Blackfoot River Fishing Report
Our Blackfoot River fishing report comes to you straight from the river. We are on the Blackfoot River fly fishing daily throughout the season and know what’s happening. For the latest techniques, tactics, and fly selections, check back often for up to date Blackfoot river fishing reports.
QUALITY RATING
Full details below
October 3, 2026
CURRENT REPORT
Closed to floating from Weigh Station Fishing Access Site downstream to the point where the river crosses under Interstate 90, beginning July 15 due to construction on a railway bridge.
Feels like fall around Missoula this week, and the Blackfoot is no exception.
The fish looking for dry flies on the Blackfoot will be tight to structure, in quick riffles/buckets, and in tricky tailout water. No need to break dawn right now; cool nighttime temps have got the fish moving around mid-morning and on.
Hopper-dropper fishing is the name of the game on the BF. Starting the day with a Rubberleg, Twenty Incher or Zirdle in sizes #08-12 underneath a Chubby Chernobyl, Sweetgrass Hopperr or Henneberry Hopper in an equivalent sizes is proving successful. Jig Duracells, Hares Ears, Prince nymphs and Jig PTs working well as droppers, too.
Expect to see tricos and psuedos hanging bringing fish up around noon. The timing of this dry fly window depends various things, mainly nightitme temperatures. Target this hatch subsurface and on-top. Dark-colored perdigons in sizes #18-20 have been effective droppers mid-morning on. For picky risers, our favorite trico patterns include the Tuckers Twiggy, , Slick Trico and trico clusters. Long leaders and 5x-6x tippet is necessary to target this hatch.
Henneberry Hoppers, Juicy Hoppers and Sweetgrass Hoppers are working well up-top. Tan and yellow seem to be the ticket. These work well on their own, but also hold up a dropper effectively. Ant Acids, GR Ants, Splitsville Beetles, HDR Hoppers and Heifer Hoppers working well on their own. The best wade fishing will be on the uppper river.
Lots of big trout falling for the October caddis right now! Our favorites are Stimulators, PMXs, Godlike Caddis and/or orange Chubbies in a #10-12. These bugs move when they hit the water–– don't be afraid to twitch one of these around in the afternoon!
Now is a great time to fish streamers, especially while the flows are higher than normal. Focussing on the right water is arguably just as important as "having the right fly." Kreelex minnows, Big Horn Buggers, Sir-Sticks-A-Lots and Sparkle Minnows are getting chased in turbulent, deep water.
Looking Forward
Warm, sunny conditions have made for tricky fishing on the BF. Keep an eye for rising in and make your first cast count! Streamer fishing and nymphing will be productive in the meantime. Cooler weather returning next week.
FEATURED FLIES
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Blackfoot RIVER Flows & Conditions
Know before you go! Understand current Blackfoot River flows and conditions before hitting the water.
Blackfoot RIVER FLOWS @ Bonner, MT
NF Blackfoot RIVER FLOWS @ Dry Gulch Near Ovando, MT
BLACKFOOT VALLEY WEATHER
See the Blackfoot River fishing reports weather forecast for the next 7-days. For more information on the forecast or detailed weather data, please visit NOAA Weather Data - Bonner, Montana.
