Blackfoot Fishing Forecast
Famous from A River Runs Through It
Opens 3rd Sat in May
Western District general season
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 5:32 PM
39°F
--
12 AM - 2 AM
WD-40
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Westslope Cutthroat
freestone
36°F - 46°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
Skwala
Stonefly
Early season stonefly, hatches on warm afternoons
BWO
Mayfly
Blue Wing Olives hatch on overcast days, spring and fall
Midge
Midge
Year-round in tailwaters, winter staple
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(Now) | 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 | 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 |
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.
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.
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.
Local Knowledge
A River Runs Through It brought worldwide attention. The Blackfoot has recovered from mining impacts. Bull trout are protected - release carefully.
Local Tips
Missoula is the gateway city. A River Runs Through It was filmed here. The Blackfoot offers authentic Montana fishing.
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.
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
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
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
800 - 2000 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 65°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Montana Trout Rivers
Bitterroot
Yellowstone (inside YNP)
Madison
Missouri (below Holter)
Big Hole River
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