Jefferson River Fishing in September

September on the Jefferson

As autumn descends on Southwest Montana in September, cooling water temperatures spur increased trout activity and aggression. Bright sunny days still find selective fish rising to terrestrials. But as winter looms, focusing efforts on stripping streamers and drifting nymphs through deep runs finds meaningfully increased success heading into fall.

Jefferson River hatches in September

While trout still occasionally rise to terrestrials and mayflies through September, most feeding activity transitions to below the film as the growing nights limit most surface insect activity outside mid-day hours.

Blue-winged olives and Pseudocleon hatches of mayflies will bring trout to the surface on cool, overcast days.

Fly fishing Tactics for Jefferson River fishing in September

Expect to fish hoppers on sunny days and to be streamer fishing in the morning hours. Overcast days are ideal for fall streamer fishing and few Montana rivers offer big fish opportunities like the Jefferson when conditions align.

Fall is streamer season for the experienced angler. Fish large, articulated streamers on sinking fly lines throughout the main river to search for the legendary, trophy Brown Trout of the Jefferson.

Bozeman Fly Fishing Guide Pro-Tip:

Utilizing the different types of fly patterns can help when targeting Montana trophy trout on the Jefferson River in September. Use weighted jig Bugger patterns to fish near river bottom through deep runs/buckets, woolhead flies to push water as it is stripped alongside bank structure, and unweighted flies like a Muddler Minnow to avoid snags in shallow riffles.

Our Jefferson River Fly Box for September