!! 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 662 cfs, down from 712 cfs in the last report, with morning water temperatures around 61 degrees. That is still a solid morning temperature, but the lower flow means trout are settling into more defined holding water. Expect the best fishing early, in shade, around riffle oxygen, along deeper buckets, and near soft inside seams.

None of this river is currently on hoot owl restriction, but the Blackfoot still has an important 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 downstream to where the river crosses under Interstate 90, so Weigh Station should be treated as the final takeout above the closure. Plan floats carefully and do not continue downstream through the closed stretch.

The late spring and early summer hatch window is over, and the Blackfoot has moved into a mid-to-late summer program. Terrestrials are increasingly important along grassy banks, willow edges, undercut shade, and soft seams. Hoppers, ants, and beetles should all be in play. Late-stage PMD spinners, Tricos, and caddis are the main aquatic bugs now.

PMD spinner action is worth looking for in the morning on 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. With hot weather Friday and Saturday, keep fish wet and avoid overplaying trout in warm afternoon water.

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