The Blackfoot River near Missoula/Bonner is BrownTown USA. Flows have jumped to 5000 CFS and with that the clarity has seriously decreased. I don't know for sure what is causing this mud but Monture Creek has historically been the culprit due to the landslide in the drainage a few years ago. The Upper Blackfoot near Helmville has seen a bump to about 1000 CFS which is pretty high for up there. This GD sun is just irradicating our seemingly dismal snowpack, creating an odd environment of on and off fishing. If you're planning to fish the Blackfoot this week, bring your worms.

Dry fly action remains somewhat limited due to the colder water temps, but opportunities are gradually increasing. On warmer afternoons, anglers may find March Browns, BWO’s, and the occasional straggler Skwala flying around, with sporadic hatch activity showing up later in the day. The caddis are just starting so check those guys in the evenings. I personally haven't see too many fish looking up but that doesn't mean they aren't. While there may be bugs, the fish on the blackfoot are still looking for a squirmy worm and a big stonefly nymph. The Blackfoot typically lags behind other area rivers in warming, so consistent topwater action may still be a bit early—but the trend is improving as conditions stabilize.

Nymphing continues to be the most productive method. Heavier setups are still necessary to get flies down in the faster currents, and both indicator and tightline techniques are effective when dialed in. Stonefly nymphs, worms, and smaller mayfly patterns like Pheasant Tails and perdigons are all producing. Focus on softer holding water—inside seams, tailouts, and deeper runs—where fish are conserving energy. As always, while flows and clarity is still dropping into the perfect late spring fishery, you cannot go wrong with a turd and a worm.

Streamer fishing has remained solid and should only improve as clarity continues to get better. The slightly off-colored water still favors larger, high-contrast patterns, fished slow and deep along structure and banks. Sculpin patterns, Woolly Buggers, and darker streamers are producing, though as visibility improves, expect lighter colors like white and gold to become more effective. The upper river is currently offering the best overall conditions, but with flows dropping and clarity improving daily, the entire system is shaping up nicely heading into a strong spring window.