The 14-Day Nomad: November Fly Fishing Road Trip from Oregon to Jackson Hole
Chasing Late-Season Trout: An Epic 14-Day Fly Fishing & Camping Adventure
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. And spoiler alert: 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, the local rivers like the Crooked and Metolius are still prime Central Oregon 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, conserving energy, which means 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.
The key to a successful November fly fishing trip? Warm hands and reliable gear. Having our mobile basecamp—the 2023 Leisure Travel Van—was a game-changer. No soggy tent setup, just instant heat and hot coffee waiting after a frigid morning session.
Idaho’s Unexpected Gem: Finding Idaho Falls
The drive east across the Great Basin is spectacular but long. We were pushing toward Wyoming when we discovered the true gem of the trip: Idaho Falls. Seriously, this city is a mandatory stop for any fly fishing trip traversing the region.
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. Just a short drive away lies the famous South Fork of the Snake River and the technical Henry's Fork.
We spent a glorious few 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 those aggressive fall browns, and found some hungry cutthroat on tiny midge patterns in the calm back-eddies. It's a must-add to your Western fishing adventure itinerary.
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 the mild November weather held, giving 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; this is a hunt for a trophy. We focused our efforts 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 RV camping trip worth every mile. Nothing beats a cold-weather dry fly take!
The Verdict: 14 Days of Freedom in a Leisure Travel Van
The total trip covered three states, countless public lands spots for dispersed camping, and required a serious layering system. But rolling into our cozy, dry 2023 Leisure Travel Van at the end of each day made it pure pleasure. We successfully fly fished in Oregon, Idaho, and Wyoming, chased wild trout, found a new favorite city in Idaho Falls, and put a huge checkmark on our list of Western fly fishing destinations.
If you're planning an off-season RV camping and fly fishing trip, embrace the cold. The solitude is unmatched, the scenery is pristine, and the serious reward of catching a wild trout on a winter nymph or streamer is the true prize of the dedicated angler. Get out there, re-load the van, and chase those late-season fish!