The Blackfoot River is running ahead of schedule this year, with most major hatches happening nearly two weeks earlier than usual. Salmonflies have mostly wrapped up, and golden stones are thropughout the river. Fish are still looking for big foam dries, but they’re getting a bit more selective due to sustained pressure. 

Dry fly fishing is firing right now. Golden stones remain the top bug, closely followed by green drakes. Size 10 Golden Water Walkers have been hot lately, and picky trout are still coming up for Extended Body Green Drakes.

Below the surface, trout are feeding actively—especially in the mornings or when the clouds stick around. A large stonefly nymph under a Chubby or other buoyant indicator has been the ticket. Pat’s Rubber Legs and jigged Pheasant Tails are still top producers, and you can’t go wrong with a black Perdigon either.

If streamer fishing is your game, now’s the time. Cloud cover and the Blackfoot go hand-in-hand with big browns chasing down bait. Sculpins and crawfish are on the move, making for easy targets. JJ Specials, Goldies, and Yellow Gongas are all solid streamer picks for anglers looking to move those streamer eaters.