Last week, Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve, spoke from a podium at Jackson Lake Lodge and somewhat stabilized markets after a tumultuous week by suggesting no further interest rate cuts from the FED are on the immediate horizon.

Since 1982, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City (one of 12 in the US central banking system) has met in northwestern Wyoming. Prior to that, however, the economic symposium changed venues.

So how did Jackson Hole come to be the fixed focal point for the economic eyes of the world each fall? Legend has it that it was the fine spotted cutthroat trout.

According to a Business Insider article from 2012, proceedings at the 1981 conference in Vail drew little attention. Looking to boost the profile of the event, organizers hoped to lure then-FED Chair Paul Volcker to speak at the next year’s annual conference. Volcker was avid fly-fisherman.

Organizers hoped to find a venue in Colorado that provided a scenic backdrop for the conference but that also had good fishing for Volcker. After speaking with fishing experts, however, the conclusion was Colorado’s rivers were too warm in late August to afford good fishing. Someone suggested heading north to Jackson Hole, and the annual conference has been held there ever since.

As the valley crests the hill of summer and starts to slide into fall, fishing around the region reaches its peak. Annual events like the Jackson Hole One Fly (where more than 40 teams from around the world test their mettle on regional rivers and can only fish one lure for the entire day) highlight the blue-ribbon fishing opportunities that sunk its hooks into Volcker and countless others.

If you’re looking to explore some of Jackson Hole’s rivers and streams, a number of local outfitters are available to help you navigate a day on the river:

• Grand Fishing Adventures (grandfishing.com, 307.734.9684)
• Westbank Anglers (westbank.com/, 800.922.3474)
• Jackson Hole Fly Fishing School (jhflyfishingschool.com, 307.699.3440)

Your Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty Realtor might have some suggestions on some secret fishing holes too!

An Elevated Teton Perspective

Panoramic views without equal.

by Staff Writers

The iconic skyline of the Tetons defines the region and frames the western border of the Jackson Hole valley. Three view properties currently on the market take full advantage of elevated positions  and uninterrupted sight lines to capture signature views of the valley from nearly every aspect.

Modern lines and staggering views define the latest offering atop Saddle Butte, perched above the town of Jackson. Masonry, steel and timber provide striking contrast, textural interplay, and visual structure to the exterior, while a wall of north-facing windows opens the 3,000-plus square foot home to some of the most impressive views in the valley. Multiple opportunities for outdoor living enhance the home—including an exterior,  spiral staircase that leads to a roof-top deck, and a second, wrap-around deck that extends from the home’s living room. A bold, dual-sided, wood-burning fireplace splits the open floor plan’s living and dining spaces and serves as a vertical anchor point to the expansive horizontals of the home and beyond. More than six rolling acres atop the butte in the valley’s center provide a private escape, while the best of Jackson is just minutes away in the valley below.

The northern end of the adjoining East Gros Ventre Butte provides the elevated alcove for “Della Terra”—a home set into the rolling hillside and named for being “of the earth.” Walls of glass in the home on Long View Lane capture the most iconic Jackson Hole views in a nearly 360-degree viewshed that encompasses the Tetons, the National Elk Refuge, Sheep Mountain and the Gros Ventre Range beyond to the east. An expansive stone patio extends the open floor plan’s living space towards the horizon, while flat stone walls create private spaces for outdoor dining or a hot tub soak.

The timeless, 2,593 square foot home with contemporary appeal is terraced into the surrounding slope, with roofline angles echoing and visually blending your line of sight into the adjacent hillside.

Those looking to build their ideal home in Jackson Hole can chose from among the few remaining elevated view parcels in the valley. 2555 Trader Road, atop neighboring West Gros Ventre Butte offers direct western views of the Tetons extending south into the Snake River Range beyond Teton Pass. The lot’s 8.25 acres are ideal for taking advantage of the stunning sunsets as the last of the days shadows trace their way across the valley floor. The gated subdivision offers privacy and the lot’s aspen grove and rolling terrain provide visual screening for your home.