Trout fishing in Blackfoot River, Montana, offers a classic freestone experience with excellent fly fishing adventures on one of the state's most scenic rivers. Known for inspiring Norman Maclean's novella-turned-movie "A River Runs Through It," the Blackfoot River continues to attract anglers with its wild trout, rugged canyon walls, and abundant hatches. It offers a memorable float trip experience for both experienced and novice anglers.
The Blackfoot River in Western Montana is a popular recreational destination known for its natural beauty and connection to the movie A River Runs Through It. Activities such as fishing, floating, camping, and nature watching attract visitors seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The area is home to various plant and animal species, including grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, and birds. The river provides vital habitat for fish species like bull and cutthroat trout. The area has a long history of Native American occupation, serving as a travelway between the Great Plains and lands to the west. Meriwether Lewis and the Corps of Discovery traveled through the Blackfoot Valley, following a route used by the Nez Perce to hunt buffalo. Today, Highway 200 runs alongside the river, passing through communities like Lincoln over Rogers Pass and Lewis and Clark Pass.
The Box Canyon, located on the Blackfoot River, is the quintessential float trip and is home to the highest concentration of the largest brown trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout in the area. The fishing in the "Canyon" and the scenery is exceptional. Starting in July, you can enjoy a trip as a Dawn Patrol schedule, with earlier start times than other river trips in pursuit of the sunrise. Fishing at dawn to catch top predator fish at their peak feeding time is fantastic, but the truth is, many anglers find the sunrise in the Canyon is more valuable than a 20-inch rainbow. So, bring your camera and fishing gear before embarking on a guided fly fishing float trip on the Blackfoot River.
The Lower River alternates between banks lined with ponderosa pine trees and true whitewater chutes near Round Up rapids. The upper Blackfoot Canyon walls recede and are replaced by large granite cliffs along willow-lined banks. Fishing is centered around using attractor dry flies in areas such as riffle lines, large back eddies, and pockets of water bordered by boulders. This water can be some of our most thrilling during the early summer streams.
The dramatic decrease in height has both positive and negative consequences. Blackfoot River fly fishing in the spring can be uncertain as it descends from the Continental Divide. If winter persists longer than usual, the fish might not become active until after the runoff, despite the presence of Skwala Stoneflies, BWOs, and Western March Browns. Spring fly hatches in Montana are somewhat reliant on water temperatures, meaning the Blackfoot River may not be the best option for your fly fishing trip. However, when the temperature increases and the fish become more active, streamer fishing can be quite productive before they begin to surface. The lower Blackfoot warms up more quickly than the upper regions due to its lower elevation.
The Big Blackfoot River in Montana is a fly fishing paradise, especially as runoff ends. The steep incline and rapids create the perfect environment for stoneflies, including the legendary Salmon Fly hatch. As the Salmon flies decrease, other insects like Golden Stones, Green Drakes, Pale Morning Duns, and Tan Caddis become more prevalent. Early July is when the Blackfoot River comes alive, offering excellent opportunities for streamer-fishing with big trout. The river's boulders, buckets, and shelves provide ideal terrain for catching large fish on streamers. Wading anglers will find friendlier waters in the upper stretches of the Blackfoot as the water drops. While the lower Blackfoot may not be ideal for wading, spots near Lincoln with lower gradients offer decent wade fishing. The middle to upper Blackfoot River is a top fishing spot in Missoula during the summer without inner tubers seen in the lower stretches. Overall, the Blackfoot River offers a variety of fishing experiences for anglers to enjoy during the summer months.
Floating the Blackfoot River in Missoula can be challenging due to rugged access points requiring a high wheelbase and torque. Small rigs may not be suitable for the terrain, so careful preparation is crucial. As water levels drop, rowing becomes difficult, and many fly fishing guides prefer using a raft instead of a drift boat. The river can become treacherous with boulders, especially for novice rowers, when the flows are between 2300-1400 cfs. Low water levels can also result in warm water temperatures, leading to summer doldrums for fly fishing.
It's advisable to check the fishing report before planning a trip in August, as the Blackfoot River may need a break from the summer heat. Fishing during dawn or dusk can give the trout a break during the hottest part of the day. While it may be tempting to be on the water, it's essential to consider the river's conditions before heading out. Contacting a local fly shop can provide valuable information on put-ins and river conditions.
The water temperatures drop on the Big Blackfoot River when the days get shorter, thanks to its 6,000ft headwaters. As a result, the river comes alive with October Caddis, Mahoganies, and Blue Winged Olives, attracting anglers who eagerly pursue these hatches. Many prefer to use 7wts with sink tip lines to target streamers, as big flies tend to catch big fish. With winter approaching, the fish become more active, looking for food before the cold sets in. The river is lower, concentrating the fish and making them easier to target. Fall fishing on the Blackfoot River is a streamer fisherman's paradise, with beautiful scenery and aggressive trout. However, the season is shorter compared to other rivers in Missoula due to the river's high elevation and northern location. Winter fishing on the Blackfoot can be challenging, so caution is advised for wading anglers.
The Blackfoot River offers enticing fishing opportunities, with one standout section being from River Junction to Clearwater Crossing. Each section of the river presents its own unique challenges and opportunities for anglers. Rainbow trout are abundant in this section, where the terrain varies from valleys to whitewater. Due to less recreational pressure, anglers can find solitude in this area. Access points, such as the River Junction Fishing Access Site and the Russell Gates Memorial Fishing Access Site, provide entry points to the river for anglers. While the road to the River Junction site may be rough, the Russell Gates site is part of the 26-mile Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor, offering numerous access points along the river for easier entry.
Anglers who enjoy wading or floating while fly fishing on the Blackfoot River can succeed in both methods. Many waders fish during weekdays rather than on busy weekends to avoid the high pressure from recreational floaters. The best time to visit this section of the river is during the spring runoff, which usually starts in mid-March and can last until mid-May. After the runoff ends, the Blackfoot River becomes a top dry fly fishing spot, especially when grasshopper imitations are effective in the summer. Due to the abundance of hoppers, July is a popular month for fly fishing. For budget-conscious anglers planning a trip, scheduling during the mid-summer is recommended for optimal conditions. Weekdays offer solitude away from weekend crowds, making it a great time to fish on the Blackfoot River.
Properly showcasing patterns is essential for fly fishing anglers to succeed in trout fishing in the Blackfoot River, especially when fishing between River Junction and Russell Gates.
The key to a productive fly fishing trip is a drag-free drift with a lightweight leader. These trout are particularly cautious in the slower current, allowing them ample opportunity to assess their prey before striking. If you want to spice up your fishing routine and quickly get tired of dry flies, a grasshopper imitation in sizes 2-8 is a good choice. These will be effective from July until the first or second week of September. Fish these grasshopper imitators close to the shore, making it look like they are trapped in the water. Do not hesitate to cast these out further into the water since it is typical for a big trout to rise to the top to feed on a grasshopper.
Latitudes Outfitting Co. has a strong bond with the Blackfoot River, providing guides who are experts in revealing its hidden gems to fishermen at any level of experience. Our Blackfoot River fishing tours offer tailored assistance to boost your chances of catching a big fish, whether casting dry flies during a hatch or stripping streamers through the river's fast currents.
Fly fishing on the Blackfoot River is more than just a typical fishing experience, as it blends top-notch trout fishing with breathtaking scenery that has enchanted both fishermen and nature enthusiasts. Reserve your trip with Latitudes Outfitting in the "prime dry fly seasons" or for an autumn streamer experience to see why the Blackfoot River continues to be a renowned spot for fly fishing enthusiasts. Come with us to these waters and pursue the prize trout you've always wanted in the most famous landscapes of Montana.
Robert Gary, Owner/Outfitter #7970
PO Box 1281
Hamilton, MT 59840
Operating on United States Forest Service - Special Use Permits
