The Blackfoot is moving into its early-winter fishing pattern, with trout beginning to concentrate in deeper buckets, slower boulder seams, and protected holding water. The Bonner gauge is currently around 676 cfs, down slightly from the 690 cfs reported last Wednesday. Despite the modest decrease, flows remain considerably healthier than the low-water conditions experienced earlier in October.

The biggest change has been the weather. Rain and mountain snow moved through western Montana over the weekend, bringing colder temperatures and a more traditional November feel to the river. Water temperatures have dropped considerably from September, and fish are becoming less willing to move long distances to eat.

This means anglers should spend more time working the best holding water rather than quickly covering long stretches of river. Focus on deep buckets, slower inside bends, boulder pockets, riffle drop-offs, and soft shelves. Getting your flies into the correct depth will be especially important.

The forecast calls for cold mornings and generally dry conditions through Wednesday, with daytime highs around the 40s and low 50s. Showers could return Thursday and Friday, creating better conditions for anglers hoping to find fish feeding under cloud cover.

Floating Update: The construction-related closure below Weigh Station was lifted in early October. Anglers can float the previously closed section again, subject to current regulations and any newly developed hazards.

Fall Hatches

The Blackfoot's insect activity has shifted away from larger fall bugs and toward BWOs and midges. BWOs should provide the most promising dry-fly opportunities, particularly during cloudy afternoons when trout move into softer feeding lanes.

Midges are becoming increasingly important and should continue gaining importance as temperatures drop. Small Griffith's Gnats and midge emergers can be useful when fish are feeding on the surface.

October Caddis are mostly finished, although an occasional adult or pupa can still produce. Mahogany Duns and Hecubas are also becoming less reliable, and the terrestrial program is effectively finished for the season.

Nymphing should remain the most consistent technique. Try a Pat's Rubber Legs, TJ Hooker, or Zirdle followed by a smaller Frenchie, Duracell, or Perdigon. Fish these combinations through deeper winter-style buckets, adjusting depth until you begin finding trout.

Streamer fishing may be one of the best options on the Blackfoot this week. Larger fish can remain responsive to baitfish imitations, especially during cloudy conditions. Fish olive, black, tan, and white streamers slowly through deeper banks and boulder seams, using occasional pauses or a controlled swing.

Outlook for the Week

The Blackfoot should fish best from late morning into mid-afternoon. Cloudy conditions later this week could produce short BWO hatches and improve streamer fishing. Watch for additional changes in water clarity if new precipitation reaches the drainage.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• BWO Dries #18–22

• BWO Emergers #18–22

• Griffith's Gnats #18–22

• CDC Midge Emergers #18–22

• Parachute Adams #18–22

• October Caddis Adults #8–12

• Mahogany Duns #14–16

Nymphs

• Pat's Rubber Legs #8–12

• Zirdles #8–10

• TJ Hookers #8–12

• Frenchies #14–18

• Duracells #14–18

• Perdigons #16–20

• Pheasant Tails #16–20

• BWO Nymphs #18–22

• Zebra Midges #18–22

Streamers

• Sparkle Minnows

• Sculpzilla

• Mini Dungeons

• Swim Coach

• Thin Mints

• JJ Specials

• Woolly Buggers

• Olive and Black Sculpins