Jefferson River Fishing Report
Date: 11/29/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The Jefferson River is fishable right now but not the best option around Bozeman, but conditions are very weather-dependent. It’s been cold and windy most days, and the best window has been around noon when temperatures come up slightly. There’s no snow on the ground, but the wind has made timing important.
Nymphing has been the most reliable way to catch fish. Small attractor nymphs have been doing the work—stonefly patterns, pheasant tails, zebra midges, and compact perdigons have all been effective when fished deep. A 9-foot fluorocarbon leader of 3X or 4X is a good fit. Getting enough weight on to stay near the bottom has mattered more than changing flies.
Fish have been holding in deeper water where the current isn’t pushing too hard. Spending time fishing those sections carefully has been more effective than covering a lot of water. Shallow areas haven’t produced much in the colder conditions.
Streamer fishing has been tough to manage with the wind and hasn’t been consistent enough to rely on. It’s more of an option if conditions line up than a main plan.
Dry-fly fishing has been very limited. Midges are around at times, but surface activity has been rare.
Overall, the Jefferson River can still offer some opportunities if you plan around the conditions. Start late, expect wind, fish deep with nymphs, and keep things simple.
Additional Resources:
- Fly Fishing Bozeman In Winter
- Jefferson River Fly Fishing In Winter
Recommended Flies
Rainbow Warrior Jig
Butano Lite Brite Perdigon
Jig Zirdle
Black and Red Spanish Perdigon
Dead Drift Crayfish
Gold Lightning Bug
Red San Juan Worm
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
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.
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.
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