If you want to go to a river where catching fish is a distinct possibility, there are rivers better than the Jefferson. If you do head to fish the Jefferson River, concentrate on the bigger runs below riffles and experiment until you find the right water speed and depth. Nymphing will be the best producer, and as a rule, expect very slow and subtle strikes, so make sure to set the hook on even small disturbances to your indicator. Slowly swimming a streamer across these runs can also produce some monsters, but probably less overall action. A big sculpin or woolly bugger is a good choice as a top fly when nymphing, and a prince or pheasant tail will do just fine as a dropper.
The Month Ahead:
The Jeff should produce some great fishing opportunities in the near future once flows stabilize and begin dropping. The streamer bite will be very good in late June – think big yellow rubber leg patterns. Dragging buggers and beads will also produce. The Jeff is never a high numbers game for trout count.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Jefferson tends to drop fast and can get warm in the summer months. Generally fishing is good in the summer but it pays off to go very early in the morning before water temps get too warm once July and August arrive.
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