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

Blackfoot River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

47

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

As it gets more chilly by the day here in Western Montana, you may notice that the timing of aquatic insects hatches isn't like it was in late summer. When nighttime temperatures drop way down, chilly conditions can linger late into the morning, sometimes right up until mid-day. When the air temperature at mid-day is no longer rising above 50*F, anglers will have more success from noon to late afternoon. Read more about this subject and other fall fishing tips here: https://www.orvis.com/secrets-of-fall-trout-fishing.html?srsltid=AfmBOorWM5i_JN_V8rdcKQJHvVpYWI8Hxby5Q7wFVizXmpA6WKWMH9mW *See our 7 Day Outlook for updates on blockages jamming up the Bitterroot.

Directions open in app

Map of Blackfoot River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Blackfoot River Outfitters
Blue Damsel Lodge
PRO Outfitters
Bitterroot Fly Company

5-Day Outlook as of 10/25/24

This week in the Blackfoot Corridor, the forecast says that we'll be getting scattered showers throughout the week and even cooler temperatures late in the week.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/25/24

In the Blackfoot Corridor, fishing has been a bit slower than we'd like but that hasn't stopped us from enjoying the beautiful fall colors from on the river. This past week, anglers saw more dry fly eaters and nymphing and streamer fishing were also productive. With the change in weather we may see more fish eager to eat a streamer. Keep an eye out for BWOs during late morning and early afternoon. In the evenings, keep your eyes peeled for October Caddis as well, they've been out there! Make sure to stop by and grab some of our new October Caddis and BWO patterns so you're well prepared! If you're nymphing, fish smaller mayfly nymphs, stonefly nymphs, and larger caddis pupa patterns. If you're fishing streamers, make sure you're fishing darker colored flies on those cloudy days. Olive and black streamers are a good bet in these conditions. *The Online Store is updated daily!  Check it out! *Call us for up to the minute updates at 406.542.7411 or if you are in the area stop in for all your Orvis gear and the right bugs.  *Traveling or in a hurry? Let our knowledgeable staff pick a fly selection for you!

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

  • Fish Icon

    Trout: rainbows

  • Fish Icon

    West Slope cutthroats

  • Fish Icon

    browns

  • Fish Icon

    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):
Elk Wing Caddis Bleached #14-16
Bead Head Prince N/A #8-12
RS2 N/A #18-22
Vernille San Juan Worm N/A #08-10
Flash Cripple Purple #16-18
Sweetgrass Hopper Tan #8-12
TH 20 Incher N/A #08-12
Bead Head Soft Hackle Hare's Ear Nymph N/A #12-14
Chubby Chernobyl Gold #8-12
RIO's Anty Raid TB Cinnamon, Black #16

Elk Wing Caddis

Image Not Found

Item #0378

Buy Now

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:

October Caddis, Mahoganies, and BWOs.

Best Time to Fish:

Mornings and evenings are best!

Best Stretch:

The entire river.

Best Access:

Multiple access points all along river.