The Blackfoot is offering good opportunities for anglers willing to adjust to colder water and slower fall fishing. The river near Bonner is running around 586 cfs, down slightly from Friday's reading near 606 cfs. That is a modest decrease, and flows remain stable enough for productive fishing. Expect clear water and trout concentrating around deeper buckets, boulder pockets, riffle transitions, and softer seams.

Recent water-temperature reports have the Blackfoot around 44°F in the morning. The colder conditions are comfortable for trout, but fish may be less willing to move long distances for food. This makes accurate presentations and fishing the correct depth especially important.

The weekend was generally dry, with breezy conditions and relatively mild afternoons. This pattern has kept the river clear without producing any major increases in flow. The next few days should remain fairly pleasant before another weather system arrives later in the week.

Access Update: The construction-related floating closure below Weigh Station Fishing Access Site was lifted October 2. Anglers can once again plan floats through the previously closed section, subject to normal regulations and any new hazards.

Fall Hatches

October Caddis are still present along the Blackfoot, particularly during warmer afternoon periods. Large orange-bodied dries are worth fishing through riffles and along banks, especially where fish have enough depth to feel comfortable.

BWOs are becoming one of the more important hatches, especially during cloudy or damp weather. Mahogany Duns remain a possibility, and Hecubas are worth keeping available. The late-week forecast may provide better opportunities to find surface-feeding fish.

Terrestrials have become less reliable, but beetles, ants, and occasional small hoppers can still produce during the warmest part of the afternoon. Focus these flies around willows, grassy banks, and slower current breaks.

Nymphing is likely to provide the most consistent fishing. A larger Pat's Rubber Legs or Zirdle followed by a small Frenchie, Duracell, or Perdigon is an excellent combination. Get the flies down into deeper buckets and boulder seams, and slow the drift when necessary.

Streamer fishing should be increasingly productive as trout settle into their fall behavior. Fish olive, black, tan, and white sculpin-style patterns along deeper banks and boulder structure. Slower retrieves with occasional pauses can be effective in colder water.

Outlook for the Week

Monday through Wednesday should provide comfortable afternoon fishing, although cold mornings may be slow. Rain and cooler temperatures Thursday and Friday could improve BWO activity and make streamer fishing particularly appealing.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• BWO Dries #18–22

• October Caddis Adults #8–12

• Mahogany Duns #14–16

• Hecubas #10–12

• Parachute Adams #16–20

• Purple Haze #16–20

• Griffith's Gnats #18–22

• Beetles #12–16

• Ants #14–18

• Small Hoppers #10–12

Nymphs

• Pat's Rubber Legs #8–12

• Zirdles #8–10

• Frenchies #14–18

• Duracells #14–18

• Perdigons #16–20

• Pheasant Tails #16–20

• BWO Nymphs #18–22

• October Caddis Pupa #8–12

• Zebra Midges #18–22

Streamers

• Sparkle Minnows

• Sculpzilla

• Mini Dungeons

• Swim Coach

• Thin Mints

• JJ Specials

• Woolly Buggers

• Olive and Black Sculpins