Fishing Season: All Year; Tributaries closed December 1-third week of May.

Blackfoot River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

40

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Cold water means lethargic fish. Lethargic fish don’t move very far to eat a fly. Bobber up and get deep until water temps get a little warmer.

Directions open in app

Map of Blackfoot River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 3/21/25

It’s going to stay chilly and wet for the next few days. Focus on fishing in the afternoon when water temps are at their warmest (and you are most comfortable).

Techniques & Tips as of 3/21/25

Nymphing deep with an indicator set up will be the best method right now. Focus on your “meat and potatoes” flies: stoneflies, worms, and large attractors. TJ Hookers, Rubberlegs, Prince Nymphs, large Perdigons, Blowtorch and Duracells.

Local Species Available All Year; Tributaries closed December 1-third week of May.

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    Trout: rainbows

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    West Slope cutthroats

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    browns

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    bulls and white fish.

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Griffith's Gnat Bleached #16-18
Midge N/A #18-22
I Can See It Midge Fly N/A #18-20
Vernille San Juan Worm N/A #8-10
TJ Hooker N/A #8-12
Trina's Worm N/A #8-12
TH 20 Incher N/A #8-12
Bead Head Soft Hackle Hare's Ear Nymph N/A #12-14
Jig Sparkle Yummy N/A #6-10
Jig Mini Bugger N/A #10-12

Griffith's Gnat

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Blackfoot River Outfitters's Recommended Gear

Description: About Blackfoot River

Bottomless emerald pools, boulder strewn pocket water and diamond chop riffles all shaded by moss covered cliffs and towering ponderosa pines combine to make this the epitome of Montana fly-fishing. Thanks to a diligent concerted effort between neighboring landowners, government agencies, conservation organizations and concerned anglers, restored spawning tributaries are continually enhancing trout populations – especially those native to the river. Combining such exceptional juvenile trout recruitment with restrictive creel limits results in a Blackfoot teeming with fish like biceps. Nymphing here is just plain deadly, especially from a boat. We aren't talking about spending the day untangling two pinhead size flies spun tight with 6X tippet around a stick of soft lead and a Don King indicator – this is no tailwater. 4X is as light as we go with 1X common place and bugs often the size of small rodents. Then imagine the same terminal tackle for dries! No stress, just fun. In spite of its familiarity as the inspiration for the big screen hit, "A River Runs Through It," compared to other world class destinations fishing pressure remains relatively light.

Nearest Airport:

Missoula International Airport (MSO)

Hatches:

Midges.

Best Time to Fish:

Late afternoon to early evening

Best Stretch:

The entire river.

Best Access:

Multiple access points all along river.