Booking

Jefferson River
Jefferson River Montana Fly Fishing

At its true beginnings, the Jefferson starts at Brower's Spring at around 8,800 feet in the Centennial Mountains. The site is marked by a rock pile at the source of Hell Roaring Creek which flows into Red Rock River.  The Red Rock River raises in the Centennial Mountains near the Continental Divide in southwestern Beaverhead County, near Montana's border with Idaho, also the Continental Divide.
 
It flows west through Upper and Lower Red Rock lakes, then NNW past Lima to the Clark Canyon Reservoir, where it becomes the Beaverhead River. As the Beaverhead, the river flows NNE past Dillon. Near Twin Bridges, the Beaverhead is joined by the Ruby River and the Big Hole River, and continues as the Jefferson River north and east. Near Cardwell, it receives the Boulder River, and flows east to form the Missouri where it meets the Madison and Gallatin northeast of Three Forks, approximately 28 miles WNW of Bozeman.
 
Jefferson River Montana Fly FishingThe Jefferson River is often overlooked as its reputation is not as dominant as that of the many other Southwest Montana rivers. It is generally not crowded and offers quality fishing for mostly brown and some rainbow trout. Slow moving long pools interrupted by beautiful riffles characterize the river.
 
From the junction of the Big Hole and Beaverhead to Caldwell, MT, the Jefferson has long slow pools flowing through areas of agricultural farmland. Surrounding mountains spruce up the scenery.  In this section, the Jefferson averages 200 feet wide and is the most popular section for fishing because of its trout population. Both floating and wading this stretch is easy. Streamers and big nymphs are excellent during much of the year. Hatches are sparse.  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. It extends approximately twelve miles to Sappington. The river is slow moving with gentle long pools and shallow riffles.  Limestone walls and beautiful rock formations carved from thousands of years of erosion provide the scenery. The river’s slow nature keeps the trout from feeding on top until the sun is either hidden from overcast skies or shaded by the walls of this beautiful canyon.
 
Below Sappington, the river flows for approximately fifteen miles before reaching Headwaters State Park by Three Forks where it helps to create the Missouri River. Cottonwoods line the rivers banks with lush or snow covered mountains in the background. Wildlife is often seen throughout the river’s final few miles before it ends at the confluence with the Missouri.
 
Hatches on the Jefferson are not what you’ll generally talk about at the dinner table. You will talk about the large brown trout that you caught. At times, however, the river shows you its charm on the surface. Your best dry fly bets for fishing the Jefferson include Golden Stones, Pale Morning Duns, Blue-Winged Olives, Callibaetis and Caddis.  Attractor patterns such as Humpies, Wulffs and Stimulators can work well.  Big nymphs and streamers often produce the largest fish.
 
Fishing is usually best on the Jefferson in the spring and fall when the water is cooler. If the clouds are thick, you might think about trying the Jefferson for some decent top water fishing to large trout.  The Jefferson is an excellent choice for the chance to catch a trophy brown trout.
Jefferson River Details
  • LIVE HELP!
  • RATES
    Rates for the Jefferson River

    • $450 / day, 2 person max.
  • WHAT'S INCLUDED
    • Full day on the river
    • Daily boat use
    • Rods
    • Reels
    • Terminal Tackle – Tippet, Weight, etc…
    • All Flies
    • Lunch
    • Bottled Water
    • Sodas
    • River Shuttle
    • Round Trip Transportation to and from river
    • Sunscreen
    • Insect Repellant
  • WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
    • MT fishing license
    • Alcoholic Beverages
    • Waders/Boots
    • Guide Gratuities
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS
    Terms and Conditions/Cancellation and Refund Policies

    Once Castafly Travel, LLC receives a deposit or final payment for any type of trip, it is anacknowledgment and agreement by the client to all Terms and Conditions and Cancellation and Refund policies:

    Non-refundable deposits and payment.

    Your payment for a trip is non-refundable, regardless of the means for payment, be it credit card, cash or check.

    Deposits

    Unless otherwise noted by the vendor,
    • 50% of the total package price per angler/trip package is due to Castafly Travel, LLC within 14 days of initial booking. This deposit will secure all reservations.
    • The balance or full payment of package price per angler/trip package is due to Castafly Travel, LLC at least 90 days before first day of scheduled trip
    • Castafly Travel, LLC reseves the right to charge a service fee of $100 for any changes to the reservation after initial booking.
     
    Cancellation and Refund Policy 

    Unless otherwised noted by the vendor,
    • All cancellations for any type of trip must be made in writing to Castafly Travel, LLC. Castafly Travel, LLC reserves the right to charge a service fee of $100 for any cancellations of any type of reservation.
    • Cancellation outside of 90 days prior to scheduled departure – 90% of deposit or payment refund or transfer of funds to another scheduled time or another angler.
    • Cancellation between 60 and 90 days prior to scheduled departure - 70% of deposit or payment refund or transfer of funds to another scheduled time or another angler.
    • Cancellation between 30 and 60 days prior to scheduled departure – 60% of deposit or payment refund or transfer of funds to another scheduled time or another angler.
    • Cancellation 30 days or less prior to scheduled departure – No refund of deposit or final payment.

    Trip cancellation insurance and evacuation insurance.

    Because your deposit and other payment is non-refundable, Castafly Travel, LLC suggests you consider trip and medical evacuation insurance. This insurance is the best way to avoid losing your deposit due to unanticipated circumstances or emergencies. Because Castafly Travel, LLC has no ability to control your deposit onceit is forwarded to the respective lodge, outfitter, etc., we have developed a relationship with Sportsman’s Travel Insurance.

    We also recommend trip evacuation/rescue insurance with Global Rescue, a medical and security evacuation service. We strongly urge to consider these types of insurance, be it with Sportsman’s Travel, Global Rescue, or some other trip and medical evacuation insurance company. A brochure for each company is included in your pre-trip planning package.

    Castafly Travel, LLC is merely an agent.

    Castafly Travel, LLC and its affiliated companies and agents act only as agents for contractors or owners and outfitters, hotels, airlines, shipowners, and charter air carriers providing means of transportation or other services. All tickets, vouchers and contracts of such hotels, airlines, outfitters, lodges, operators and owners are issued subject to any and all tariffs, terms and conditions under which such accommodations, means of transportation or other services are offered or provided, and the issuance and acceptance of any such tickets, vouchers and contracts shall be deemed to be consent to their further conditions.

    Castafly Travel, LLC and any of its affiliated or associated companies or agents shall not be or become liable or responsible in any way in connection with such hotels or lodges, means of transportation or other services, or for any loss, injury or damage to or in respect to any person or property however caused or arising out of your vacation booked through our company.

    Itinerary alterations.

    Castafly Travel reserves the right to make such alterations in the itinerary as it deems in its discretion, necessary or desirable, to refuse to accept or retain as a member of the party any person at any time (in such case refund will be based on the actual cost of the unfinished portion of tour) and to pass on to tour clients expenditures caused by delays or offense beyond our control.

    Cancellation.

    Castafly Travel, LLC reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure, in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the client.

    Prices subject to change.

    All prices are subject to change without notice.

    Baggage and personal effects.

    Baggage and personal effects, including items purchased, are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times and no member or agent of Castafly Travel, LLC or its agents, affiliated or associated companies is authorized to accept these for storage, safekeeping, or transportation
  • WEATHER