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

Blackfoot River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

59

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

The Blackfoot has dropped into prime fishing shape. Salmonflies and Golden Stones are active on the river but the Salmonflies seem to be dwindling day by day. Target the soft inside seams, slow bankside eddies, and willow lines for those fish to attack those stonefly dries or a nymph.

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 6/19/26

Up near Ovando, weekend temps will be in the 70s with sunshine and a few clouds. Next week it looks like temps will be in the high 70s and may even hit the 80s with a mix of sunny days and cloudy days.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/19/26

Throwing a dry dropper rig with a Henry’s Fork Salmonfly, a dark colored Chubby Chernobly, or a Juicy Stone on top with a Sili Leg Stone, TJ Hooker, Frenchie or a Jig TNT PMD Nymph underneath. PMD’s will be hatching in the slower water and on foam lines. Look out for the Green Drakes as well. Streamers are also a highly effective tool for covering water and pulling fish out of hiding spots this time of the year. Sparkle Minnows, Kreelex and anything flashy will work super 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):
Big Sky Salmon Fly N/A #6-10
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

Big Sky Salmon Fly

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Item #3R8E

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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:

Goldenstones and PMDs

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