Jefferson River Fishing Report
Date: 01/19/2025
Posted by: Toby Swank
Old man winter has taken hold of Montana’s Jefferson River in a big way. Lots of snow and shelf ice paired with slush and ice coming down the river has made fishing basically impossible.
Definitely consider another spot but when things warm up again nymphing will be the way to go. Worms are the go-to lead fly followed by a small Zebra Midge or flashy Perdigon. Putting a small streamer under an indicator can be productive as well.
Red San Juan Worm
Olive Micro May
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Olive Mini Dungeon
Fins and Feathers Guide Service has been outfitting Montana fly fishing trips on the Jefferson River for over two decades. It is one of the favorite day trip options - when river conditions are ideal - of our Bozeman fly fishing guides when we have guests with previous fly fishing experience.
Streamer fly fishing the Jefferson during the early and late season produces a few legendary Montana brown trout for the skilled angler. Sporadic hatches of PMD and Brown Drakes in early summer will bring bigger trout into shallow, well-oxygenated riffles in the mornings and evenings.
Overall, Montana fish populations are low throughout the Jefferson River, so angler expectations should focus on "quality over quantity" regarding the fish that we are likely to hook into. Learn more about the river by reading our "Jefferson River Fishing Guide" online.
- $695 for 1 or 2 Anglers Per Guide
- Float Trips With Wading Opportunities
- Use of All Fishing Equipment Is Included
- Single And Multi-Day Trip Bookings Available
- Meet In Bozeman, Three Forks, or Whitehall
- Book Online or Contact Us To Learn More
Jefferson River Fishing
The Jefferson River is a unique Montana fly fishing destination. It runs for around 80 miles, surrounded by the rugged landscapes of the Tobacco Root and Highland Mountain Ranges.
Formed where the Ruby, Big Hole, and Beaverhead Rivers converge, it meets the Madison and Gallatin Rivers to form the Missouri River near Three Forks, Montana.
Fishing conditions vary from year to year based on winter snowpack and summer moisture, but it offers solitude and the opportunity to catch big fish. Ideally suited for floating, the Jefferson River has low trout populations. Advanced anglers who are willing to work for a few good trout will enjoy fishing the Jefferson.
Our "Jefferson River Fishing Guide" is a comprehensive introduction to fly fishing in Montana on the Jefferson River from the Bozeman fly fishing guides with Fins and Feathers.