!! Blackfoot River No Longer Under Hoot Owl Restrictions !!

!! Floating From Weigh Station Closed until October 31st

Treat Weigh Station as the Last Takeout!!

The Blackfoot is in a lower, clearer late-summer pattern. The Bonner gauge is around 749 cfs, down from the last report, and the latest verified water temperature was just under 60 degrees in the morning. That is a good temperature window, but low flows mean fish will be more concentrated in defined holding water. The Blackfoot is no longer on hoot owl, but anglers should still fish responsibly and keep an eye on afternoon water temperatures.

Access remains a major part of the Blackfoot report. 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, so Weigh Station should be treated as the final takeout above the closure. Plan floats carefully and do not continue downstream through the closed stretch.

The best fishing will be in the mornings, shaded banks, riffle oxygen, deeper buckets, soft inside seams, and willow-lined edges. With lower water, fish are still looking up at times, but they will not tolerate sloppy presentations. Dry-dropper rigs remain useful, especially through broken water and along deeper banks.

The big late spring and early summer hatches are behind us, and the Blackfoot is now in its mid-to-late summer bug cycle. Terrestrials are increasingly important along grassy banks and willow edges. Hoppers, ants, and beetles should all be in play. Late-stage PMD spinners, Tricos, caddis, Yellow Sallies, and the final drakes are the main hatch activity to watch.

PMD spinner action is worth looking for in the morning on soft slicks, tailouts, foam lines, and gentle riffle edges. Tricos may also show in calmer water. Caddis fishing can still be good when the sun starts to set, especially along banks, riffle edges, and softer seams. Weather near Bonner includes spotty afternoon thundershower chances early in the week, then hotter weather by Wednesday and Thursday.

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 #14-20
• Parachute Adams #14-20

Nymphs

• Zirdles #8-10
• Pat’s Rubber Legs #8-10
• Frenchies #14-18
• Split Case PMDs #14-18
• Perdigons #14-20
• Pheasant Tails #14-20
• Caddis Pupa #12-18
• Jigged Hare’s Ears #14-18
• Small jig nymphs #16-20

Streamers

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