The Blackfoot is low, clear, cold, and in a true fall setup. The Bonner gauge was last verified around 580 to 586 cfs, which is just slightly lower than the last report’s 580 to 593 cfs range. Flows have not changed dramatically, but the weekend weather changed the feel of the river. Rain, snow, and cold nights dropped water temperatures into a very good trout range, with recent reports showing about 49 degrees.

That colder water is a good thing overall, but anglers should not expect much at first light. Let the river warm a bit before judging the day. Late morning through afternoon should be the better window, especially in slower buckets, boulder seams, willow-lined banks, inside seams, and riffle edges.

Access note: the earlier construction-related floating closure below Weigh Station was reported lifted on October 5. Because this has changed from previous reports, anglers should still check current signage, FWP updates, or a local shop before planning to float through that lower reach.

The fall hatch mix is now centered around mayflies and October Caddis. There is still a chance to find a fish on terrestrials, especially beetles and ants along soft banks during a warmer afternoon, and a small hopper can still work as an indicator-style dry. BWOs should be the main bug to watch when clouds or damp weather return. October Caddis are already being seen, and Mahogany Duns and Hecubas should remain in the box through October.

Nymphing will be reliable, especially before the dry-fly window gets going. Fish Frenchies, Perdigons, Duracells, Pheasant Tails, BWO nymphs, October Caddis pupa, small stoneflies, Zirdles, and Pat’s Rubber Legs through deeper buckets and boulder water. Nymph a worm and a duracell.

Streamer fishing is a very good idea right now. The Blackfoot is built for movement, and fall weather gives anglers a better shot at moving quality fish. Try olive, black, tan, or white streamers through boulder seams, deep banks, inside bends, and soft bucket edges.

Weekend Outlook

The weekend should be much milder than the snowy system that just came through. Cool mornings will keep the early bite slow, but warmer afternoons should help October Caddis, Mahoganies, and streamer fishing.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• BWO Dries #18-22

• October Caddis Adults #8-12

• Mahogany Duns #14-16

• Hecubas #10-12

• Parachute Adams #16-22

• Purple Haze #16-20

• Elk Hair Caddis #14-18

• X-Caddis #14-18

• Beetles #12-16

• Ants #14-18

• Small hoppers #10-12

Nymphs

• Frenchies #14-18

• Duracells #14-18

• Perdigons #16-20

• Pheasant Tails #16-20

• BWO Nymphs #18-22

• October Caddis Pupa #8-12

• Pat’s Rubber Legs #8-10

• Zirdles #8-10

• Small stonefly nymphs

Streamers

• Sparkle Minnows

• Sculpzilla

• Thin Mints

• Woolly Buggers

• Mini Dungeons

• Swim Coach

• JJ Special

• Olive streamers

• Black streamers