With the hot weather coming back the Jefferson is most likely off the menu and there are probably better options. Consider better options exist like the Upper Madison or Missouri near Wolf Creek and Craig.
Hoot owl restrictions (fishing prohibited 2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the entire Jefferson River - from the confluence of the Big Hole River and Beaverhead rivers to the Missouri River.
Temperatures were measured near Twin Bridges.
Water temperatures exceeded 73 degrees in this reach of the Jefferson River for three consecutive days in July.
The Month Ahead:
The Jeff isn’t the best summer option due to algae drifts and also warmer temps. Once the algae stabilizes and starts dying off later in the summer mornings can be good. It isn’t a high trout count fishery but is a nice place to see fewer boats.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Jefferson will improve when September hits and water temps drop into ideal flows. The Jefferson always has low flows in mid summer from irrigation which causes warmer water temps since it is a lower elevation river. It is more of a spring and fall location.