Things To Do in Montana

Your Adventure Starts Here

Welcome to Montana, a land of breathtaking natural beauty and endless outdoor adventures! At the Jefferson Inn, we're not just a place to stay; we're your gateway to an unforgettable Montana experience. Our "Things to do in Montana" page is your go-to resource for planning an action-packed and memorable stay in Whitehall.

Montana is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and we're here to help you make the most of it. Whether you're into hunting, fishing, hiking, sightseeing, birding, or exploring our world-renowned national parks, you'll find a wealth of information and recommendations right here. From the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the pristine waters of our rivers and lakes, this page is your compass to the wonders of the Treasure State.

We understand that every traveler is unique, and that's why we've curated a diverse range of activities and experiences to suit all interests and skill levels. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie seeking the thrill of the hunt, a serene nature lover looking for a tranquil escape, or a family eager to create lasting memories, Montana has something special for you.

So, dive into our guide, explore the possibilities, and let the adventure begin. Montana is waiting to be discovered, and the Jefferson Inn is your trusted partner in making it happen. We're excited to be a part of your Montana journey, and we can't wait to see you embark on the incredible experiences that await in our picturesque corner of the world.

Let's start planning your Montana adventure today!

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a 1,583-sq.-mi. wilderness area in Montana's Rocky Mountains, with glacier-carved peaks and valleys running to the Canadian border. It's crossed by the mountainous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Among more than 700 miles of hiking trails, it has a route to photogenic Hidden Lake. Other activities include backpacking, cycling and camping.



Website:

Visit their website

Address:

64 Grinnell Drive, West Glacier, MT 59936

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most awe-inspiring places in the United States, boasting natural beauty and diverse wildlife that attracts millions of visitors every year. With so much to see and do, planning a trip to Yellowstone can be overwhelming. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker or just looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there's something for everyone in Yellowstone. In this post, we'll explore some of the must-see attractions and popular activities that make Yellowstone National Park a truly unforgettable destination.

Website:

Visit their website

Address:

2 Officers Row, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

FISHING

The Jefferson in Whitehall, Montana - adventure begins here!

Reminder: March 1st begins the NEW license year in Montana, required for everyone 12+ 

UPDATE Fishing Report by David Corrado   davidcorrado4@gmail.com

The Jefferson in Whitehall, Montana - adventure begins here!

Reminder: March 1 st begins the NEW license year in Montana, required for everyone 12+

The Jefferson in Whitehall, Montana – adventure begins here.

Reminder: With the July heat, water temperature should be considered when fishing

Below 65 degrees – Trout are happy, Hungry and ready for a fight

65 to 68 degrees – Trout are slowing down and feeling the heat, use heavier tippet to land the fish

quickly and be patient, trout will need extra time to recover before release.

Above 68 degrees – IT IS TOO WARM TO FISH

July 5, 2025

General Overview –

July 5 th and all the rivers here is Southwest Montana are in great shape with limited impact from “Hoot

Owl” restrictions. This is a great time to get out and fish. PMD’s, Caddis, Yellow Sallies and Golden

Stones are all hatching. The timing of the hatch will depend on the river with colder rivers seeing

hatches from late morning until early afternoon and warmer river hatches happening in the morning.

No hatch? the double nymph rig will be the “go to” setup until the fish start rising, think Pat’s rubber

legs, golden stones, Pheasant tails, Frenchies, Zebra midges and Perdigons are all good patterns.

Streamers are another great choice Sculpzillas, Sparkle minnows, woolly buggers or home invaders

can all turn heads.

Beaverhead River

The Beaverhead is now open. The river flow at Barretts is 625cfs. It is best fished from a small drift

boat but can be waded in places like Henneberry and Poindexter Slough. PMD’s are hatching in the

late morning with Yellow Sallies mixing in right before noon.

Big Hole River –

Last night’s rain added 100+cfs to the river. The river flow at Maiden Rock is 658 with water temps

running between 56 and 63 degrees. Yellow Sallies and Caddis are topping the menu right now.

Mornings into the early afternoon are the best time to be on the river. This is a great time for a dry

dropper! If you don’t see bugs try a Sclupzilla or a double nymph rig.

Jefferson River –

The Jefferson is a combination of rifles, runs and deep pools. While it doesn’t have the number of

fish in some of the more popular rivers it makes up for that with fish size and a lack of competition

from other anglers. The flow has dropped to 868 at Twin Bridges and water temps are still good to

fish in the morning, that said the weeds/algae can make keeping your fly clean challenging.

Gallatin River –

The Gallatin River is running 1140cfs at Gallatin Gateway and 612cfs near Big Sky with water temps

between 53 and 60 degrees. The river is in great shape and fishing well. This is a great time for a dry

dropper rig (a chubby and a bead head), the fish are still holding in the slower water near the banks,

around river obstructions and in the tailouts.

Madison River –

The upper Madison is at 976cfs and the fishing is excellent. This is still a below normal flow for the

upper river at this time of year and a great chance for wade fisherman to get to areas not normally

accessible on foot. Nymphs are giving the best results with dry fly fishing happening as the water

warms from morning lows. Pat’s rubber legs or a stonefly nymph with a trailing zebra midge or

pheasant tail are good starting points. Salmon flies, PMD’s, yellow sallies, lots of caddis and golden

stone flies all have the fish looking up from late morning to early afternoon.

The lower Madison is under “Hoot Owl” restrictions. The river is at 1560cfs with water temps

hovering around 68 degrees. Keep in mind that water temperatures above 65 degrees really stress

the trout.

Missouri River –

The Missouri river flow is regulated and is currently at 3730 with water temperatures between 60 and

63 degrees. PMD’s and Caddis are both on the water and have the fish looking up. If they are not

rising try a split back PMD nymph with a trailing midge or small perdigon.

Ruby River –

The Ruby has dropped to 265cfs below the reservoir and has reached a wader friendly flow. Being a

“tailwater”, this is a great option right now. The cold water coming from the reservoir keeps the fish

happy and has the PMD’s showing up most afternoons, especially when there is some cloud cover.

The Ruby River above the reservoir is currently at 163cfs. The river holds Browns, Rainbows,

Cutthroat and Grayling all very willing to eat dry flies.

RAFTING

Montana’s rivers offer thrilling whitewater rafting and scenic floats for every adventurer. Take on the Gallatin River’s legendary "Mad Mile" for a heart-pounding Class IV experience, float through history at Missouri Headwaters State Park, or explore the diverse waters of the Madison River. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline or a peaceful journey, Montana’s rivers deliver unforgettable adventures.

Ready to hit the water? Plan your rafting trip today!