Fly Fishing the Teton River

Photo Use Guidelines

The Teton River forms at the confluence of the North Fork Teton River and South Fork Teton River, just to the east of the Rocky Mountain Front. The Teton River has several forks that all begin high in the mountainous country in and around the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, all of which offer excellent recreational opportunities in addition to fishing.

From its origin, the river flows for more than 195 miles to its confluence with the Marias River near Loma, MT. Throughout its length, the river twists and turns extensively through a combination of high prairie and small canyons in a very remote area of the state. Except for near its origin and along its upper forks, the Teton River has difficult access, as it flows primarily through private lands.

Teton River : Upper Forks of the Teton River

The upper forks of the Teton River (North, South, Middle and West) all originate in the mountainous country in various points east of the continental divide. The country is a combination of high mountains that are a mix of grass, rocks, alpine and trees. Access to all of these forks requires hiking or packing in, as road access is only possible along short stretches of the North Fork and South Fork. Numerous excellent hiking trails provide access to each of the forks. As the country is quite open, bushwhacking off trail is also relatively easy.

Photo Use Guidelines

The fish in the upper forks of the Teton are generally small but quite plentiful. Fishing pressure is very low, and the fish, consisting of primarily rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout, rise willingly to virtually any dry fly thrown their way. Numerous deep pools, riffles and runs are found all along the forks. Several beaver ponds also provide for interesting fishing possibilities. The bottoms of the forks are primarily gravel and rock.

It is a very long way to anywhere from these forks, so any angler venturing out here should be prepared to camp, either up in the mountains or car camping along Canyon Road, which parallels the North Fork Teton River for a short distance. Numerous camping sites, both official and unofficial, are readily found.

Floating on the North Fork Teton River can begin, at least during high waters, near the end of Canyon Road. More consistent floating conditions will be found below the confluence of the North and South Fork. When floating the North Fork, several beaver ponds and a mix of rapids, pools and riffles all will be encountered, which combined with the scenery makes for a scenic and enjoyable float.

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