Jefferson River Fishing Report
Date: 03/28/2025
Posted by: Toby SwankCurrent Conditions
The weather forecast is looking pretty soggy for the next handful of days on Montana’s Jefferson River. Lots of rain and some snow is expected. That being said the river has just shaped up so fishing should be decent. Nymphing will be the best way to get some fish to hand but the streamer route can be a good way to get into some bigger fish. The Jefferson can also get some pretty good Midge and BWO hatches in the spring so keep an eye out.
Our nymph selection is pretty basic, a Pat’s Rubber Leg or a red Worm are go-to lead flies. Below that we are fishing dark shiny Perdigons, Zebra Midges, and Mayfly nymphs. Trying a crawfish pattern or a small streamer under an indicator can also do the trick. Focus your nymphing on the slow deep holes. For streamers keep your fly selection fairly small and fish them slow and deep. A few favorite patterns are Sculpzillas, Mini Dungeons, and Peanut Envy’s
Recommended Flies
Red San Juan Worm
Olive Micro May
Rainbow Spanish Bullet
Olive Mini Dungeon
Jefferson River Fishing Trips
Fins and Feathers Guide Service has been outfitting Montana fly fishing trips on the Jefferson River for over two decades. It is one of the favorite day trip options - when river conditions are ideal - of our Bozeman fly fishing guides when we have guests with previous fly fishing experience.
Streamer fly fishing the Jefferson during the early and late season produces a few legendary Montana brown trout for the skilled angler. Sporadic hatches of PMD and Brown Drakes in early summer will bring bigger trout into shallow, well-oxygenated riffles in the mornings and evenings.
Overall, Montana fish populations are low throughout the Jefferson River, so angler expectations should focus on "quality over quantity" regarding the fish that we are likely to hook into. Learn more about the river by reading our "Jefferson River Fishing Guide" online.
- $695 for 1 or 2 Anglers Per Guide
- Float Trips With Wading Opportunities
- Use of All Fishing Equipment Is Included
- Single And Multi-Day Trip Bookings Available
- Meet In Bozeman, Three Forks, or Whitehall
- Book Online or Contact Us To Learn More
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.