The Blackfoot is in good shape as flows continue to drop and the river settles into a more dependable early-summer pattern. There is still enough water to keep fish comfortable, but clarity has improved and trout are looking up more consistently. Target soft inside seams, willow lines, bankside eddies, buckets, and slower riffle edges.

Salmonflies are still important, especially around Box Canyon, but they are starting to fade day by day. Golden Stones are becoming the main focus throughout the system, with PMDs, Yellow Sallies, caddis, and Green Drakes filling in as the day warms. Dry-dropper rigs are a strong choice right now, but straight dries can be productive when fish are tight to banks or looking up in softer water.

The weather near Bonner looks warm and mostly stable, with highs in the 70s and low 80s through midweek. Expect the best dry-fly windows from late morning through evening, especially if clouds soften the light.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• Salmonflies #4-6
• Golden Stones #6-10
• Chubby Chernobyls #6-12
• Water Walkers #6-10
• PMDs #14-18
• Yellow Sallies #14-16
• Green Drakes #10-12
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-16
• X-Caddis #14-16

Nymphs

• Pat's Rubber Legs #6-8
• TJ Hooker #6-8
• Double Bead Stones #6-10
• Zirdles #6-10
• Frenchies #14-16
• Split Case PMDs #14-18
• Caddis Pupa #12-16
• Perdigons #14-18
• Pheasant Tails #14-18

Streamers

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

Fishing should continue to improve as flows drop and fish spread into more traditional summer holding water. The Salmonfly hatch will continue pushing upstream while Golden Stones become increasingly important throughout the river. Expect excellent dry-dropper fishing over the next couple of weeks, with opportunities for both quality trout and consistent numbers of fish. Anglers who focus on softer water near the banks and cover plenty of water should find success throughout the drainage.