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

The Blackfoot is clear and has a good flow for this time of the year. Target the deep pools, riffles and boulder pockets where the fish will be able to find some cooler water. With the temps getting warmer the mornings are a great time to be on the water. Once the sun hits the water in the afternoon the fishing will slow down until the sun starts to set and the temps drop. Keep an eye on the water temps as they are slowly starting to creep up with the warmer air temps. ***The Blackfoot is Closed for floating from Weigh Station to the confluence of the Clark Fork*** ***There is an obstruction below Harry Morgan on the North Fork of the Blackfoot that has caused a few boat accidents. We recommend either walking your boat around it or putting in at River Junction instead***

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 7/17/26

Up near Ovando, the weekend will be very warm with temps in the 80s with lots of sunshine. Looking into next week the temps will be in the 80s and 90s with a mix of sunshine and clouds.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/17/26

Dry-dropper rig with a size #10-12 Chubby Chernobyl in royal purple, purple or tan on top is a great way to cover water. Run a size #14–16 PMD nymph or a Frenchie, Duracell, Pheasant tail or a Spanish Bullet underneath about 2-3 feet. Yellow Sallies are still out and about so if you see those throw one out there. Terrestrials are becoming a great option as well so don’t be afraid to throw a small hopper, ant or beetle pattern out there.

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:

PMDs and Caddis

Best Time to Fish:

Morning and the Evening

Best Stretch:

The entire river is in play

Best Access:

Multiple access points all along river