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

No Hoot Owl restrictions are currently in effect for the Blackfoot, but be aware of warm water temps over the next week, especially in the afternoon and evening. The first 3-4 hours of daylight will be your best fishing.

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 7/25/25

Expect a hot and mostly sunny pattern with highs rising from the low 90s on Friday into the upper 80s by midweek. Overnight lows in the upper 40s to low 50s will provide cooler water overnight, but afternoon temps will warm things up quickly. Showers and a chance of thunderstorms are possible later in the week, though minor events shouldn't significantly affect flows or clarity. Early mornings remain your best fishery window—ideal for targeting trout before the heat hits.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/25/25

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. Spruce moths will be a good searching pattern.

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:

Nocturnal Stones, Spruce Moths, Yellow Sallies.

Best Time to Fish:

Early AM

Best Stretch:

The entire river is in play

Best Access:

Multiple access points all along river