Blackfoot Fishing Forecast
The Blackfoot anchors Montana trout culture for anglers who want a forecast that respects real hydrology—not a generic “fish today” badge. Species mix centers on rainbow trout, brown trout, and westslope cutthroat, with tactics shifting from weighted nymphs in cold water to dries and terrestrials as afternoons warm during late June through September. Because it is not a manicured park stretch, the Blackfoot rewards map work, respectful access, and leaders sized for the clarity you will actually see. USGS gauge 12347000 tracks live flow and temperature for planning wade or float days.
Constant 45°F water flows out of the bottom-release dam and into the Blackfoot at seasonal CFS. Expect a 5/10 window. Top pick: a WD-40.
Open 3rd Sat in May — Nov 30
Western District general season
Forecast and on-page guide updated September 8, 2026 (UTC). Open the app for hourly conditions.
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 11:33 PM
45°F
--
4 AM - 6 AM
WD-40
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What Makes the Blackfoot Unique?
Signature hatch or window
BWO (Mayfly) is a headline hatch to watch in September. Peak activity often tracks 38–55°F water temps.
Distinctive access
Johnsrud Park: Upper river access with quality water.
Rules anglers miss
Bull trout are protected - handle carefully.
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
800 - 2000 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 65°F
Ideal for active trout
Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Westslope Cutthroat
freestone
54°F - 64°F
September Hatches
BWO
Mayfly
Blue Wing Olives hatch on overcast days, spring and fall
Caddis
Caddis
Evening caddis hatches prolific through summer
Hopper
Terrestrial
Grasshoppers effective on windy afternoons
Trico
Mayfly
Early morning spinner falls, tiny flies
October Caddis
Caddis
Large fall caddis, evening emergence
September Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Fall fishing improves. BWOs return, browns become aggressive.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| February | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| March | 36-46°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| April | 42-52°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| May | 48-58°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| June | 54-64°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| July | 58-68°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| August | 60-70°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| September(Now) | 54-64°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| October | 46-56°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| November | 38-46°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| December | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
Recommended Equipment for Blackfoot
Rod
9-foot, 5 or 6-weight for most fishing.
Line
Floating line for dries. Sink-tip for streamers.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot tapered leader, 4X-5X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. The Blackfoot is wadeable in sections.
Essential Flies
How to Fish Blackfoot: Tips & Tactics
The Blackfoot River, made famous by A River Runs Through It, is a classic Montana freestone. Native westslope cutthroat, rainbow, brown, and bull trout swim in these historic waters.
Best Times of Day
The salmonfly hatch in June brings explosive fishing. Summer offers excellent dry fly action. Fall is prime for brown trout.
Recommended Techniques
Float fishing is the tradition. Match the prolific hatches. Target the diverse trout species. Streamers produce larger fish.
Water Conditions
The Blackfoot has recovered remarkably from mining impacts. Summer can bring warm water - fish early. The scenery is classic Montana.
Fly Selection
Salmonfly and stonefly patterns essential. Caddis and mayflies throughout summer. Hopper patterns in late summer.
When is the Best Time to Fish Blackfoot?
Spring
Skwala and March browns begin the season.
Summer
Salmonfly hatch in June. Caddis and mayflies follow.
Fall
Brown trout become aggressive. Streamer season.
Winter
Limited but fishable on mild days.
Access Points & Parking for Blackfoot
Johnsrud Park
Upper river access with quality water.
Russell Gates
Popular mid-river access.
Clearwater Confluence
Where Clearwater joins the Blackfoot.
Milltown
Lower river near Missoula.
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Westslope Cutthroat
Spawn months: June, July
Native to northern Rocky Mountain streams. Spawn later than other cutthroat due to high-elevation habitat and colder water. Particularly sensitive to hybridization with rainbow trout.
Blackfoot Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round.
Limits
Bull trout must be released. Check FWP for other limits.
Special Regulations
Bull trout are protected - handle carefully.
Bait Restrictions
Artificial flies and lures only.
Notes
The Blackfoot is recovering - practice catch-and-release.
Always verify current regulations with Montana fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Blackfoot
Local Fly Shops
- Grizzly Hackle - Missoula
- Missoulian Angler - Missoula
- Blackfoot River Outfitters
Guide Services
- Blackfoot River Outfitters
- Grizzly Hackle Guides
- Missoulian Angler Guides
Other Rivers You Might Like
Popular forecasts outside Montana—great for trip planning and comparing conditions.
Other Montana Trout Rivers
Bitterroot
Yellowstone (inside YNP)
Madison
Missouri (below Holter)
Big Hole River
Blackfoot — frequently asked questions
When is the best time to fish the Blackfoot?
Fall fishing improves. BWOs return, browns become aggressive.
What flies should I bring to the Blackfoot?
For the Blackfoot (freestone), carry: Salmonfly, Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Hopper, Woolly Bugger.
What water temperature is best for trout on the Blackfoot?
On the Blackfoot, trout hold between 50° and 65°F. In summer, expect temps to swing with air temperature — fish early.
Do I need a fishing license for the Blackfoot?
Yes — you need a valid Montana fishing license to fish the Blackfoot. Local season: Open year-round.. Daily limit: Bull trout must be released. Check FWP for other limits..
What hatches should I watch for on the Blackfoot in September?
BWO is the signature hatch on the Blackfoot in September. Match size and adjust leader size to 5X-6X. The fish key in on the emergence during low-light hours, so plan to be on the water at first light.
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