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

Blackfoot River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

54

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

The Blackfoot is still flowing a little big and is pretty dirty. It is on the drop, so it should start to take shape next week the upper end should clear before the lower end. No Salmonflies are flying around just yet but we should see them pop any day now. With the rivers still running big, remember the creeks and stillwaters are open, and could be a good spot while the rivers are taking shape.

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 6/5/26

Up near Ovando, Saturday temps will be in the 60s and then Sunday it will be cool and rainy. The rest of the week looks to have highs in the 50s and 60s with rain possible a few of the days.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/5/26

A heavy indicator rig is your best weapon for the weekend. Even though the hatch hasn't started on top, the large stonefly nymphs are highly active along the bottom. Fish a deep bobber rig with a heavy TJ Hooker, Rubber Legs, Sili-Leg Stone or a Prince Nymph through the slow, soft water. Streamers are also a highly effective tool for covering water and pulling fish out of the off-color tint. Be on the lookout for Green Drakes as well with the cooler rainy weather.

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:

Salmonflies

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