The Blackfoot River is still hovering around a toasty 67 degrees during the day. The entire river remains under hoot owl restrictions and likely will be for some time. 

If you're heading up the Blackfoot to fish this week, keep in mind the stress levels of the fish. Even in the early mornings, they have very little time to recover. Here at The Kingfisher, we recommend fishing with single dry flies only—no nymph droppers. Any fish willing to rise to the surface is likely healthier and less stressed. Those clinging to the bottom are trying to take shelter and rest. These fish, sheltering in cooler waters, are even more susceptible to the stuggles after being caught, and are better left alone. 

The middle and upper sections of the Blackfoot have been fishing exceptionally well on the surface, while the lower stretches have been inundated with floaters and tubers.

Most fish are keying in on smaller mayflies like trico spinners and size 18 PMDs. Classic Rusty Spinners and Sparkle Duns are perfect options for targeting feeding fish in slow, eddied water. Larger caddis have also been spotted, with tan Goddard Caddis working well on the surface. 

Hoppers are still abundant along the riverbanks, along with plenty of flying ants. Sparkle Ants and Morrish Hoppers in smaller sizes have been productive tight to undercut banks. 

Hoppers are still being seen in mass on the river banks along with plenty of flying ants. Sparkle ants and morish hoppers in smaller sizes have been great up against the undercut banks.