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Formed from the junction of the Big Hole and Beaverhead
Rivers, the Jefferson River is one that many people overlook
as its reputation is not that of the many other Southwest
Montana rivers. Fortunately for the anglers that fish
its waters, it is generally not crowded and can offer
quality fishing for mostly brown and some rainbow trout.
Slow long pools interrupted by beautiful riffles characterize
the river.
From the junction of the Big Hole and Beaverhead,
the Jefferson flows for approximately twenty five miles
before reaching the town of Cardwell. This stretch
of river is characterized with long slow pools flowing
through areas of agricultural farmland and ranches.
Surrounding mountains spruce up the scenery which is
already spectacular. Here, the Jefferson averages 200
feet wide in many spots and is generally the most popular
section because of its population of trout. Both floating
and wading this stretch is very possible and can be
very productive. |
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Routes 41, 287, 55, and 2 parallel the river from Twin
Bridges to Cardwell. Streamers and big buggy nymphs are
excellent during much of the year due to the sparce hatches.
Golden Stones, Callibaetis, Pale Morning Duns, and caddis
will show themselves at times from spring through fall.
Just below Cardwell is the start of the Jefferson
Canyon which extends approximately twelve miles to
Sappington. The canyon's water remains very much the
same. The river is slow moving with gentle long pools
and shallow riffles. Jefferson Canyon is made up of
limestone walls and beautiful rock formations carved
from thousands of years of erosion. |
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The fishing in the canyon can be especially good since
the canyon walls hide the sun sooner then later. The
rivers quiet slow nature keeps the trout from feeding
on top until the sun is either hidden from overcast skies,
low in the sky, or shaded by the walls of this beautiful
canyon. The river is paralleled by Route 10 from Cardwell
to Three Forks and provides access along the way.
Below Sappington the river flows for approximately
fifteen miles before reaching Headwaters State Park
by Three Forks. At Headwaters State Park the Jefferson
meets the Gallatin and Madison Rivers to form the Missouri
River. This lower stretch of river is once again very
slow moving with beautiful surroundings. Cottonwoods
are prolific here with lush or snow covered mountains
(depending on time of year) encircling the view. Wildlife
is often seen throughout the rivers valley in these
lower reaches. The water tends to warm faster during
the summer months in this stretch.
Hatches on the Jefferson are not usually prolific
but at times can be outstanding. Your best dry fly
bets for fishing the Jefferson include Golden Stones,
Pale Morning Duns, Blue-Winged Olives, Callibaetis,
Caddis, and a few other less prolific mayflies. Attractor
patterns such as Humpies, Wulffs and Coachmans can
also work well when the right conditions exist. Big
nymphs and streamers can be very productive and often
produce the largest fish. Woolly Buggers, Matukas,
Muddler Minnows, Bitch Creeks and Girdle Bugs are a
few local favorites.
Check the Special Regulations that
apply to the Jefferson before venturing out. If your
traveling to Montana and are interested in the Jefferson
River, the nearest commercial airports are in Butte
and Bozeman. The river is not the most popular in Southwestern
Montana but is one worth trying. Runoff usually peaks
in early June. Fishing is usually best on the Jefferson
in the spring and fall or during the summer when the
sun is low or overcast skies persist. Many other rivers
are in the area to provide variety. The Jefferson is
an excellent choice for the chance to catch a trophy
brown trout. |
