Fishing Outlook & Conditions
Water Temp:
60
Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week
The upper Blackfoot is starting to drop into shape. Clarity and color is improving gradually, and there are plenty of salmonflies and golden stones showing themselves from the middle to upper river. Both the flying and drowned forms of these bugs are attracting eats, though we’re finding more success on the nymph.
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Water Flow Data
Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby
Blackfoot River OutfittersBlue Damsel Lodge
PRO Outfitters
Montana Hunting and Fishing Adventures
5-Day Outlook as of 7/1/22
Summer is here and the Blackfoot is shaping up nicely! A few thunderstorms expected over the holiday weekend so check the radar and come prepared with rain gear. Consistent temperatures with cold overnight lows for the next week should make for good fishing conditions.
Techniques & Tips as of 7/1/22
A few sizeable fish are eating salmonfly dries at the moment, but most of our success is happening with a dropper or nymphing setup. Bigger is better when salmonflies and golden stones are active. Try Girdle/Zirdle/Squirdle Bugs, TJ Hookers, Double Bead Stones, and San Juans in #6-8. As the water clears up, Lightning Bug, Jig PT, 2-Bit Hooker, Yellow Spot Frenchie, Duracell, Spanish Bullet or Perdigon in #12-14 should be productive. Don’t hesitate to throw a Wooly, Sparkle Minnow or other small streamer under your indicator to grab attention. Sallies and PMDs are also making an appearance on the Blackfoot, but dry fly attention seems to be on the big bugs for now. Streamer prospecting can yield some big fish on the Blackfoot this time of year. Sparkle Minnows, Kreelexes, Mini Dungeons, and Thin Mints/Buggers are all good to carry on the water. Try speeding up your retrieve with these water temps and visibility to attract a predatory response. Goings on at World Headquarters in Missoula: Visit shop.blackfootriver.com for more!
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): |
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Big Sky Salmon Fly | N/A | 06-08 |
Larson's Legend Golden Stone Dry | N/A | 08-12 |
Bead Head Rubber-Legged Orvis CJ | N/A | 06-10 |
Vernille San Juan Worm | N/A | 08-10 |
PMD Cripple | N/A | 14-16 |
Jig Sparkle Minnow | N/A | 6 |
TH 20 Incher | N/A | 06-10 |
Conehead Rubber Bugger | N/A | 04-10 |
Spanish Bullet | N/A | 12-14 |
TJ Hooker | N/A | 08-12 |
Blackfoot River Outfitters's Recommended Gear
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Best Leader:
Super Strong Plus Leaders
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Best Tippet:
SuperStrong Plus Tippet in 30- and 100-meter spools
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Best Fly Fishing Rod:
5-Weight 9' Fly Rod
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Best Floating Fly Line:
WF Trout Fly Line
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Best Sinking Fly Line:
Bank Shot Sink Tip Fly Line