The Blackfoot River is in excellent midsummer condition and continues to fish well from Bonner upstream through the canyon. Water clarity is very good, and healthy flows are providing excellent habitat for trout. Early mornings and late evenings have been the most productive times to be on the water, with cooler temperatures keeping fish actively feeding.
Dry fly fishing has been consistent throughout the day. Golden Stones are still bringing fish to the surface, while PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and caddis continue to hatch daily. As summer progresses, terrestrial fishing is becoming more productive, and trout are beginning to key in on hoppers, ants, and beetles along grassy banks and cutbanks.
Fishing a large foam attractor with a dropper remains one of the most effective techniques. Drift a Chubby Chernobyl or Water Walker through riffles, seams, and pocket water with a small Perdigon, Jig Pheasant Tail, or Hare's Ear below. The Blackfoot's fast water and rocky structure provide countless holding lies, so covering water is often the key to finding actively feeding fish.
If trout stop looking up during the afternoon, switch to a nymph rig and target deeper runs, drop-offs, and boulder gardens. Streamer fishing can also be productive during low-light periods, especially around logjams, cutbanks, and other structure where larger brown trout are holding.
Recommended Dry Flies
- Chubby Chernobyl
- Water Walker
- Golden Stone
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Yellow Sally
- Purple Haze
- Morrish Hopper
- Flying Ant
- Parachute Adams
Recommended Nymphs
- Jig Perdigon
- Jig Pheasant Tail
- Jig Hare's Ear
- Pat's Rubber Legs
- Frenchie
- Spanish Bullet
Water temperatures continue to rise during the warmest part of the day, so we recommend getting on the water early, landing fish quickly, and handling trout carefully before release.
The Blackfoot River offers some of the best summer fly fishing in western Montana, combining spectacular scenery with healthy populations of wild rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and bull trout (bull trout must be released immediately). Whether you're floating the river or wading its many access points, anglers can expect excellent opportunities to catch trout on dry flies throughout the coming weeks.
Planning a day on the Blackfoot? Stop by Freestone Fly Shop for the latest river conditions, recommended flies, and local advice. If you'd like to experience the Blackfoot with one of our professional guides, give us a call at (406) 363-9099 to book your guided fly fishing trip.
