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

Blackfoot River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

58

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

The Blackfoot is its fall season fishing form. Fish the deep pools, riffles, and fast inside bank seams. The dry fly fishing in the afternoon when it warms up should be better than the mornings. With the cooler temps starting your day a little later when the water warms up is a great option this time of year. The Blackfoot is fishing well with cooler water. Target deep pools, heavy shaded runs, and fast inside bank seams. Later in the afternoon fish shaded areas and deep pools where fish can get away from the sun. ***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 9/25/26

Up near Ovando, fall has arrived with the weekend highs in the 50s and 60s with a mix of sun and clouds. The overnight lows will be in the low 30s over the weekend. The rest of the week will have temps in the 60s with a mix of sunshine and cloud cover. Overnight lows will stay in the 30s.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/25/26

A dry-dropper rig is a good way to start some fishing. Throw a size #8 or #10 Tan Chubby Chernobyl, More or Less Hopper, or an October Caddis, and trail a general attractor nymph Frenchie, Durcacell, or Spanish Bullet 3 feet below. If fish are rising, throw a BWO or a Mahogany to get those fish to eat. Stripping a streamer as well with the cooler weather is a great option to locate fish.

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
TH 20 Incher N/A #8-12
Bead Head Soft Hackle Hare’s Ear Nymph N/A #12-14
TJ Hooker N/A #8-12
Trina's Worm N/A #8-12
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:

Terrestrials, BWO, Mahogany

Best Time to Fish:

All Day

Best Stretch:

The entire river is in play

Best Access:

Multiple access points all along river