!! Blackfoot River Hoot owl restrictions No longer in effefct!!

The Blackfoot is low, clear, and technical, with the Bonner gauge around 712 cfs. That is down from the last report and puts the river firmly into an August fishing pattern. The river can still fish well, but anglers should focus on early mornings, shaded banks, riffle oxygen, deeper buckets, and cooler water. The middle of the day will be tough with smoke, heat, and warming water.

Access and restrictions are important right now. 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. 

The late spring and early summer hatch window is finished, and the Blackfoot is now in a mid-to-late summer bug cycle. Terrestrials are becoming more important along grassy banks, willow edges, undercut shade, and softer seams. Hoppers, ants, and beetles should continue to gain importance as hot weather builds. Late-stage PMD spinners, Tricos, caddis, Yellow Sallies, nocturnal stones, and the last of the drakes are the bugs to watch.

PMD spinner action is worth looking for in the morning on slicks, tailouts, foam lines, and soft riffle edges. Tricos may also show in calmer water during the morning. Caddis fishing can still be good when the sun starts to set, but pay close attention to water temperatures and hoot owl boundaries.

Weather near Bonner has some rain and overcast days expected but is also will also have warmer days with temperatures reachng the high 80s

What's Working

Dry Flies

• Hoppers #8-12
• Ants #12-16
• Beetles #12-16
• Chubby Chernobyls #8-14
• Water Walkers #8-12
• PMD Spinners #14-18
• Tricos #18-22
• Yellow Sallies #14-16
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-18
• X-Caddis #14-18
• Purple Haze #14-18
• Parachute Adams #14-20
• Spruce Moths #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 articulated streamers