I mean it is just muddy as all hell in the Blackfoot right now. 

It's safe to say the Salmon fly hatch has been delayed for a few days or so. Temps on the lower section have dropped to 50 degrees and flows have skyrocketed. If you are planning to fish the Blackfoot soon, target any and all soft water with a gigantic heavy stonefly and a gigantic worm fly. Be safe out there! 

It's a great time to drive all the way up the Blackfoot, far past Ovando, turn right into Wolf Creek and fish the Missouri!

The Blackfoot is starting to move in a better direction. Flows have dropped over the last few days, and that downward trend is helping the fishing outlook. The river is still big, fast, and powerful, so this is not easy wade-fishing water yet, but conditions are improving compared to the recent high-water stretch. Anglers should still use caution around the banks, avoid questionable crossings, and treat the river with respect.

With the Blackfoot still carrying strong flows, the best fishing will be in softer water. Focus on inside bends, slow bank seams, foam lines, back eddies, current breaks, and any side water where trout can get out of the main push. Fish do not need to be far from shore right now. Work the edges carefully before stepping in, because a lot of trout will be tucked close to the bank where the current is easier.

Nymphing is still the most dependable approach. Stonefly nymphs, Pat’s Rubber Legs, worms, jig-style attractors, caddis pupa, PMD nymphs, and larger mayfly patterns are all good options. Use enough weight to get down, but keep your drifts in slower lanes where fish can actually move to eat. Short, controlled presentations along the banks and shelves should be more productive than long casts into the heavy middle current.

Dry-dropper fishing is becoming a better option as the river continues to drop. A larger foam stonefly, Chubby-style dry, or attractor dry with a nymph underneath is a good way to search the softer edges and likely holding water. If you find calm banks or protected side water, there could be some fish willing to look up, especially during warmer parts of the day.

Bug activity is improving with the better weather window. Golden Stones, Salmonflies, Yellow Sallies, caddis, PMDs, and smaller mayflies are all worth being prepared for. Bright sun may slow the dry-fly bite during the middle of the day, so early and late windows could be better for surface activity. If clouds or light showers move through, watch for fish sliding into softer seams to feed.

The weather looks fairly favorable for the next few days, with warmer conditions, a small shower chance, and a pleasant stretch before cooler weather returns over the weekend. If flows keep dropping and the river gains a little more clarity, the Blackfoot should continue to fish better. It is not fully easy yet, but the trend is positive. Stay safe, keep an eye on the gauge, and focus on soft water until the river settles more.