and the footing is precarious. This is a very good reason why only guests in top physical condition, equal to the hike, go on this float. If you are lucky enough to fish this section of river on your visit to the Lodge it will be one of the fishing stories you will never forget and your friends will never believe.

One of the most attractive points of these floats is that they all have several opportunities to get out and wade fish through rocks and pools. This is a great way to enjoy this magical water. We also offer wading trips to this section of river. On these trips, you will wade water that is not accessible to fisherman from boats. This water has seen fewer fishermen than even that of the canyon below.

Why not let a tvl guide show you breathtaking views and big fish on dry flies in the Narrows of the Teton. No matter which section you fish, we promise you that you will never forget your trip to the Narrows.