Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Written by Hunter Leavine

Photos by Ian Niklaus

Before we dive into this photo recap of our trip it is imperative that you check out our Wyoming Spotify Playlist. It is our best music mix to date, and is the perfect background music to looking at these photos from our time in Jackson Hole.

Most of our trips involve chasing fish in the salt water, but we still have a strong desire to step into the iconic streams and places that made American Saltwater fishing what it is. This year we chose Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Wyoming is home to some of the most beautiful mountains in the West. Driving to and from the river each days is like living inside a post card. It's not too hard to understand how this place made our Drifter line up for 2026.

Our crew was a bit smaller, and made for the perfect size for slipping into brewries and local breakfast burrito joints. Not pictured is Cecil who came on a Guest Pass but was more of a "drift boat guy."

Cecil, the "driftboat guy," gets set up for a day floating the Snake. Chip Leavine is already digging in the cooler. Most likely taking a beer assesment for the day ahead. The guides at Stone Fly offered a mix of drifting and walk and wade for this trip. That allowed us to see as much of the landscape as possible.

During our drift, there was a mid day hatch. Small trout came to eat on the surface and we slipped out the boat and snagged a few right before lunch. Everyone else got tired of watching me catch fish in front of them and rushed me out of this spot even though it was on fire. I am not bitter though...

For day two we walked back into a beatiful canyon. The leaves were turning color and the temperature was perfect for exploring on foot. We love to try to mix things up as much as possible on our trips. This decision turned out to be the best one of the trip.

Rod tip up. Our guide Connor Reasner was excellent at coaching us throughout the week.

Native Cutthroat Trout were the main target for the trip. We caught plenty of fish during our time, and several that are worthy of the memory book. Their small pin spots and warm colors are hard to beat.

My father was able to join us on this trip. Despite being a fourth generation Floridian, he loves to throw on waders and partake in a little Trout Guy Cosplay. Here he is putting on a clinic for all the young guys.

I learned a lot about Cutthroat Trout. One of the things that really stood out to me is how wiggly and slippery they can be. Connor pulls of an athletic move and saves the photo opp.

Being the expert fish handler that I am, I took the oppurtunity to show Connor how it's done. To the untrained eye, this looks like a fish-flop. Knowledable anglers know that this is an expert Cobra Fish Pose.

This trip included a lot of walking. We slipped deep into the national park to get away from other fishermen and to access some great water. Justin and Nate take a well earned break on the hike in.

After a long day of walking, it is nice to enjoy a long walk back to the truck. Yes mom, we did have Grizzly spray.

Brooks enjoys a nice catch after a long day of regretting wet wading in the cool mountain water. He went waders on the last day.

A few of the Stone Fly guides take a breather after untangling our rigs all morning. They did an amazing job. Learn more about them here.

Day two had one of the best endings that I have ever experienced. We all routed Justin on as he caught this beautiful trout.

A catch like that deserved a celbritory sip. It was well earned and deeply cherished.

One of the most fun parts of a trip like this is driving around from spot to spot. Goofing off, listening to music, and enjoying the scenery. I don't know what deep philosophical topic Ian and I were engaging in, or why he even chose to take this photo, but here it is. Me in a truck apparently feeling insecure about something.

For day three we mixed it up and headed deep into Yellowstone National Park. It was our longest hike of the trip, and led to some breathtaking scenery.

One of the best parts of our hikes was stumbling onto cool things like this elk shed. During our trip the elk were fired up, bugaling, and running around the park.

During our walk we also wandered into this grizzly rub. A reminder that nature can be fierce...and that we should walk a little more alertly through this stretch.

Warm mineral springs blew off a little steam. The cool mountain air was nice during our walks and each spring sent off a signal in the air.

Throughout our trip we were able to catch fish on dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. Each stretch of new water welcomed a new approach. Thanks to our guides we were able to consistently find success.

Justin and Nat crack a smile as he attempts a professional long arm to make this trout look bigger.

Another long walk home through the beautiful Wyoming landscape. Little did we know, Nat had a box of cookies stashed away in the truck to refuel us.

On the ride home, we pulled over to get a quick photo as the rays of sun cut across the Teton Mountains. Ian was a great tour guide and led us to a group of frisky bull elks and a large moose. There were bugals in the background while this photo was taking place.

We concluded our trip with some fresh pizza and bourban. Throughout the trip we ate around town, and enjoyed a few meals at our cabin in Moose Creek Ranch. Moose Creek had amazing facilities and everything we needed to host a great trip.

Make sure to listen to our podcast discussing the trip on the Captains Collective Podcast, and check out my writing about a significant moment on the river with my father on my Substack. Check out the full photo gallery and order prints from Ian Niklaus HERE.