!! 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 712 cfs, down from 749 cfs in the last report, with morning water temperature around 60.6°F. That is still a decent morning temperature, but the lower flow means trout are settling into more defined holding water. Focus on early starts, shaded banks, riffle oxygen, deeper buckets, soft inside seams, and willow-lined edges.

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 to the confluence of the Clark Fork, so Weigh Station should be treated as the final takeout above the closure.

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, and willow shade. Hoppers, ants, and beetles should all be in play. 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 warms into the 90s by Thursday and Friday, so fish early and keep fish wet.

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