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

Blackfoot River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

50

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

The Blackfoot is fishing tough right now because the high water has pushed all the soft, holding water way up into the willows on the banks. Wade very carefully and focus all your attention on those extremely tight margins where the fish are hiding from the main current. Remember that tributaries do not open until Saturday 5/16 this year. Stillwater options could be a good alternative to the Blackfoot right now.are hiding from the main current.

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 5/15/26

Up near Ovando, expect a cooler weekend with highs hovering around 50 degrees today and dropping into the 40s with rain and snow showers through Sunday. The sun returns Monday, pushing temps steadily back into the upper 50s and low 60s by the end of next week. front brings rain, snow, and 50-degree highs on Wednesday.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/15/26

With high pushy water the fish tend to get pushed tight to the banks in the willows. This makes for tough nymphing conditions. Streamer fishing has been a great way to pull aggressive fish out of that heavy cover. You can try to run a bobber or dry dropper right on the edge of the willows with a Rubber Legs, TJ or San Juan underneath. Salmonflies are right around the corner as well so make sure you have a few in your box.

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):
Midge N/A #18-22
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

Midge

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Item #0836

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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:

Caddis and BWOs

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