!! Floating From Weigh Station Closed until October 31st

Treat Weigh Station as the Last Takeout!!

The Blackfoot is low, clear, and technical, with the Bonner gauge around 625–630 cfs. That is about steady to slightly down from the last report, so expect the same late-summer conditions: defined holding water, clear lanes, and fish that reward good presentations. The cooler weather arriving this week is a positive change, with Bonner-area highs mostly in the 60s and low 70s, clouds, showers, and cooler nights. That should help the morning bite and keep fish more comfortable than they were during the hot August afternoons.

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.

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, Water Walker, or ant pattern 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 day warms a bit. Late-stage PMD spinners, Tricos, and caddis are the main aquatic bugs to watch. Caddis fishing can still be good when the sun starts to set, particularly along banks, riffle edges, and softer seams.

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

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