Jefferson River Guided Fly Fishing Trips

Jefferson River Fly Fishing Trips

The Jefferson River flows quietly through the heart of southwest Montana, often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors—but that’s exactly what makes it special. Formed by the confluence of the Big Hole, Ruby, and Beaverhead Rivers near Twin Bridges, the Jefferson meanders through cottonwood bottoms and open ranchland until it meets the Madison and Gallatin Rivers near Three Forks to form the Missouri.

This is classic Montana fly fishing—long riffles, deep bends, and a sense of solitude that’s getting harder to come by. For experienced anglers looking to get off the beaten path, fly fishing the Jefferson River delivers a rewarding challenge.

Jefferson River Day Trips with Fins and Feathers

Fins and Feathers has been guiding on the Jefferson River for over 20 years. These float trips offer the opportunity to explore lightly pressured water while targeting brown and rainbow trout in relative solitude.

We run full-day float trips on the Jefferson when water conditions are favorable, typically in spring and again from late summer through fall.

• Float the Jefferson River: Drift 8–12 miles, casting to undercut banks, mid-river seams, and deep tailouts. This is big sky country—open views, quiet bends, and room to breathe.

Wading opportunities are limited on the Jefferson due to its muddy substrate and wide structure, so we focus primarily on float trips. When flows are right, your guide may pull over to explore promising side channels or island runs by foot.

Jefferson River Fly Fishing Trip Details and Pricing

All guided trips are full-day floats, typically 6–8 hours long. Each trip includes:

• Use of fly fishing equipment (rods, reels, flies, terminal tackle)
• Lunches and non-alcoholic drinks
• Transportation to and from the river

We encourage guests to bring their own fly rod and reel setups if they have them, but the guides will have extra setups with them as well.

Pricing:

• $695 for one or two anglers (full-day float trip)

Fishing licenses are available for purchase online or at most local sporting goods retailers. Gratuities are appreciated and paid directly to the guide at your discretion.

Note: Because the Jefferson’s flows are dependent on snowpack and irrigation drawdowns, this fishery is highly seasonal. Spring (April- June) and late summer through fall (late August–October) are the most productive windows. Trips on the Jefferson are weather - and water-dependent. Trout numbers are lower here than other rivers in the area, so anglers’ expectations should be for a nice day on a beautiful river and opportunities at a handful of medium to large trout. If conditions aren’t favorable for the Jefferson on the day of your trip, we will suggest better alternatives in the Bozeman area.

What to Expect from a Jefferson River Trip

While the Jefferson may not produce the numbers of trout found on the Madison River, it offers something else—space, quiet, and the chance at large fish. This is a brown trout river at heart. You’ll spend your day working streamer banks, covering water methodically with nymph rigs, or drifting large terrestrials along cutbanks in August heat.

The lower angling pressure means fish tend to hold longer in prime lies and respond more confidently to well-placed flies. For the angler who enjoys the search as much as the take, the Jefferson is a great option.

Seasonal Fishing Overview

• Spring (April–May): Before the runoff hits, the Jefferson fishes well on nymphs and streamers. Water temps are cool and flows are stable. Trout feed aggressively in pre-spawn mode.
• Summer (June–July): Runoff can make the Jefferson high and off-color. Trips during this period are typically difficult to plan in advance..
• Late Summer (August): The river begins to cool off with the longer nights of late August and fishing improves as long as conditions as mild.
• Fall (September–October): This is streamer fly fishing season. As browns prepare to spawn, they become more aggressive and territorial. Overcast days with cooler water temps are ideal.

Booking Your Trip

Reserve your guided fly fishing trip online, via e-mail, or by calling us at 1-406-468-5019. Be sure to let us know that you would like to fish the Jefferson once you have made your reservation for a Bozeman Area Day Trip by leaving a comment for us in the reservation portal (access once the trip is booked) or let your guide know during the check-in call before your trip

Combine a day on the Jefferson with a trip on the Madison River or Yellowstone for a truly diverse Montana fly fishing experience that covers every angle—from technical dry fly fishing to streamer hunts in under-pressured water.

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