!! Floating From Weigh Station Closed until October 31st

Treat Weigh Station as the Last Takeout!!

The Blackfoot is low, clear, and technical. The Bonner gauge is around 641 cfs, down from 634–712 cfs in recent reports depending on the previous check, and the latest morning water temperature was about 61.7 degrees. That is still a reasonable morning temperature, but the river is low enough that fish are concentrated in more defined holding water. Focus on early starts, shaded banks, riffle oxygen, deeper buckets, soft inside seams, and willow-lined edges.

The main access note remains the lower river floating closure. From July 15 through October 31, you cannot put in at or float past the Weigh Station boat launch/takeout. The Blackfoot is closed to floating from Weigh Station to the confluence of the Clark Fork, so Weigh Station should be treated as the final takeout above the closure. Plan floats carefully and do not continue downstream through that closed lower section.

No stretches of this river are under hoot owl restrictions, but anglers should still be mindful of warm afternoon water and handle trout carefully. The big late spring and early summer hatches are behind us, and the Blackfoot is now in a mid-to-late summer hatch cycle. Terrestrials are increasingly important along grassy banks, undercut edges, willow shade, and soft seams. Hoppers, ants, and beetles should all be in play, especially when the sun warms the banks. Late-stage PMD spinners, Tricos, and caddis are the main aquatic bugs to watch.

PMD spinner action is worth looking for in the morning on soft slicks, tailouts, foam lines, and gentle riffle edges. Tricos may also show in calmer water. Caddis fishing can still be good when the sun starts to set, especially along banks, riffle edges, and softer seams. Weather near Bonner will be warm today, with a high around 92, then upper 80s Thursday. The cooler Friday-through-Sunday stretch, with highs falling into the 70s, should help the Blackfoot and improve the morning bite.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• Hoppers #8-12
• Ants #12-18
• Beetles #12-16
• Chubby Chernobyls #8-14
• Water Walkers #8-12
• PMD Spinners #14-18
• Tricos #18-22
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-18
• X-Caddis #14-18
• Purple Haze #14-20
• Parachute Adams #14-20
• Small attractors #12-16

Nymphs

• Zirdles #8-10
• Pat’s Rubber Legs #8-10
• Frenchies #14-18
• Split Case PMDs #14-18
• Perdigons #14-20
• Pheasant Tails #14-20
• Caddis Pupa #12-18
• Jigged Hare’s Ears #14-18
• Small jig nymphs #16-20

Streamers

• Sparkle Minnows
• Swim Coach
• Mini Dungeons
• Peanut Envy
• Sculpzilla
• Thin Mint
• Woolly Buggers
• JJ Special
• Olive and black streamers