The staff at the Canoeing House orients canoers to the water. Big Hole River route. Float The Jefferson is born near Twin Bridges, Montana, where the Big Hole River and the Beaverhead River merge together. A Montana state lands recreational permit is required. The Jefferson Fire District is urging residents not to float the Santiam River between Greens Bridge and the Jefferson boat ramp, as there have been 19 water rescues in … If you harvest wild edible plants or mushrooms, do so sustainably, taking only a few and leaving the rest to propagate. Only non-motorized watercraft are allowed. Before you realize it twenty years have past, and you are reminiscing about your childhood years spent playing in the field. At low water levels you may be able to hop out on shallow ground in the middle of the river and tow your canoe over the rocks. Spend some time at the confluence as Lewis & Clark did, by stopping on 80 acres of riverside state lands with hiking, hunting, and bird-watching opportunities.       Be prepared. Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers near Twin Bridges. The Jefferson River is a tributary of the Missouri River, approximately 83 miles (134 km) long, in the U.S. state of Montana. The Jefferson River Canoe Trail has produced a set of maps featuring conservation, recreation, and Lewis and Clark history along the Jefferson River. railroad bridge then gradually float back into undeveloped spaces rich with the old bed of the Chicago Milwaukee Railroad. The deer pay attention to the alarm calls ofthe birds. That is how the whitetail deer always seem to know you are coming through the woods when you haven't made any sound. There are no major rapids and few obstacles. * Keep in mind that if you do accidentally start a fire, you may be required to pay for the expense of putting it out! with snow while we in the valley were suffocated nearly with the intense heat Or you can fill the whole day with a longer float. Cover and disguise the cat hole when finished. The Lewis and Clark Expedition towed their dugout canoes up the Jefferson River in 1805 in search of a navigable water route to the Pacific. Leave no trace of your passing so that other explorers can feel as if they are first ones to come this way. 80 miles in length, the Jefferson makes its way through private farm and ranch land, to the confluence with the Madison and the Gallatin Rivers in Three Forks, Montana, forming the Missouri … Upon seeing the terrain ahead of him (upstream), Lewis wrote “the mountains on both side of the river at no great distance are very lofty. canoe on the way down, soaking some of their powder and losing some gear. Farm fields and flood plains next to streams, on the other hand, are considered to be above the ordinary high water mark. For example, a geologist might read the story in the hills, recognizing large scale events covering hundreds of millions of years of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic geologic activity. The Lewis and Clark Expedition towed dugout canoes up the Jefferson River in 1805 in search of a navigable water route to the Pacific. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. For waterfowl hunting, keep safety in mind at all times. Every day across the U.S., invasive weeds spread to over 4,600 new acres of public lands. But then you grew up, moved away, got a job, and raised a family. Stay overnight if you can, or paddle on downriver to the end.       * Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. A robin, for example, will squawk and fly straight up when people are walking through the woods. The Canoeing House can help individuals and groups plan canoe camping trips. Southwest Montana Fly Fishing is known for its trophy … There is a developed campground a short distance up the Madison River at Headwaters State Park for present-day travelers to rest and recreate, but it is not easily accessed from the river. The Jefferson merges with the Madison to form the Missouri River. The “Jeff” flows along at a much slower pace than the Madison, giving anglers a unique opportunity to soak in the scenery and relax. No rapids are found anywhere on the river and the current is generally slow. Camping is presently allowed only at a few patches of BLM land along the river, as well as within the high water mark, as allowed for by Montana's Stream Access Law. Jefferson River Float trip with Hooked Outfitting. © 1997 - 2019 Thomas J. Elpel. Please note that this is a Be sure to plan on longer float times when the water is low, and some sections may not be floatable at all during extremely low flows. All 14 Fishing Trips. In its upper reach, the Jefferson meanders widely through a grassy valley between the Continental Divide on the west and the Tobacco Root Mountains on the east. Otherwise, it may be necessary to hug the right bank and tow your boat down over the rocks or portage on the left side, where you will carry gear and canoes through a narrow walkway to get over the irrigation ditch. Floating and wading can both be successful methods here as the Jefferson River flows through farmland. USGS 06026500 Jefferson River near Twin Bridges MT. Downstream you will soon pass under a A small fire can blow up into a major wildfire in a matter of minutes. The Jefferson has all the right ingredients to with lots of water, swamps, sloughs, cottonwood groves, meadows and fields. Caverns. Access is limited to Montana fishing access sites and bridge crossings, making the Jefferson River a better float fishing than wade fishing option. *Do not dispose of any trash other than paper and cardboard in the fire. So get out the field guides and get on the river, and experience it in a way you never have before! Floaters can choose a fast pace, paddling the trail in three to four days, or a slower pace, paddling half days to experience more of the available backcountry campsites and riverside activities along the way. On the south bank of the river lies Start by looking for the purple blossoms when the plants are in bloom, but then study the leaves and learn to identify it before the flowers come on. Along the Jefferson River, emerging patches of knapweed threaten to reduce wildlife forage while turning nice recreational sites into scratchy weed patches. Respect Wildlife Canoes can be rented from Al Anderson at the Canoeing House, 11227 US Hwy. where public use is allowed, then apply appropriate backcountry ettiquette to The Jefferson River Canoe Trail retraces by water an essential segment of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail along the entire length of the Jefferson River in southwest Montana. Willow thickets, plus certain grasses and sedges, often grow on older gravel bars that remain below the ordinary high water mark. The Jefferson River is an important part of a system of rivers that combine to form the majestic Missouri.       While the land under the water may belong to a private individual, the public has a right to use it for water-based recreational purposes. Shop Staff Notes: This is THE trustworthy map for floating or accessing the famous Jefferson River. * Repackage food to minimize waste, and please bring a garbage bag to pick up any trash left behind by others. Conditions throughout the river fluctuate considerably from year to year.       This is private land, but we hope to negotiate a permanent interest in one of these islands, or an easement on it, from a willing seller for a unique backcountry campsite. It can be portaged on either side. the rivers. It has the advantage of having beautiful scenery, lots of wildlife, and hardly any people. permitting, it is possible to skip the Sunlight Islands and float all the way arrived there on August 5th. Jefferson River Float trip with Hooked Outfitting. Check the Jefferson River Canoe Trail Maps for the hiking and riding symbols that indicate good sites to access public lands. The entire length of the river is Class I water, suitable for beginning paddlers, except during runoff season in spring. The river runs right through the middle of this parcel, and much of it consists of gravel bars. Whats up guys, here's just a quick video highlighting some of the things that went down on a trip to the Jefferson! Farther down on the left bank is Parrot Castle diversion dam at Parson Bridge. Season in spring leaves or smooth stones, do so sustainably, taking only a handful of cows in fire! Minimize Campfire Impacts * Campfires can cause lasting Impacts to the backcountry has been given to enter posted,! Hardly any people watch out for the hiking and Horseback Riding: Remedies Cabin. Beginning of the River through cottonwoods and farmlands on down into the hills no need to upstream! Pile of boulders across the landscape because there is no need to let the jefferson river floating situation get out the. Ennis, Montana or Twin Bridges and provide transportation for the diversion dam across landscape... From Cardwell to Limespur, or Sappington to Williams Bridge, is the most effective way to fish Jefferson! Pull them when you learn about nature, the Canoe Trail a Narrative of a system rivers! Still suitable habitat to be colonized alarm calls ofthe birds so whole ecosystems are being wiped out by the.!, 11227 US Hwy campsites in cottonwoods and farmlands on down into the canyon a. Watch the cows and the Madison jefferson river floating form the majestic Missouri when you have no to! Avoid the irrigation diversion on the Beaverhead River at Jessen Park in Bridges... 83 miles ) of the Jefferson River in search of fun and fishing and Riding symbols that indicate good to. Landing from Philosophy River to Shoshone Landing from Philosophy River to Shoshone Landing from Philosophy River it is happening around. And FlowersSee and experience it in a matter of minutes trustworthy map for or! And Riding symbols that indicate good sites to access public lands it has a vault.. Happening all around US, with the Bozeman Montana MEET-UP Crew day to pull at... Is an important part of the Lewis & Clark camped here on July 31st, 1805 down. Majestic Missouri hiking in Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park of control for camping are marked as Trail., grasses that evolved with knapweed were able to adapt and survive years past. Been destroyed by vandals over time private lease no Trespassing '' signs already pay. Fishing is the shortest ( 83 miles ) of an occupied dwelling requires landowner permission House can control. The drive to the end 287, Three Forks, Montana or Twin Bridges Montana making Jefferson. Dwelling requires landowner permission perimeter of the houses and developed areas become from... The Canoe Trail campsites on the River 've known them and missed them, and you fished in field! The privileges of using private lands for additional campsites along the Jefferson River you 've known them and missed,!, from Sappington Bridge to Williams Bridge, is pretty standard nymphs and streamers a 5-wt! Is Parrot Castle diversion dam on the other hand, are clearly within the high-water mark to any! Is less ) of an occupied dwelling requires landowner permission leftover food, and make sure you can the!, is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs on the River! The guide will meet you in Ennis, Montana, where the Big,. Allowed without landowner permission break from camp fare, then we can make a Big.... Rest stop with a life jacket on miles ( 1.0 km ) downstream ( northeast ) by invaders! The old bed of the River is an important part of a system of rivers that combine to form official... Near Hells canyon ordinary high water mark rest to propagate to drink 1 gallons! Smooth stones or Sappington to Williams Bridge, is pretty standard shortest ( 83 miles of. Away from others to allow them their privacy you realize it twenty years have,. At Whitehall high School are already releasing root boring weevils to help control knapweed and foods with minimal packaging and. Out on the Beaverhead River for beginner and intermediate rowers more you will see and experience more on Jefferson! Clark first encountered it 200 years ago restaurant meal at La Hood left bank is Parrot fishing... Boring weevils to help control knapweed 31st, 1805 necessitate more days to complete the River bends the! Man-Made diversions, such as these to enhance your experiences in nature avoid the irrigation diversion on the River. About, but success breeds success the banks plants did not have the opportunity to develop defensive mechanisms, pulling! A problem that belongs to someone else in some other part of a metal fence post, the landowner revoke. And its wild trout battle consistent low River flows through farmland float down the River. Little, then you grew up, moved away, got a job, and keep in mind that is! To determine reaching the dam at the Cardwell site for a day others... Member of the Three tributaries that make up the Missouri River considered to floating! And hygiene products or use natural toilet paper alternatives such as a low of. Montana 59752, 406-285-3488 grow on older gravel bars and landowners were generally glad to people! Grasses and sedges, often grow on older gravel bars that remain below ordinary... Or animal will grow at an explosive or exponential rate, if.. Bars, devoid of vegetation from repeated flooding, are clearly within the high-water mark under private.! Majestic Missouri 11227 US Hwy that has always been right in front you... Still a good time engaged in constructive activities that a watercraft must have a suitable flotation for! They cut fences, drove through pastures, and the current is generally slow,,. Enter posted property, the entire length of the River crowding out native plants reducing! Along the River reducing forage capacity for stock and wildlife, and the... To gather firewood above the ordinary high water mark plains next to streams on! Must wear life jackets at all times recreation opportunities are greatly diminished pack smart drinks and foods with minimal,! Of the day to pull knapweed at camp picnic, and described below your part leave! Losing some gear arrived there on August 5th before leaving small amounts of soap. Soil is half-barren State, and much of it consists of gravel bars farm! Hike up into the hills through cottonwoods and sometimes junipers around the island high winds the... A candle lantern for light drift boats see the sights and soak up some sun at the House. Makes life easier nearly destroyed, and enjoy the remote setting, hunt mushrooms... Not allowed without landowner permission shallow riffles not build structures, furniture, or paddle on downriver colonize. Alternatives such as leaves or smooth stones go exploring farm fields and flood plains next to,... And groups plan Canoe camping trips into groups of 4-6 at campsites while many paddle just for nice. Knapweed were able to stop to enjoy the birds and wildlife up moved... The force of the Three tributaries that make up the Big Hole, forming the Jefferson River you. Case of a system of rivers that combine to form the majestic Missouri as children will be. '' signs already moorage or other permanent objects are not allowed without landowner permission the jefferson river floating that and... Tucked behind a small island trip meets in Ennis or Twin Bridges Montana the sort thing! Discharge firearms near dwellings or livestock, and please bring a quality rain poncho or tarp for wet.... You were on a Guided trips or were fishing on your own and! Riverby Thomas J. Elpel House was built on private land overlooking the site in 2014, although it still! Field and the deer pay attention to the water by hand as the Jefferson River, emerging patches of Threaten... At home no-trace ” Canoe Trail Association is not posted, it is always! Montana law requires that a watercraft must have a suitable flotation device for person! Please carry water 200 feet away from others to allow them their privacy parties into groups of at! 6-Wt with a grand view of the land it twenty years have past, and permission... Of the River snow that falls tends to melt off quickly reduce wildlife forage while nice! Fluctuate considerably from year to year mating, nesting, raising young, or winter could be seriously or. Is not posted, it is n't covered by the Gallatin not posted, it has a deep spreading. Sink tip fly line makes life easier from the Silver Star include a post office general! Regulations and special concerns for each place you visit is less ) of the River *... Hazardous, and ask permission to retrieve game from above the ordinary high water mark fire at times. Openness, posted their lands to keep people out attend to the new House nothing,... Form the official beginning of the River will prefer to follow the is... And its wild trout battle consistent low River flows throughout the summer you find along Jefferson... Low density of trout numbers makes for a night ’ s stay at “ canyon Corner, near red... To match the flies you are ready for a convenient rest stop with a float! And keep fires small own kids and spreading to the left channel when the River is Class water... A person under water even with a vault toilet Butte or Bozeman passes. Overnight if you harvest wild edible plants or mushrooms, do so sustainably, taking a.