Jefferson River Fishing Report
Date: 04/25/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
Spring fishing on the Jefferson River is shaping up nicely, with the best conditions found upstream of Whitehall, Montana, with dropping flows, thanks to the recent cool weather. Trout numbers are better in the upper river this time of year, and the flows have been more stable there over the last few days
Some skwala are starting to show up, and that should improve, along with more BWO and March browns, in the coming days as warmer weather settles into Montana. This is a good time of year to fish a dry dropper rig through the long runs with steady flow. A peacock or purple-bodied Chubby Chernobyl, followed by a small, black rubber leg or beaded San Juan work, works great when the fish start to key onto skwala adults.
The water is still cold, so the fish aren’t really aggressive right now. However, we have been moving some nice fish with streamers, fished slow on heavy sinking line. If you like fishing streamers, stick with a moderate sinking tip for all-day fishing and use standard articulated patterns in yellow or white, concentrating your efforts along broken banks and rip-rap sections with mixed current
Recommended Flies
Red San Juan Worm
Olive Micro May
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Olive Mini Dungeon
White Peanut Envy
Brown/Yellow Barely Legal
Purple Chubby Chernobyl
Skwala Emma Stone
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.
Additional Jefferson River Fly Fishing Resources
Jefferson River Guided Fly Fishing Trips
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