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Jefferson River Fishing Report

Date: 11/08/2025
Posted by: Toby Swank

Current Conditions

The Jefferson River has been cold but still giving anglers a short window of fishable conditions during the warmest part of the day. Expect plenty of shelf ice along the edges and slower currents throughout the valley. Late morning into mid-afternoon is the best time to be out.

Nymphing is the most reliable way to find fish. Small stonefly patterns, zebra midges, perdigons, and pheasant tails are working when fished close to the bottom. A 9-foot fluorocarbon leader of 4X, with 4X to the dropper, keeps the setup simple. Adjusting weight to reach the deeper water matters more than shifting patterns.

Most trout are holding in the slower, deeper sections where the current softens. Shallow and fast runs aren’t producing much as temperatures drop.

Streamer fishing is possible on warmer afternoons, though it’s limited. Smaller sculpin or leech-style patterns can move a fish or two if the water warms enough.

Surface activity is essentially absent now. Midges will appear some days, but rising fish are rare.

The Jefferson offers a narrow but workable winter window. Pick the warmest part of the day, focus on deeper holding water, and rely on your nymph rig for consistent action.

Additional Resources:

-  Fly Fishing Bozeman In Winter

- Jefferson River Fly Fishing In Winter

Recommended Flies

				  A Montana fly fishing standard searching nymph pattern.

Black and Red Spanish Perdigon

				  All around mayfly pattern for fly fishing Montana.

Rainbow Warrior Jig

				  Dead Drift Crayfish Haddon Brn

Dead Drift Crayfish

				  Catch trout fly fishing in Montana using this Mayfly nymph.

Butano Lite Brite Perdigon

				  Montana fly fishing staple for many conditions when imitating Mayflies.

Gold Lightning Bug

				  San Juan Worm in red is a standard Montana fly fishing pattern for dirty water conditions.

Red San Juan Worm

				  The zirdle is a classic crayfish imitation used throughout Montana fly fishing rivers.

Jig Zirdle

				  Rainbow spanish bullet

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.


Additional Jefferson River Fly Fishing Resources


Jefferson River Guided Fly Fishing Trips

Post Date: 03/29/2025

A Jefferson River fly fishing trip is ideal for experienced anglers' on a multi-day Bozeman fly fishing trip itinerary. This scenic Montana river is one of the "quieter" ones in...

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Montana River Shuttles

Post Date: 03/29/2025

River shuttle services are an integral part of the Montana fly fishing scene as floating these legendary western rivers is the standard way to fish and experience them. Be sure...

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Montana Fly Fishing Trip Photo Galleries

Post Date: 03/29/2025

Get a glimpse into a day of guided fly fishing in Montana from the viewpoint of the guides and guests with Bozeman fly fishing outfitter, Fins and Feathers Guide Service...

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Jefferson River Fly Fishing Area Map



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