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
September 9, 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. Lots of exciting dry fly fishing to be found for those willing to work for it. Recent heavy rains bumped the flows significantly on the Blackfoot last week. The Blackfoot currently has more than twice as much water in it than it did this time last year, for reference. This "bump" hurt the water quality, but the flows are now dropping and clearing up. This should make for great fishing!
The fish looking for dry flies on the Blackfoot will be tight to structure, in quick riffles/buckets, and in tricky tailout water. They aren't as gullible as we'd hope for. The anglers having success up there now are putting dry flies where other anglers aren't. No need to break dawn right now; cool nighttime temps have got the fish moving around mid-morning and on.
Nocturnal stonefly patterns both on-top and subsurface have been productive in the morning. Starting the day with a Rubberleg, Twenty Incher or Zirdle in sizes #08-12 underneath a Chubby Chernobyl, Water Walker or Plan B is proving successful. As the day goes on, the stonefly bite fades and the tricos come out. Expect to see tricos anytime betweeen 8am and noon. The timing of this incredible spinner fall depends various things, mainly nightitme temperatures. Target this hatch subsurface and on-top. Dark-colored perdigons in sizes #12-20 have been effective droppers mid-morning on. For picky risers, our favorite trico patterns include the Tuckers Twiggy, Two-wing spinner, Slick Trico and trico clusters. Long leaders and 5x-6x tippet is necessary to target this hatch.
Hoppers, ants and beetles are the main course. Most anglers finding success throwing their favorite terrestrial with a deep dropper. Jig Duracells, Hares Ears, Prince nymphs and Jig PTs working well as droppers, too. 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.
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
Starting to see some October Caddis and Mahoganies on the Blackfoot. These hatches make for some of the best dry-fly fishing of the year! As the hopper bite dwindles, these hatches pick up in a big way!
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.
