Blackfoot River
Blackfoot Canyon · Johnsrud to Bonner
W Montana, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown, Rainbow, Bull Trout, and Cutthroat.
Stream gauge: 12340000. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
Blackfoot running high at 5310 cfs but dropping and clearing nicely — ideal pre-salmonfly conditions with water at 55°F. Grizzly Hackle reports flows stabilizing in anticipation of the famous hatch, with fish actively hunting big nymphs. Focus subsurface with #4-8 TB Pats and TJ Hookers as recommended. Cooler temps this weekend will slow things slightly, but the stage is set for epic dry fly action once adult stones start showing.
- Flow: 5310 cfs — elevated but dropping into fishable range. Canyon accessible and flows stabilizing after recent spikes.
- Hatches: Pre-salmonfly window prime. Nymph with #4-8 TB Pats, TJ Hookers. Adults emerging soon with 55°F trigger crossed.
- Water Temp: 55°F — perfect salmonfly emergence threshold. Consistent freestone temps supporting big bug activity.
- Best Window: Midday focus when temps climb above 60°F. Cooler weekend will favor morning nymphing, afternoon dry fly prospecting.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: May–Oct, peak June–July & Sept
The Blackfoot River achieved worldwide fame from Norman Maclean's A River Runs Through It, and while much of the story's water is on private land, the river remains a treasured Montana freestone fishery. Canyon sections offer superb wade fishing for wild browns and westslope cutthroat, while the lower river opens to excellent float country near its confluence with the Clark Fork at Bonner. Intensive restoration work since the 1990s has dramatically improved the fishery.
The Blackfoot River Coalition has led one of the most successful river restoration programs in the American West, bringing the fishery back from near-collapse caused by mining impacts and barriers.
January Outlook
The Blackfoot in January is for the very dedicated. Remote and cold, the canyon sections stay open most winters. Midge fishing in the canyon pools near Johnsrud Park for those who make the drive.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- WD-40
- Pheasant Tail
Tips
Johnsrud Park is plowed and accessible in winter. Fish the canyon pool directly below the park. Two-midge indicator rig. You may have one of Montana's finest rivers entirely to yourself.
Water Notes
400–800 cfs. Cold 34–40°F. Canyon sections stay open; lower valley may have some ice formation.
February Outlook
February midging on the Blackfoot. The canyon holds surprising activity on mild afternoons. The first winter Skwala nymphs begin appearing in the gravels.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Hare's Ear
- Brown Rubber Leg
- RS2
Tips
Fish the lower canyon from Johnsrud Park downstream. February on the Blackfoot is a hidden gem — the Robert Redford fish are there and undisturbed. Watch for early Skwala crawler activity on rocks on the warmest days.
Water Notes
500–900 cfs. Stable canyon flows. Water 38–46°F.
March Outlook
Early season Skwala and Baetis activity in the canyon. The Blackfoot is one of Montana's finest early-season rivers — it clears fast after runoff and the fish respond eagerly to the first dry fly hatches.
Productive Patterns
- Skwala Stone #10
- Sparkle Dun #18
- Hare's Ear
- RS2
Tips
March on the Blackfoot can be spectacular before runoff peaks. Canyon section below Johnsrud is most reliable. Watch for Skwala dries on warm afternoons. Call Missoula shops for current conditions.
Water Notes
600–1,500 cfs building toward runoff. Water 40–50°F early in the month. Fish the first two weeks aggressively before snowmelt peaks.
April Outlook
Pre-runoff window on the Blackfoot. BWOs emerging on overcast afternoons. Flows rising but still fishable early in the month. Large browns staging in deeper runs before spring spawning activity.
Productive Patterns
- BWO Parachute #18
- Pheasant Tail #16
- Pat's Rubber Legs #8
- Zebra Midge #20
Tips
Fish the lower Blackfoot near Johnsrud Park where flows are most manageable. BWOs on overcast days provide the best dry fly opportunity. Nymph rigs with weight in the deeper pools. Bull trout may be encountered — release immediately.
Water Notes
Flows rising through April. Best fishing early in the month before full snowmelt runoff begins.
May Outlook
The Blackfoot clears quickly after runoff — Robert Redford's river lives up to its reputation when in prime condition.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Stimulator
- Hare's Ear
Tips
Check the Bonner gauge. Section from Johnsrud Park downstream clears first. Expect abundant caddis and PMD activity as flows drop.
Water Notes
Drops from peak 8,000+ cfs through late May. Target below 2,500 cfs when clarity returns.
June Outlook
The Blackfoot's finest month. Salmonfly and Golden Stone hatches in sequence. PMD and Caddis consistent. The river in peak condition.
Productive Patterns
- Salmonfly #4
- Golden Stone
- PMD
- Stimulator
Tips
Call Missoula fly shops for current Salmonfly hatch location. The canyon is accessible by raft and offers spectacular scenery and fishing.
Water Notes
1,500–3,500 cfs. Crystal clear mountain water 52–60°F.
July Outlook
Excellent hopper-dropper fishing and consistent evening caddis hatches on both canyon and meadow sections.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper-Dropper
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD Cripple
- Stimulator
Tips
Float the canyon from Johnsrud Park to McNamara Landing for the most scenic and productive experience. Evening caddis 7–9pm is a July highlight.
Water Notes
800–1,800 cfs. Clear and productive. Water 60–66°F.
August Outlook
August hopper fishing on the Blackfoot. Upper sections near Lincoln fish cooler. Monitor water temps in lower canyon.
Productive Patterns
- Dave's Hopper
- Chubby Chernobyl
- Ant #14
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
Upper Blackfoot near Lincoln is excellent in August. Canyon sections can approach thermal stress midday. Fish morning and evening.
Water Notes
600–1,200 cfs. Canyon 64–70°F midday. Upper sections cooler. Monitor temps.
September Outlook
Exceptional. Cooling temperatures bring fish back into active feeding mode and BWO hatch returns. A premier September fishery.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Mahogany Dun
- Hopper
- Streamer
Tips
Blackfoot in September with a cloudy afternoon BWO hatch is one of Montana's finest experiences. Access the canyon at Johnsrud Park and wade upstream.
Water Notes
500–900 cfs. Clear 52–60°F. Excellent wading.
October Outlook
Fall colors on the Blackfoot corridor and the last of the season's dry fly fishing. Brown trout streamer fishing in the deeper pools.
Productive Patterns
- Streamer
- Blue Winged Olive
- Copper John
- Egg
Tips
Very little pressure on a world-class river. Work streamers through deeper canyon pools in the morning and watch for rising fish in the afternoon.
Water Notes
400–700 cfs. Lowest of the year. Very clear. Approach carefully.
November Outlook
November on the Blackfoot is cold but productive on mild days. Brown trout spawning concludes and fish transition to winter lies. The canyon sections stay open longer than the valley floor.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Juju Baetis
- Streamer
- RS2
Tips
Fish the canyon stretch near Johnsrud Park on the warmest days. Midday midge window 11am–2pm. Very little pressure — the Blackfoot sees almost no November fishing effort.
Water Notes
400–700 cfs. Cold 38–46°F. Canyon sections stay open. Respect any remaining spawning redds.
December Outlook
December closes out the Blackfoot season. Midge fishing in the canyon pools on mild days. The river is quiet and the fish are undisturbed through winter.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Mercury Midge
- WD-40
Tips
The lower canyon near Johnsrud Park fishes on mild December days. Two-midge rig under a small indicator. The Blackfoot in December is one of Montana's quietest fishing experiences.
Water Notes
350–600 cfs. Cold — 34–40°F. Canyon pools stay fishable. Valley sections may freeze.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skwala Stonefly Skwala americana |
Apr | Mar, Apr | #8–10 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis tricaudatus |
Apr, Oct | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Salmonfly Pteronarcys californica |
Jun | May, Jun, Jul | #4–8 |
|
| Golden Stonefly Hesperoperla pacifica |
Jun, Jul | Jun, Jul | #8–12 |
|
| Green Drake Drunella grandis |
Jun | Jun, Jul | #10–12 |
|
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella inermis |
Jul | Jun, Jul, Aug | #16–18 |
|
| Caddis Hydropsyche / Brachycentrus spp. |
Jul, Aug | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #14–18 |
|
| Yellow Sally Isoperla / Chloroperlidae |
Jul | Jun, Jul, Aug | #12–16 |
|
| Spruce Moth Choristoneura occidentalis |
Aug | Jul, Aug | #12–14 |
|
| Hoppers Acrididae / Tettigoniidae |
Aug | Jul, Aug, Sep | #8–12 |
|
| Mahogany Dun Paraleptophlebia bicornuta |
Oct | Sep, Oct | #14–16 |
|
Access & Approach
Multiple Montana FWP fishing access sites along Hwy 200. Wade access excellent in the upper canyon sections. Float the lower river from various put-ins to Bonner. Missoula-area fly shops are well-resourced for conditions.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Missoulian Angler
- Grizzly Hackle
Regulations & License
Fishing in Montana requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Montana fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Blackfoot River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Blackfoot River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
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