Jefferson River Fishing Report
Date: 11/08/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent 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
Black and Red Spanish Perdigon
Rainbow Warrior Jig
Dead Drift Crayfish
Butano Lite Brite Perdigon
Gold Lightning Bug
Red San Juan Worm
Jig Zirdle
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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