A Guide Fly Fishing the Jefferson River

Jefferson River Fly Fishing

From its origins at the confluence of the Ruby, Big Hole, and Beaverhead Rivers to where it converges with the Madison and Gallatin, the Jefferson River offers a unique Montana fly fishing experience through dramatic canyons and rural agricultural fields.

Rugged, unspoiled landscapes surround the river through its roughly 80-mile course between Twin Bridges and Three Forks, Montana. The Jefferson River fly fishing experience varies from year to year, largely dependent on winter snowpack and spring moisture.

Despite heavy irrigation pressures during the summer, the Jeff is a favorite with local anglers in search of solitude and trophy brown trout opportunities.

Twin Bridges to Cardwell

Embark on the Jefferson's journey from its headwaters, carving through Montana's terrain until it reaches Cardwell. The river is formed by the confluence of the Ruby, Big Hole, and Beaverhead rivers near Twin Bridges, and thus drains an enormous portion of Southwest Montana.

Wide expanses and gentle meanders define this section. Pocket water holds the promise of rainbow and brown trout in the upper sections near Twin Bridges. Brown trout dominate the valley stretches near Whitehall, Montana.

Montana fish populations decrease in the lower Jefferson River Valley, but fewer fish equates to less angling pressure and larger, average sizes of wild trout.

Cardwell to Sappington

Trace the Jefferson's course as it turns north, departing from US HWY 84 at Cardwell. Limited public access underscores the secluded nature of this stretch. Ideal for floating, the river yields big rainbow and brown trout, creating an authentic challenge for anglers fishing with patience and persistence.

Floating “The Canyon” stretch is a unique Montana fishing experience featuring stunning landscape as the backdrop and relative solitude during the busiest times of the year.

Although fish numbers are lower than in other Montana rivers near Bozeman, experienced trout anglers appreciate the intangible benefits from a day of fishing the Jefferson River.

Sappington to Missouri Confluence

Discover solitude in the stretch leading to the Missouri River confluence. A haven for experienced anglers in the early summer or fall, this section is best explored by floating.

The river meanders through agricultural fields lined by wildlife-filled stands of Cottonwood Trees. Limited public gives an angler the feeling of wilderness fly fishing, near Bozeman.

Diverse holding water and the convergence of the Jefferson, Gallatin, and Madison rivers create a unique flyfishing Montana experience near Bozeman.

Jefferson River Guide Trips

Tap into our two decades of expertise in outfitting on the Jefferson River. Fins and Feathers Guided Service offers guided Montana fly fishing day trips between Twin Bridges and Headwaters State Park on the Jefferson River.

A great choice for the advanced angler who is willing to work for their fish with low expectations in terms of overall fish numbers. Our Bozeman fly fishing guides focus on fishing the Jefferson River during the early and late seasons when water conditions are ideal for dry and streamer fly fishing.

Contact us to see if a Jefferson River trip is right for your group. Reservations can be placed online, via e-mail, or by calling us at 1-406-468-5019.

Jefferson River Fly Fishing Photo Gallery

Fly fishing in Montana is still a “quiet” experience for experienced anglers fishing the Jefferson River near Bozeman. Although the river and its trout are challenged by irrigation demands during the summer season, they shine in the spring and fall.

Long, meandering river sections flow easily through the upper sections where large brown trout and rainbow trout are the gold standard.

Rugged canyons welcome anglers on the lower sections -closer to Bozeman – which feature breathtaking surroundings and classic trout water.

The photo gallery showcases the Jefferson River fly fishing experience through the eyes of our expert Montana fishing guides and clients over the last 25 years.