The Blackfoot is fishing well as flows continue to drop into a very workable range. The river still has enough volume to keep fish happy, but it is much more approachable than it was during runoff. Clarity has improved, and trout are feeding in soft inside seams, willow lines, bankside eddies, buckets, riffle edges, and slower shelves below heavier water.

Salmonflies are still part of the story, especially higher in the system and around Box Canyon, but they are starting to fade day by day. Golden Stones are becoming the main focus, and fish are still willing to move for bigger dries. PMDs, Green Drakes, Yellow Sallies, and caddis are also active and should keep dry-fly opportunities going through the day.

Weather around Bonner looks warm Wednesday and Thursday, with highs in the low 80s, before a cooler and showery stretch arrives Friday through Sunday. The best surface fishing should come from late morning through evening, especially during softer light, cloud cover, or when bugs are active along the banks.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• Salmonflies #4-6
• Golden Stones #6-10
• Chubby Chernobyls #6-12
• Water Walkers #6-10
• PMDs #14-18
• Green Drakes #10-12
• Yellow Sallies #14-16
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-16
• X-Caddis #14-16
• Purple Haze #14-18

Nymphs

• Pat's Rubber Legs #6-8
• TJ Hooker #6-8
• Double Bead Stones #6-10
• Zirdles #6-10
• Frenchies #14-16
• Split Case PMDs #14-18
• Green Drake Nymphs #10-12
• Caddis Pupa #12-16
• Perdigons #14-18
• Pheasant Tails #14-18

Streamers

• Sparkle Minnows
• Swim Coach
• Mini Dungeons
• Peanut Envy
• Sculpzilla
• Thin Mint
• Woolly Buggers
• JJ Special
• Olive and black articulated streamers

Fishing should continue to improve as flows drop and fish spread into more traditional summer holding water. The Salmonfly hatch will continue pushing upstream while Golden Stones become increasingly important throughout the river. Expect excellent dry-dropper fishing over the next couple of weeks, with opportunities for both quality trout and consistent numbers of fish. Anglers who focus on softer water near the banks and cover plenty of water should find success throughout the drainage.