The Blackfoot continues to offer good late-fall fishing for anglers willing to slow down and concentrate on deeper holding water. The river near Bonner is currently running around 613 cfs, down slightly from approximately 620 cfs in Monday's report. This small decrease indicates relatively stable conditions, with no major change in flows over the past several days.

The river is becoming increasingly technical as water temperatures drop and trout begin settling into their winter feeding patterns. Fish are spending more time in deeper buckets, boulder pockets, slower inside seams, and protected runs where they can conserve energy. Rather than quickly covering long sections of bank, anglers should focus on thoroughly fishing the best holding water.

The forecast brings cooler temperatures and another opportunity for cloud-cover fishing this weekend. Friday should remain partly cloudy, with temperatures in the mid-40s. Saturday brings scattered showers and overcast conditions, while Sunday looks drier with temperatures approaching the upper 40s.

These conditions should keep trout comfortable but may limit feeding activity during the coldest morning hours. Allow the water to warm slightly before expecting consistent action.

The construction-related floating closure below Weigh Station was lifted in October. Anglers can once again float the previously restricted section, subject to normal regulations and current river hazards.

Fall Hatches

BWOs remain the main mayflies to watch on the Blackfoot. Although hatches are becoming shorter and less consistent as November progresses, Saturday's cloudy weather could create an opportunity to find trout feeding along softer seams and slower riffles.

Midges are becoming an increasingly important part of the fishing program. Small Griffith's Gnats, CDC emergers, and midge clusters are worth carrying when fish begin feeding selectively near the surface.

October Caddis are largely finished, while Mahogany Duns and Hecubas are becoming uncommon. Terrestrials have essentially disappeared from the program.

Nymphing should produce the most consistent fishing. A Pat's Rubber Legs, Zirdle, or TJ Hooker followed by a small Frenchie, Duracell, or Perdigon is a dependable setup. Fish these patterns through deeper buckets and slower boulder seams, paying close attention to depth and drift.

Streamer fishing remains a great way to target larger fish. Olive, black, tan, and white streamers can produce around deep banks, boulder edges, and sheltered current breaks. The colder water may require slower retrieves and longer pauses to convince trout to chase.

Weekend Outlook

Saturday's clouds and showers could make streamer fishing particularly appealing. Sunday should provide comfortable afternoon conditions for November, although nymphing may remain the most effective approach. Plan on fishing later in the day when water temperatures begin climbing.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• BWO Dries #18–22

• BWO Emergers #18–22

• Griffith's Gnats #18–22

• CDC Midge Emergers #18–24

• Parachute Adams #18–22

• October Caddis Adults #10–12

Nymphs

• Pat's Rubber Legs #8–12

• Zirdles #8–10

• TJ Hookers #8–12

• Frenchies #14–18

• Duracells #14–18

• Perdigons #16–20

• Pheasant Tails #16–20

• BWO Nymphs #18–22

• Zebra Midges #18–22

Streamers

• Sparkle Minnows

• Sculpzilla

• Mini Dungeons

• Swim Coach

• Thin Mints

• JJ Specials

• Woolly Buggers

• Olive and Black Sculpins