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:

Flows are low for this time of year, but the dry fly action remains solid. Mornings are buzzing with caddis, spruce moths, hoppers, and some Tricos. During the warmer midday hours, you might need to work a little harder to get fish to rise but the terrestrial bite is definitely on. Hoppers like the Donkey Kong and Panty Dropper, along with Bionic and Glitter Ants, have been getting it done.

Nymphing:

Nymphing has produced consistent results, we suggest prioritizing dries on those hot days, as fish are in deeper holding water to escape the heat. In the cool A.M. and on those cloudy days running a perdigon or frenchie under a hopper pattern should get it done.

Streamers:

For streamer anglers, the strategy has been simple under these sunny, clear skies—go flashy. The streamer bite has been best early in the AM before the sun hits the water. Sparkle Minnows have been our top pick for both browns and rainbows, with Kreelex patterns not far behind. Stick to flashy profiles fished high in the column on a floating line to move active, hunting fish.