Five Rivers Lodge River Guide - The Jefferson River

The Jefferson River begins near Twin Bridges with the confluence of the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Ruby rivers.  It flows more than 80 miles to its confluence with the Missouri River at Missouri River Headwaters State Park.

Unlike its neighboring rivers, the Jefferson River has a very slow current, and irrigation can literally drain the river dry during drought periods.  Wade fishing is difficult because it runs slow and deep in many places and steep banks frequently hem the waters.  In addition, frequent paddling may be required to get anywhere and several dams exist which may require portaging your boat.

The Jefferson river is divided into three distinct sections.  The upper section meanders for 50 miles at a moderately slow pace, passing brushy and undercut banks.  This section provides the best fly fishing for brown trout, and large streamers or nymphs prove more successful than trying for any surface action.

In the middle section, the Jefferson River flows through a steep, arid canyon.  It has decent fishing access here, with a road paralleling it on one side and railroad tracks on the other.

The lower section, especially on the last 20 miles, the Jefferson River flows through good grasshopper country.  Hopper fishing here can often entice large browns right up to the surface.