June on the Jefferson River
High country snowpack draining into the Jefferson basin muddies the river with an extended early summer deluge, spiking flows through early June. Yet this annual full flush while inconvenient proves essential, scouring silt and debris from critical spawning beds to bolster future trout numbers.
Expect clearing conditions and dropping water levels by mid-June. Floating the Jefferson at this time can provide some of the best action of the year. High flows concentrate trout near the banks and are accessible with streamers and nymphs.
Jefferson River Hatches in June
Hatches are sporadic and sparse throughout the Jefferson River. Brown Drakes, Pale Morning Duns, and Caddis hatch throughout June on the river. Slow-rising trout can be found on cloudy days and evenings, feeding along bank side current seams.
Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Pro-Tip:
Dead drifting small to large streamer patterns like a Copper Zonker along soft seams found off of the riverbank is the best way to target trophy trout on the Jefferson River. Running a shorter leader of about 3-3.5ft of 10-12lb test will help you avoid snagging debris that builds up post-runoff conditions.
Jefferson River Fly Fishing Techniques for June
As the water starts to drop in early June, the keen trout angler will quickly turn to their sinking fly lines and streamers selection before heading out to fly fishing the Jefferson. Large articulated patterns in White, Yellow, Black, or Olive fished tight to the bank consistently produce some big trout from the Jefferson River in June.
Nymph fishing with tandem rigs that include a Crayfish or Sculpin imitation followed by a generalist searching pattern as a dropper are standard Jefferson setups. As the water drops and flows stabilize, twitching and “dragging” these rigs - rather than dead-drifting them – becomes increasingly effective.
Dry fly fishing is sporadic, but the patient angler can find opportunities to cast to slow-rising trout in back eddies and along current seams during hatches and mayfly spinner falls, especially late in the day.
Our Jefferson River Fly Box for June
Jefferson River Fly Fishing Trips in June
A guided fly fishing trip on the Jefferson River is not for everybody. June is the prime summer month to fish the Jefferson, but ideal conditions are short-lived and weather-dependent.
We have over two decades of experience outfitting Jefferson River fly-fishing trips and recommend these trips only when conditions are just right. The experienced angler will appreciate the solitude and scenery, with the opportunity to find a few trophy-sized Brown or Rainbow Trout. This is not always the best river for new or novice anglers expecting consistent action.
Our staff of Bozeman fly fishing guides are always up for a Jefferson River trip when conditions are good. Guests should keep their expectations in line with the reality of the river – low trout numbers, chances for a few big fish, and relative solitude while floating a Montana fly fishing classic.
Reservations for a Jefferson River fishing trip can be secured online, via e-mail, or by calling our expert staff at 406-468-5019. Adding a day on the Jefferson to your multi-day Bozeman fly fishing itinerary is recommended in mid-June for advanced anglers. Contact Us with any additional questions regarding a Jefferson River fishing trip or for help creating a customized Bozeman, Montana fishing trip.