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

Blackfoot River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

70

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Hoot owl restrictions (fishing prohibited 2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the Blackfoot River - from Cedar Meadow FAS to the confluence with the Clark Fork River starting July 29. Closed to floating from Weigh Station Fishing Access Site downstream to the point where the river crosses under Interstate 90, beginning July 15 due to construction on a railway bridge. Hoot owl restrictions (fishing prohibited 2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for Monture Creek - from the confluence with Falls Creek to the Highway 200 Bridge starting July 29. The Blackfoot is fishing pretty well in the mornings. Spruce Moth activity has been getting good during the morning, alongside terrestrials: Hoppers, Ants, and Beetles. Focus your early morning efforts on deep pools, heavy shaded runs, and fast inside seams where trout are looking for that cooler water. ***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 7/31/26

Up near Ovando, Saturday is going to be hot with the high around 95 and then Sunday the temps drop down to the 70s. Early next week the temps will still be in the 70s and will warm back up to the 80s by the end of the week.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/31/26

A dry-dropper setup is your best rig to find fish. Run a size #8 or #10 Tan Chubby Chernobyl, or Sweetgrass Hopper and trail a general attractor nymph like a Duracell, Prince Nymph, Frenchie or Yellow Spot Pheasant Tail 3 feet below. Spruce Moth activity has been picking up recently so don’t be afraid to throw a single dry with one of those on the end.

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:

Terrestrials

Best Time to Fish:

Morning

Best Stretch:

The entire river is in play

Best Access:

Multiple access points all along river