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

Blackfoot River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

69

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Temporary construction closure in effect from Weigh Station FAS to where the Blackfoot River crosses underneath I-90 effective on August 22, 2025. A temporary construction closure on the Blackfoot River has been approved by the Fish & Wildlife Commission. The closure will begin on 8/22/25 and will remain in place until the department determines there are no public safety risks. This closure will allow BNSF to perform work on their railroad bridge in the Milltown area, while also providing for the safety of recreators. The Blackfoot River will remain open upstream of Weigh Station FAS and downstream of the I-90 bridge. Hoot owl restrictions (fishing prohibited 2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the entire Blackfoot River main stem - from the the headwaters at the confluence of Anaconda Creek and Beartrap Creek to the confluence with the Clark Fork River August 2. Temperatures and flows were measured at USGS gage 12340000 near Bonner. Water temperatures exceeded 71 degrees criteria specified in the Statewide Fisheries Management Plan and Blackfoot Drought Response Plan in this reach of the Blackfoot River for three consecutive days starting on July 29. Flows in this reach are currently well below the 25th percentile.

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 8/22/25

Daytime highs in the mid to upper 80s will keep water temps on the rise each afternoon, while overnight lows in the low 50s help cool things down just enough to allow for a good morning window. Mostly sunny skies will prevail until midweek when some cloud cover and isolated thunderstorms may roll in.

Techniques & Tips as of 8/22/25

The river is especially low and warm for this time of year. Focus on pocket water and deep riffles. Dry-dropper fishing will be effective on seams and deeper runs. Fish the coldest hours of the day- on early, and off early. General attractors like Chernobyls, Plan B, Micro Chubbys and Wulffs/Humpys. .

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
Hopper N/A #10-12
Yellow Sally N/A #14-16
Elk Wing Caddis N/A #14-18
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:

Terrestrials

Best Time to Fish:

Early AM

Best Stretch:

The entire river is in play

Best Access:

Multiple access points all along river