!! Weigh Station to the confluence is closed until October 31st !!

Boats can still take out at Weigh Station, but are prohibited from putting in.

The Blackfoot is holding in a good summer range near Bonner, with flows around 1,270 cfs. That is down slightly from the last report and gives the river a lower, clearer, more technical feel. Water temperatures are warming into the upper 60s, so the best fishing will be early in the morning, in shaded water, and during any cloud cover. Fish are settling into banks, willow lines, buckets, riffle edges, soft inside seams, and deeper green slots.

Access and floating restrictions are important right now. From July 15 through October 31, you cannot put in at or float past the Weigh Station boat launch/takeout. The Blackfoot is closed to floating from Weigh Station downstream toward the Clark Fork confluence, so treat Weigh Station as the final takeout and plan floats accordingly.

The prolific late spring and early summer hatches are over, and the Blackfoot is now moving into mid-to-late summer bugs. Terrestrials, including hoppers, ants, and beetles, are becoming more important along grassy banks and willow edges. Late-stage PMD spinners, Tricos, caddis, Yellow Sallies, and the final drakes are the main hatch activity to watch. Golden Stones can still move fish, but smaller dries and clean drifts are becoming more important.

PMD spinner action can be good in the morning, especially on tailouts, soft riffle edges, foam lines, and slower slicks. Fish feeding on spinners can be subtle, so slow down and watch before casting. Tricos may also start to play a bigger role in calmer water.

Caddis fishing in the evenings can still be strong when the sun starts to set, but warm water means anglers should keep an eye on temperatures and fish responsibly. Weather near Bonner is hot, with highs in the 90s to near 100 and afternoon thunderstorm chances later this week. Earlier starts are the best move.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• Hoppers #8-12
• Ants #12-16
• Beetles #12-16
• Golden Stones #8-12
• Chubby Chernobyls #8-14
• Water Walkers #8-12
• PMD Spinners #14-18
• Tricos #18-22
• Yellow Sallies #14-16
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-18
• X-Caddis #14-18
• Purple Haze #14-18
• Parachute Adams #14-18

Nymphs

• Double Bead Stones #8-10
• Zirdles #8-10
• Pat's Rubber Legs #8-10
• Frenchies #14-18
• Split Case PMDs #14-18
• Perdigons #14-18
• Pheasant Tails #14-18
• Caddis Pupa #12-16
• Jigged Hare's Ears #14-16

Streamers

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