!! Floating From Weigh Station Closed until October 31st

Treat Weigh Station as the Last Takeout!!

The Blackfoot is low, clear, and technical, but the cooler morning temperatures are encouraging. The Bonner gauge is around 627 cfs, down slightly from the last report’s 641 cfs reading, with the latest morning water temperature in the mid-50s. That is a good sign for fish comfort, but the river is still low enough that trout are concentrated in more defined holding water.

The main access note remains the lower river floating closure. 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 that closed lower section. No stretches of this river are under hoot owl restrictions, but anglers should still be mindful of warm afternoon water.

The best fishing will be early, in shade, and anywhere fish have access to oxygenated water. Focus on riffle edges, deeper buckets, willow-lined banks, soft inside seams, boulder pockets, and shaded shelves below heavier current. Dry-dropper rigs remain a solid way to cover water, especially with a hopper, Chubby, or Water Walker on top and a small mayfly or caddis nymph underneath.

The big late spring and early summer hatches are behind us, and the Blackfoot is now in a mid-to-late summer hatch cycle. Terrestrials are increasingly important along grassy banks, undercut edges, willow shade, and soft seams. Hoppers, ants, and beetles should all be in play, especially when the sun warms the banks. Late-stage PMD spinners, Tricos, and caddis are the main aquatic bugs to watch.

Bonner will be warm today and warmer Tuesday, with highs near 80 and then the upper 80s. Cooler weather arrives Wednesday through Friday, with highs in the 60s and some showers possible. That cooler stretch should help the Blackfoot and improve the morning bite.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• Hoppers #8-12
• Ants #12-18
• Beetles #12-16
• Chubby Chernobyls #8-14
• Water Walkers #8-12
• PMD Spinners #14-18
• Tricos #18-22
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-18
• X-Caddis #14-18
• Purple Haze #14-20
• Parachute Adams #14-20
• Small attractors #12-16
• Spruce Moths #12-16

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