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Jefferson River Fishing Report

Date: 11/07/2025
Posted by: Toby Swank

Current Conditions

The Jefferson River is fishing fair this week and remains a good late-fall option for anglers looking for quieter water near Bozeman. Conditions are clear and stable, with mild afternoons creating short but productive fishing windows through the middle of the day.

Nymphing has been the best approach overall. Patterns like zirdles, stonefly nymphs, and small crayfish imitations are good lead flies. Droppers such as perdigons, zebra midges, and prince nymphs are also producing fish. A 9-foot 3X or 4X fluorocarbon leader is a solid setup for most of the river.

Streamer fishing has been hit-or-miss but can pay off under the right conditions. Larger trout are showing interest in darker or natural-colored streamers like zonkers and sculpin patterns, especially in deeper water and around structure. A shorter 5- to 6-foot leader in heavier fluorocarbon helps manage these larger flies effectively.

The Jefferson continues to offer solid fishing for those who put in the effort. Nymph rigs are producing the most consistent results, streamers are finding quality fish when the conditions line up, and the last of the fall hatches are providing the occasional chance for dry-fly fishing.

Additional Resources:

-  Bozeman Fly Fishing In November

- 7 Tips for Streamer Fishing around Bozeman

Recommended Flies

				  Catch trout fly fishing in Montana using this Mayfly nymph.

Butano Lite Brite Perdigon

				  All around mayfly pattern for fly fishing Montana.

Rainbow Warrior Jig

				  Dead Drift Crayfish Haddon Brn

Dead Drift Crayfish

				  Montana fly fishing staple for many conditions when imitating Mayflies.

Gold Lightning Bug

				  Zonkers are a top 5 fly pattern for lower Madison River fishing in dirty water.

White Zonker

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

Jig Zirdle

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

Red San Juan Worm

				  A large baitfish imitation that catches big Montana trout.

Olive Mini Peanut Envy

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

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Montana River Shuttles

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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

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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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