The Blackfoot River near Missoula/Bonner is beginning to trend in the right direction as of April 28, 2026. While it is still running on the higher side, flows are steadily dropping into prime time fishing conditions, with the USGS Bonner gauge currently reading around 4,000 cfs at 4.8 ft. Water temperatures are also slowly climbing, sitting at approximately 43–45°F, and clarity is improving by the day, especially in the upper and mid sections of the river.

Dry fly action remains somewhat limited due to the colder water temps, but opportunities are gradually increasing. On warmer afternoons, anglers may find fish rising to Gray Drakes, March Browns, BWO’s, and the occasional straggler Skwala, with sporadic hatch activity showing up later in the day. The Blackfoot typically lags behind other area rivers in warming, so consistent topwater action may still be a bit early—but the trend is improving as conditions stabilize.

Nymphing continues to be the most productive method. Heavier setups are still necessary to get flies down in the faster currents, and both indicator and tightline techniques are effective when dialed in. Stonefly nymphs, worms, and smaller mayfly patterns like Pheasant Tails and perdigons are all producing. Focus on softer holding water—inside seams, tailouts, and deeper runs—where fish are conserving energy. As always, while flows and clarity is still dropping into the perfect late spring fishery, you cannot go wrong with a turd and a worm.

Streamer fishing has remained solid and should only improve as clarity continues to get better. The slightly off-colored water still favors larger, high-contrast patterns, fished slow and deep along structure and banks. Sculpin patterns, Woolly Buggers, and darker streamers are producing, though as visibility improves, expect lighter colors like white and gold to become more effective. The upper river is currently offering the best overall conditions, but with flows dropping and clarity improving daily, the entire system is shaping up nicely heading into a strong spring window.