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

Blackfoot River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

47

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Spring conditions are variable and can impact fish location and feeding activity. If you aren't finding fish in the usual winter spots, try fishing seams, pocket water, shelves, drop offs, and riffles, as rising water levels and fluctuating water temperatures can cause fish to relocate.

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 4/11/25

The upcoming week along the Blackfoot River is expected to feature a mix of weather conditions. Early in the week, anticipate mostly cloudy skies with cooler temperatures and a chance of showers, particularly on Saturday. As the week progresses, conditions should improve, with mostly sunny skies and warmer temperatures by midweek. Highs are projected to range from the low 50s to mid-70s°F, while lows will vary between the mid-20s and upper 30s°F.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/11/25

Nymphing with an indicator set up will be the best method right now. Focus on your “meat and potatoes” flies: stoneflies, worms, and large attractors.

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):
Griffith's Gnat N/A #16-18
Midge N/A #18-22
I Can See It Midge Fly N/A #18-20
Vernille San Juan Worm N/A #8-10
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

Griffith's Gnat

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Item #0922

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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:

Midges and BWOs. Starting to see a few March Browns.

Best Time to Fish:

Afternoon to early evening

Best Stretch:

The entire river is in play

Best Access:

Multiple access points all along river