Fishing Outlook & Conditions
Water Temp:
71
Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week
Hoot owl restrictions (fishing prohibited 2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the upper Clark Fork River - from the Clark Fork's origin at the confluence of Warm Springs Creek and Silver Bow Creek to the mouth of the Blackfoot River starting July 11.
Directions open in app
Water Flow Data
Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby
Blue Damsel LodgeLinehan Outfitting Company
Blackfoot River Outfitters
Bitterroot Fly Company
5-Day Outlook as of 8/22/25
Expect highs in the upper 70s to low 80s and cool nights in the upper 40s to low 50s. A mix of sun and clouds throughout the week could lead to short-lived afternoon hatches, but water temps will still climb quickly by midday.
Techniques & Tips as of 8/22/25
The river is especially low and warm for this time of year. There is still some bug activity on the Clark Fork- most notably Tricos. Hoppers are active, and the hopper fishing has been good. Dry-Dropper should be your go to rig until you see fish eating on top. Fish the coldest hours of the day- on early, and off early.
Local Species Available Year round; some tributaries closed December 1-third week of May. Check regulations before fishing.
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Rainbows
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cutthroats
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cutbows
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browns and white fish
Blackfoot River Outfitters's Recommended Fly Patterns
"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:
Name: | Colors: | Size(s): |
---|---|---|
Stimulator | N/A | #10-12 |
Yellow Sally | N/A | #14-16 |
Indicator Spinner - Trico | N/A | #18-20 |
Bead Head Caddis Pupa | N/A | #12-14 |
Plan B | N/A | #8-12 |
Rubberlegs | N/A | #8-12 |
Tunghead Pheasant Tail | N/A | #12-14 |
TH 20 Incher | N/A | #8-12 |
Spanish Bullet | N/A | #12-14 |
Duracell | N/A | #12-14 |
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