Blackfoot River Facts

Location:

The Blackfoot River is located northeast of Missoula.  It flows from its headwaters 124 miles before emptying into the Clark Fork River.  The Blackfoot River is considered by many to be the classic Montana trout fishing experience.  The river has a little bit of everything, from rapids to deep pools and quiet runs.

Features:

The Blackfoot River is recovering from a bad case of poisoning, caused by mining, and is doing great.  This river, made famous in Norman Maclean’s novella A River Runs Through It, and the movie by the same name, offers the fly fisherman a wonderful chance to catch large trout. 

Most of the fish in the Blackfoot River are between 10-14 inches, but a good day on the water involves at least one 18+ inch trout.  The first 35 miles of river, which runs right beside MT 200, is the least desirable.  The Blackfoot is slow and ponderous through here, and there is an issue with silt.  The next 70 miles of river are the best.  The Blackfoot flows away from the road, leaving the traffic and noise behind.  Runoff starts in May and ends in late June or early July. 

Do not wade the Blackfoot during runoff.  The river runs extremely fast and powerful, making wading very dangerous.  Trout on the Blackfoot like big flies; big, red flies.  Royal Stimulators, Red Humpies and red hopper patterns are local favorites.  Float fishing is a great way to fish the Blackfoot.

Seasonal Strategies:

The period between runoff and summer flows produces some of the Blackfoot River’s best fishing.  Midge hatches are very good during this period.  Not very many people fish pre-runoff, as the weather can be very unpredictable.  Starting in early April on a good year, Skwala stones and March Browns start hatching.  For the Skwala stones, use an Olive Stimulator or olive based streamers and nymphs.  The Hare’s Ear Nymph works well on the Blackfoot year round. 

During hot and dry years, the summer can be very unproductive on the Blackfoot River.  The water runs low, and warms up.  The best fishing is between midnight and noon.  Fall is when the Blackfoot River really shines. 

The star attraction is the October Caddis hatch.  Orange and Royal Stimulators, PMXs in shades of orange, Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, and Wulffs all work well for the October Caddis.  Get your flies in sizes 12-14, and fish pocket water, around structures, and in seams.  Fall is a wonderful time to drag a streamer such as a Woolly Booger or Zonker near structures.  Larger fish can hardly resist.

Special Regulations:

The combined limit on the entire river is three daily, no rainbows over 12 inches and no browns. 

Catch and release all cutthroat. 

There is no limit on northern pike. 

Access and River Mileage:

The Blackfoot River flows 125 miles from its headwaters to the Clark Fork River.  MT 200 runs along the river for much of the distance, affording wonderful access opportunities.  Boat launches are plentiful on the lower river. 

Special Cautions:

Boaters should be wary of whitewater stretches on the Blackfoot River.  There are several, and should not be rowed by a novice. 

Wade fishermen need to be careful when wading during high water.  The Blackfoot River is very powerful at high water and can easily drown the unwary.