The Blackfoot is settling into a lower, more defined November flow after the rain and snow that moved through western Montana during the final week of October. The river near Bonner is currently running around 648 cfs, down from approximately 676 cfs on Monday. Despite the gradual decrease, the river continues to carry enough water to provide good holding areas around boulders, deeper buckets, and protected banks.

The biggest adjustment anglers need to make right now is slowing down. Water temperatures are dropping with the colder overnight conditions, and trout are beginning to spend more time in deeper, slower areas where they can conserve energy. Rather than covering long stretches of shallow banks, concentrate on the buckets and runs that offer depth, structure, and softer current.

Thursday looks cloudy with occasional showers, followed by a mostly cloudy Friday. Saturday should bring considerably warmer conditions, with afternoon temperatures approaching the upper 50s around Missoula. Sunday looks cooler but relatively pleasant. This stretch of weather should offer a good opportunity to get on the Blackfoot before colder winter conditions become more consistent.

The construction-related floating closure below Weigh Station was lifted in October, so the previously restricted section is once again available for floating, subject to normal regulations and any new hazards.

Fall Hatches

The Blackfoot's hatch selection is becoming fairly limited as November progresses. BWOs remain the most important mayflies to watch, particularly when cloudy skies and light precipitation create favorable conditions for surface feeding.

Midges are also gaining importance. On warmer afternoons, trout may move into slower seams and foam lines to feed on these smaller insects. Anglers should carry a few midge clusters and emergers alongside their BWO patterns.

October Caddis activity has largely tapered off, although an occasional adult or pupa may still produce. Mahogany Duns and Hecubas are becoming increasingly uncommon, while the terrestrial program is essentially finished for the season.

Nymphing is likely to produce the most consistent fishing. Try a larger Pat's Rubber Legs, TJ Hooker, or Zirdle followed by a small Frenchie, Duracell, or Perdigon. Get these patterns into deeper buckets and slower seams, allowing the flies to drift naturally near the bottom.

Streamer fishing remains an excellent option for covering larger holding areas. Olive, black, tan, and white streamers can produce fish around boulder pockets, undercut banks, and deep inside bends. As the water cools, experiment with slower retrieves and longer pauses.

Weekend Outlook

Saturday's warmer temperatures should make for pleasant afternoon fishing, although the best bite may not develop until the water warms. Sunday will be cooler and may favor nymphing in deeper buckets. Keep BWOs and midges handy if clouds increase.

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 #10–12

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