The Blackfoot is in considerably better shape following the rain that came through western Montana on Friday. Flows near Bonner have climbed to approximately 683 cfs, up from around 586 cfs in the previous report. This increase has improved holding water along banks, boulder pockets, and deeper buckets, giving anglers more opportunities to find fish outside the limited low-water areas that were productive earlier in October.

The increased flow is a welcome change, particularly for anglers interested in streamer fishing. More depth along banks and boulder seams should give trout additional cover and make some of the larger holding areas more productive.

Water temperatures remain cold, and the weather forecast suggests they will stay that way. Monday should be cool but relatively comfortable, with rain arriving overnight. Tuesday brings additional precipitation, while Thursday could introduce more rain and snow across western Montana.

The best fishing should develop from late morning into the afternoon as water temperatures rise slightly. Fish may be reluctant to move far during the coldest morning hours, so spend time working deeper buckets and slower seams rather than quickly covering shallow banks.

Floating Update: The construction-related closure below Weigh Station was lifted October 2. The previously closed stretch is available for floating again, subject to normal regulations and any newly developed hazards.

Fall Hatches

The Blackfoot's fall hatch program is now dominated by BWOs, October Caddis, and increasingly important midges.

BWOs should be especially important during the approaching cloudy, wet conditions. Watch for trout feeding on small mayflies in slower seams and soft water adjacent to riffles.

Anglers are still encountering October Caddis, and larger orange-bodied adults remain useful along banks and broken water. Mahogany Duns can still appear during midday periods, while Hecubas remain a possible but increasingly inconsistent late-season hatch.

Terrestrials are fading, but beetles, ants, and the occasional small hopper can still fool fish during warmer afternoon windows.

Nymphing remains a reliable choice. Fish Pat's Rubber Legs or Zirdles followed by smaller Frenchies, Duracells, and Perdigons through deeper boulder water and slower buckets.

Streamer fishing is becoming one of the more attractive options on the Blackfoot. Higher water combined with cloudy skies can make larger fish more willing to chase. Try olive, black, tan, and white patterns, using slower retrieves and occasional pauses through deeper holding water.

Outlook for the Week

The Blackfoot should benefit from the increased flows and continued unsettled weather. Watch clarity after additional rain, but expect good opportunities for nymphing, BWOs, and streamers through the week.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• BWO Dries #18–22

• BWO Emergers #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

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