Jefferson river fishing report

Date
Wednesday, 13 Jul, 2016
Water Clarity
Clear
Angler Traffic
Low
Fish Caught
13-19 fish
Report
Jeff looks great nice and clear, but lots of free floating miss. Which is a huge pain in the neck especially when your trying to strip streamers   There are a few hoppers and the midnight stones are starting to show up. Which makes dries an attractive alternative. When you can get them to eat em. Recent cool weather (snow in the mountains) has dropped water temps from low 70s to low 60s jump starting the fish at least until it warms up again.
 
Flies
Dries
Name
Size
Girdle bug
8
10
Streamers
Name
Size
Black wolly buggat4
Fishing Water Report
 (2)
The Jefferson River is an important part of a system of rivers that combine to form the majestic Missouri. Starting at the confluence of the Big Hole and Beaverhead rivers near Twin ... moreBridges, Montana, it winds 77 miles in a northeasterly fashion to Three Forks. Here, it meets with the Madison and Gallatin rivers that together converge into the Missouri River at the Missouri Headwaters State Park. Like so many other rivers in Montana, the Jefferson, named by Clark in honor of the U.S. President, runs deep with history. In fact, the Jefferson River is a segment of the larger Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, administered by our National Park Service.

When thinking about the Jefferson, a Class 1 river for recreational enjoyment, most observers view the river in three distinct sections. Characterized by slow, meandering flows, the upper third works its way through a broad, arid valley. Along this braided, 44 mile long floodplain, you will encounter working farms, dense cottonwood stands, flowered meadows and a variety of wildlife until you reach the town of Cardwell. Throughout the next 15 miles, its waters flow through a narrow, steep canyon where the water can be deep, slow and contained. As a result, the stretch from Cardwell to the Sappington Bridge has comparatively fewer trees, swamps, meadows and wildlife.

At Sappington Bridge the river once again becomes a circuitous, rambling river, rich in swamp life, colorful fields, large cottonwood groves and productive agricultural land. The presence of significant agriculture has resulted in competition for water use. During dry years, the river was tapped generously for irrigation, dropping water levels to the point where fish populations were adversely affected. Recent improvement in riparian management has tended to alleviate these issues. Primarily known as a brown trout river, rainbows, mountain whitefish, burbot and northern pike can also be found here. Less well known and less discovered, the Jefferson offers the opportunity to catch large fish in a scenic, un-crowded environment.
Reporting Outfitter
 (1)
Welcome to Southwest Montana's finest fly fishing adventures. Blue ribbon trout water is literally steps away when you visit us in the picturesque town of Ennis, Montana. You may spend ... morethe day on our home river, the world famous Madison or drive to one of our other local rivers such as the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Ruby or the Jefferson. Whether you are a new angler or an old pro we have the expertise and patience to make your time on the water chasing wild trout a success.
Reported Trip
  • 3 nights lodging
  • Guided fly fishing day on the Ruby River
  • Guided fly fishing day on your choice of the Madison River or Beaverhead River.
  • Three home cooked meals per day
Our 2 day and 3 night fly fishing packages include comfortable accommodations at our Alder, Montana fishing lodge, three home-cooked meals each day, and all ranch activities. They ... morealso include private access to the Ruby River with a guide and your choice of a day on the Madison River or the Beaverhead river. Guided day fishing trips include a Montana fly fishing guide, lunch, and refreshments.

On occasion, water levels may require that we alter the rivers fished. To maintain a high level of personal service, we limit our guests to 10 per week. Please contact our Montana fly fishing guides if you need a custom package or wish to arrange special rates for your fly shop or club.

Notes

Montana accommodation tax is not included.

Fishing licenses are not included.

Children are welcome.
Report Location
End Access Site
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Jefferson River Fishing Report
Fishing Water Reports:
Ended Here Reports:
Size:
8 acres
Elevation:
4,180 ft
Activities:
Boating, Fishing
Boat Services:
Ramp
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Accuracy
Completeness

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