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

Blackfoot River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

50

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

The Blackfoot is starting to take shape and is dropping rapidly. Wade fishing will be tougher with the water still around 4,000cfs. Look for soft pockets tight to the banks and eddy’s. As the Blackfoot drops the upper end will clear up faster than the lower end. Be on the lookout for Salmonflies over the warm weekend.

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 5/22/26

Up near Ovando, expect pristine spring weather all weekend. Saturday and Sunday will feature bluebird skies with afternoon highs hitting the high 60s and low 70s. The return of the rain on Monday and through the beginning of next week.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/22/26

Streamer fishing has been a good way to pull aggressive fish out of there hiding sports. Throw flashy heavy streamers like Sparkle Minnows or a Kreelex. Bobber rigs and dry droppers are the best tactic as the Salmonflies are getting close to hatching or are hatching with the warm weather so be on the lookout. Chubby’s and Salmonflies with a Prince Nymph or Rubber Leg dropper are a great option along with a San Juan Worms or a Frenchie. Mother’s Day Caddis are a possibility with the warm weather as well.

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):
Midge N/A #18-22
Elk Wing Caddis N/A #12-16
Vernille San Juan Worm red/pink #8-12
Fly Formerly Known As Prince N/A #12-14
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

Midge

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Item #0836

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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:

Caddis

Best Time to Fish:

The warmest hours of the day

Best Stretch:

The entire river is in play

Best Access:

Multiple access points all along river