Trip brief · Jefferson River
How to go fish the Jefferson River
The months we list for the Jefferson River are April, May, June, September, October. August is outside that window, so this brief is written for September, the next month we list.
September
Reading the gauge…
Flies to tie — September
Blue-winged Olive (Baetis)#18-22
Parachute BWO, RS2
October Caddis (Dicosmoecus)#8-12
October Caddis, Stimulator
Terrestrials#8-12
Hopper, Foam Beetle
Access
Hell's Canyon FAS
45.633, -112.319parking
Silver Star FAS
45.686, -112.282parking
Cardwell Bridge FAS
45.854, -111.951parking
Sappington Bridge FAS
45.804, -111.751parking
Regs — check current rules before you go
Central Fishing District. Montana fishing license required. Entire Jefferson River: northern pike no limit; combined trout 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 18 inches and only 1 may be a rainbow trout. Hells Canyon Creek and Willow Springs Creek: closed to fishing 100 yards upstream and downstream from the creek mouths April 1 through April 30 and September 30 through November 30. Central District rivers and streams are open all year unless listed. AIS rules apply. Verify the current FWP fishing regulations booklet and any posted drought restrictions.
Pack list
- A current state fishing licence
- Waders and boots you have already leak-tested
- Net, nippers, forceps
- Floatant and desiccant
- Tippet in the sizes the chart asks for
- Water, sun cover, polarised glasses
Generic gear. Anything specific to this water is above.
Full hatch chart, access map and live gauge on the Jefferson River page →