Conditions:

Hoot owl restrictions (fishing prohibited 2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the entire Blackfoot River main stem - from the the headwaters at the confluence of Anaconda Creek and Beartrap Creek to the confluence with the Clark Fork River.

Dry Fly Fishing:
Despite the low flows for this time of year, dry fly action has held strong. Mornings are alive with caddis, hoppers, and a few Tricos. Midday heat slows surface activity, but terrestrials are keeping fish looking up. Hopper patterns like the Donkey Kong and Panty Dropper, along with Bionic and Glitter Ants, have been reliable producers.

Nymphing:
Nymphing has stayed consistent, thoughwe often prioritize dries during the heat of the day. Fish are dropping into deeper water to beat the heat, so focus subsurface efforts in the cool mornings or under cloud cover. A hopper-dropper setup with a perdigon, craw, or frenchie is a great bet.

Streamers:
Streamer fishing has been best in the early morning before the sun lights up the water. Under bright, clear skies, flashy is the name of the game—Sparkle Minnows have been top performers with Kreelex patterns right behind. Stick with floating lines and fish your streamers high in the column to move aggressive browns and rainbows.

Reminder:
Afternoon water temps are creeping up. Keep a thermometer handy, limit handling, and give the fish a rest during the peak heat of the day to keep them healthy.