Jefferson River Fishing Report
Date: 11/07/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent 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
Butano Lite Brite Perdigon
Rainbow Warrior Jig
Dead Drift Crayfish
Gold Lightning Bug
White Zonker
Jig Zirdle
Red San Juan Worm
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
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