!! Blackfoot River from Cedar Meadows FAS to COnfluence of Clark Fork is on Hoot Owl !!

!! 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 in low, clear summer shape, with the Bonner gauge around 987 cfs. Flows are down from the last report, and the river is becoming more technical. There is still fishable water, but anglers should focus on mornings, shade, riffle oxygen, deeper buckets, and cooler sections. The middle of the day will be tougher with hot, smoky weather and warming water.

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 to the confluence of the Clark Fork. Treat Weigh Station as the last takeout above the closure and plan floats carefully. The Blackfoot is also under hoot owl restrictions from Cedar Meadows to the confluence of the Clark Fork, which means no fishing from 2:00 PM to midnight in that reach.

The late spring and early summer hatch window is over, and the Blackfoot is now in a mid-to-late summer bug cycle. Terrestrials are becoming more important along grassy banks, willow edges, and undercut shade. Hoppers, ants, and beetles should continue to gain importance as the hot weather builds. Late-stage PMD spinners, Tricos, caddis, Yellow Sallies, and the last of the drakes are the bugs to watch.

PMD spinner action is worth looking for in the morning on slicks, tailouts, foam lines, and soft riffle edges. Tricos may also show in calmer water during the morning. Caddis fishing can still be good when the sun starts to set, but pay close attention to water temperatures and hoot owl boundaries.

Weather near Bonner is hot, smoky, and dry, with highs in the 90s and poor air quality. Fish early, handle trout gently, and avoid stressing fish during the heat.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• Hoppers #8-12
• Ants #12-16
• Beetles #12-16
• 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