FLY FISHING WITH TONI
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Ramble with Toni Stintzing to the Tetons, Chasing Trout Through the Clear Waters of Jackson Hole
Landing in Cowboy Country
Flying into Jackson Hole never gets old. The descent takes you right over the valley, with the Snake River winding below and the Teton Range standing tall in front of you. From the plane window, you can already see the water we’d be floating on in the days ahead, silver and endless. September made it even better, trees shifting into their fall colors, golds and reds scattered through the green.
We checked into a little cabin in Teton Village that felt like something out of a storybook. Wood beams, cozy furniture, and big windows that looked out at aspens glowing in the afternoon light. It set the tone right away: mountain retreat with a touch of comfort.
That first night we walked down to the Four Seasons Jackson Hole. The sushi bar there has a reputation, and it lived up to the hype. Fresh rolls, perfectly cut sashimi, and that unexpected feeling of eating world-class sushi in the middle of Cowboy Country. The contrast made it even more fun.
Day One
Morning came with crisp mountain air, the kind that wakes you up before coffee does. Before meeting our guides, we decided to try a little fishing on our own. We tied on nymph patterns and drifted them through local runs, catching a handful of whitefish. Nothing glamorous, but a perfect warm-up, time to get the rods moving and feel the water again.
That evening, we cleaned up and headed back to the Four Seasons, this time to their Steadfire Chophouse. Dinner there was a whole experience. Caviar to start, crab legs piled high, glasses of red wine, and a fire flickering in the background. It felt indulgent in the best way, and after a day of walking rivers, it hit just right.
Day Two
The next morning, the real adventure began, our float trip on the Snake River. We launched drift boats into the current, five-weight rods in hand, floating lines stretched out and ready. The river carried us past cottonwoods turned yellow, the Tetons always in view.
Our guides let us hop out whenever a side stream looked promising. Those quiet little stretches ended up being some of the best. Native cutthroat trout rose to our flies, showing off that red slash under their jaws before slipping back into the current. Every catch was quick catch-and-release, a reminder of how healthy and wild this river still is.
By late afternoon, the light softened, the mountains turned pink, and the river slowed us to its pace. It was the kind of fishing that stays with you: calm, steady, meditative.
Jackson Boutiques & Cowboy Nights
No trip to Jackson is complete without exploring town. We spent an afternoon wandering through western boutiques, trying on hats and boots, and checking out shelves of tooled leather belts, turquoise jewelry, and fringe jackets. The craftsmanship here feels like part of the culture, classic pieces that are made to last, and every store had its own personality. Whether you’re picking up a new Stetson or just browsing, it’s easy to lose track of time in these shops.
When the sun went down, we swapped the shopping bags for bar stools at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Saddles lined the counter, neon glowed overhead, and a live band had everyone two-stepping. It’s the kind of place where strangers feel like old friends by the end of the night.
Day Three
Our second float day felt just as magical, maybe even more. The rhythm was familiar now: cast, mend, drift, release. We fished until the sun began to drop again, taking in every last moment of the fall colors and mountain air.
Back in town, we wrapped it all up with one more dinner at the Steadfire Chophouse, unable to resist a repeat. Good food, good wine, and the kind of conversations that only happen after days on the water.
Highlights & Discoveries
Flying into Jackson with views of the Snake River and Tetons
Sushi at the Four Seasons, unexpectedly perfect in a mountain town
Guided float trips on the Snake with native cutthroat trout
Boutique shopping for western hats, boots, and leatherwork
Dinner at the Steadfire Chophouse (so good we went twice)
Nightlife at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
A Western Dream
When it came time to pack up, it was hard to leave. Jackson Hole had given us everything we hoped for, wild trout on the line, mountain views at every turn, cowboy nights in town, and meals that felt like celebrations. Wyoming has a way of getting under your skin, and this trip reminded us why.
Shop the Journal
5-weight fly rod (ideal for Snake River cutthroat)
Stetson cowboy hat (classic Jackson Hole souvenir)
About the Traveler
Ramble first connected with Toni Stintzing at local rodeo gatherings around town. A gifted photographer, camera operator, and documentary filmmaker, Toni has since become both a dear friend and a beloved part of the community. We’re so happy to share his journeys and passion for fly fishing with you here.
