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

Blackfoot River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

64

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

When you’re fishing a dry dropper rig, make sure you’re getting your dropper down far enough! Oftentimes the reason you’re not catching fish could be because the nymph isn’t where it needs to be. If your dropper is too short, the nymph will drift too high in the water column and it won’t present like the naturals in the river. Shorter droppers also tend to present in a more linear and unnatural drift. When you lengthen up your dropper to about 1.5x the depth of the water, you will find your nymph gets down better and also has a bit more slack to get tossed around which presents more similarly to the naturals you’re trying to imitate. As you move to different areas of the river, make sure you continue to adjust to the changing depth.

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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 6/20/25

Over the next week, expect a mix of sun and clouds with seasonable temperatures- daytime highs climbing from the upper 50s into the mid-80s by late week, and cooler mornings in the low 40s to low 50s. Light showers this weekend will have minimal effect on flow or clarity. Stable and clear conditions favor dry-fly action, especially during cloudier periods when hatches will be strongest. As skies brighten and temperatures warm mid to late week, dry-fly fishing remains productive early and late in the day- just be prepared for reduced midday activity under bright sun. Overall, it's a strong week for surface fishing with excellent clarity and steady river flows.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/20/25

Dry dropper rigs will be your go to for the next week or so. There should be sporadic periods of good dry fly fishing with Golden Stones, Green Drakes, Yellow Sallies, and PMDs. When the dry fly fishing gets good, slow down and figure out what they’re eating. The nymph should pick up a few fish when the dry fly fishing slows down.

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):
Stimulator N/A #8-12
Larson's Legend Golden Stone Dry N/A #8-10
Yellow Sally N/A #14-16
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

Stimulator

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Item #0928

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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:

Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies.

Best Time to Fish:

All day

Best Stretch:

The entire river is in play

Best Access:

Multiple access points all along river