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The Blackfoot River Fishing Report

The Blackfoot River Fishing Report

Conditions At-a-glance

Our Report

Tip of the Week:

What's better than fishing a streamer? Well... fishing two streamers, of course! For starters, you're going to want to make sure you have some trusted single hook streamers on deck for this one. Here in Montana, we aren't allowed to use enough hooks to run a double articulated streamer rig. You'll want a short and stout leader to make sure you can turn over both flies, ideally somewhere in the 4-8ft range and tapered down to no smaller than about 1X. Rig up your first streamer using a clinch knot to tie it on. Using about three feet of tippet, attach your second streamer to the bend of the hook on your first fly with a clinch knot. Using the tippet you just attached to the first fly, tie on your second streamer using a non-slip mono loop for a swimmy presentation. That's about as complicated as you need to make it, but if you want to learn more about this strategy we'll leave it to our friends over at Orvis, they've got a great article on different ways you can adapt this idea to your own applications. Check it out here: https://news.orvis.com/fly-fishing/classic-pro-tips-tandem-streamer-rigs-fall-trout?adv=587694&cm_mmc=Google-_-All-_-orvisnonbrand-_-170789342129-_-&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw68K4BhAuEiwAylp3khlNtNekXcZ4Vdt_47-sI_Ij29q7kiXG3DS8Py_hwXq6lPn_htaykhoC9a0QAvD_BwE

7 Day Outlook: 

This week in the Blackfoot Corridor, the forecast says it's going to be getting below freezing a few nights and staying cooler during the daytime than here in Missoula or down in the Bitterroot. It's looking like the Blackfoot Corridor won't get nearly as much rain as surrounding areas but what it lacks in precipitation will be replaced with a bit stronger wind, it seems.

Best Techniques:

In the Blackfoot Corridor, fishing has been a bit slower than we'd like but that hasn't stopped us from enjoying the beautiful fall weather from on the river. This past week, anglers didn't see as many dry fly eaters but nymphing and streamer fishing were productive. With the change in weather we may see more Blue Winged Olives this week. Keep an eye out for BWOs during late morning and early afternoon. In the evenings, keep your eyes peeled for October Caddis as well, they've been out there! Make sure to stop by and grab some of our new October Caddis and BWO patterns so you're well prepared! If you're nymphing, fish smaller mayfly nymphs, stonefly nymphs, and larger caddis pupa patterns. If you're fishing streamers, make sure you're fishing darker colored flies on those cloudy days. Olive and black streamers are a good bet in these conditions.

*Traveling or in a hurry?  Let our knowledgeable staff pick a fly selection for you!

*The Online Store is updated daily!  Check it out!

*Call us for up to the minute updates at 406.542.7411 or if you are in the area stop in for all your Orvis gear and the right bugs. 

DRIES
Para. Adams Sparkle Purple #12-18
Clook's Beefcake Hecuba #12
Morrish October Caddis Adult #12
Mahogany Sparkle Dun #14-16
Parachute BWO #18-20
Missing Link BWO #13-20

NYMPHS
TJ Hooker #8-12 - Brown/Coffee
Hot Bead Power Worm #06-10
Jig Prince #8-12
Frenchie #12-14
Perdigons and Bullets #12-14
Duracell #12-16
Hot Bead Rubber Legs #8-12 - Black

STREAMERS
Lil' Kim #04-08
Wooly Bugger/Thin Mint #6-10
Sparkle Minnow #04-08
Kreelex #04-06
Micro Dungeons #10 - Tan, Olive, White
Mini Ice Pick #6
Double Gonga #4-8
Drunk & Disorderly #4-8 - Olive, Black

Local Forecast

Deer Lodge, MT, USA

Conditions

Good.

The Hatch

Mostly October Caddis, Mahoganies, and BWOs.

Use these flies! You can even order online and pick up in-store

Dries

Nymphs

Streamers
Hot Spot Para-Wulff Hot Spot Para-Wulff
+3
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
A slim-bodied version, featuring a hot spot, of a few top notch parachute patterns. We love to fish these when a simmer profile is necessary to get the attention of those big picky sippers.
The Plan B The Plan B
+9
+8
+7
+6
+5
+4
$3.50
$3.50
A fly designed specifically for the rivers around Missoula. The Plan B in Olive is a phenomenal choice for anglers wanting Skwala dry eats. It sits extremely low to the water making it float very r...
Chubby Chernobyl Chubby Chernobyl
+12
+11
+10
+9
+8
+7
$3.50
$3.50
The Chubby Chernobyl is one of the most versatile and effective foam flies on the market. Changing the size or color of this pattern can help you imitate a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial i...
On Point Para Wulff On Point Para Wulff
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
This extended body mayfly dry is a must have for matching any mayfly hatch. When the trusty Parachute Adams just isn't getting it done, we switch to this fly right here. It has become a secret weap...
Stranahan's Brindle Chute
$2.95
$2.95
The Brindle Chute, from legendary Bitterroot angler and fly tyer Chuck Stranahan, was developed to match the mayfly hatches on our local waters. The buoyancy and bug like characteristics make it ha...
Henry's Fork Foam Stone Henry's Fork Foam Stone
+2
+1
$3.50
$3.50
This variation of a Chubby Chernobyl is one of Mike’s “deadly dozen.” Designed to fool the finicky trout of the Henry’s Fork, this fly will get them anywhere stoneflies are present. This pattern is...
Carlson's Purple Haze
$2.95
$2.95
"'Scuse me while I cast this dry!"... The most popular mayfly pattern in western Montana, hands down. It's capable of matching the hatch, prospecting, and being an all around confidence fly when it...
Purple Haze Cripple
$2.95
$2.95
A cripple version of the famous Purple Haze pattern. In our experience this bug works really well on Stillwater and for those picky trout during thick mayfly hatches.
Film Critic Film Critic
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
Hands down one of the best mayfly emergers in the game, the Film Critic shines on technical waters, especially spring creeks. It represents a hatching mayfly at its most vulnerable stage, giving ...
Elk Hair Caddis Elk Hair Caddis
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
This pattern is another of those you should not be without. Caddis are a staple food for trout and are available many months per year. This can be fished many different ways to elicit a strike. Dea...
TJ Hooker TJ Hooker
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
Whether the mottled tan or dark brown is better remains an ongoing guide debate.  Both work exceptionally well.  Our guess is trout mistake these for stonefly nymphs but they also resemble small cr...
Tungsten Jig Girdle Bug Tungsten Jig Girdle Bug
+4
+3
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
Whether the mottled tan or dark brown is better remains an ongoing guide debate.  Both work exceptionally well.  Our guess is trout mistake these for Skwalla nymphs but they also resemble small cra...
Spanish Bullet Spanish Bullet
+8
+7
+6
+5
+4
+3
$2.95
$2.95
One of our guides favorite nymph patterns. The Spanish Bullet is the fly to match all your tiny Stonefly and Mayfly needs. Jigged with a tungsten bead.
Hot Bead Power Worm Hot Bead Power Worm
+2
+1
$2.50
$2.50
Hot-bead worms are a mainstay in our rivers all year long but especially in late winter and early spring. For reasons unknown to us the hot bead and red color is always better in colder water.  Fis...
Jig Perdigon Jig Perdigon
+6
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
Designed for optimal fly fishing performance, the Jig Perdigon features a tungsten bead for dense weight that ensures your flies get down quick in the water column. The eye-catching design and drop...
Jig Napoleon Jig Napoleon
+4
+3
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
As a highly versatile and efficient fly, the Jig Napoleon boasts a quill body and Its tungsten material adds extra weight for getting down quickly. These quill body perdigons are lethal on the wate...
Sili Leg Stone Sili Leg Stone
+3
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
The Trusted Classic Stonefly Nymph. This pattern is excellent for imitating  Stoneflies in their aquatic form. Before the hatch ramps up on the surface, Trout are sure to be feeding below. To dial ...
Tungsten Jig Pheasant Tail Tungsten Jig Pheasant Tail
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
Another classic pattern that imitates Mayfly nymphs perfectly. This fly has been around for a long time and it's not going anywhere. This version is jigged with a tungsten bead and flash back to ma...
Jig Frenchie Jig Frenchie
+3
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
There is something about the Frenchie that just catches more fish than its mayfly nymph competitors. A simple fly that produces outstanding results. Try the Yellow version in #16 for PMDs
Blowtorch
$2.95
$2.95
"​Tag nymphs are certainly not new to fly fishing. However, in my opinion, they are highly underused and under-appreciated in the USA.​​I was first introduced to them in Tasmania back in 2007. Ou...
Coffey's Conehead Sparkle Minnow Coffey's Conehead Sparkle Minnow
+4
+3
+2
+1
$3.95
$3.95
We were fishing streamers long before fishing streamers was cool but we have to admit, Coffey’s sparkle minnow literally changed the game. There was a time when spring streamer action was limited t...
Thin Mint Bugger TB
$3.95
$3.95
If you've ever eaten a thin mint cookie, you know how good they are and how you can't just eat one. The Thin Mint Bugger comes with a tungsten bead and a tri colored marabou tail. Whether you swing...
Lil' Kim
$3.95
$3.95
It's the L-I-L to the K-I-M, baby. Cast and strip, or swing with a trout spey set up. No streamer box would be complete without the Lil' Kim. Get it in copper to keep things natural, silver for wat...
Beadhead Woolly Bugger Beadhead Woolly Bugger
+4
+3
+2
+1
$2.95
$2.95
Same as the Woolly Bugger but with a beadhead for added weight. Good for lakes and rivers everywhere, from winter to summer. Our undying love of the woolly bugger isn't going anywhere, this is on...
Galloup's Peanut Envy Galloup's Peanut Envy
+6
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
$6.95
$6.95
A lighter version of the Circus Peanut with more movement. A versatile streamer that consistently works well on various styles of retrieves.
Galloup's Mini Peanut Envy Galloup's Mini Peanut Envy
+6
+5
+4
+3
+2
+1
$6.95
$6.95
A Peanut Envy tied on smaller hooks but without losing any of the movement that this streamer is known for.
Kreelex Kreelex
+2
+1
$3.95
$3.95
Essentially a full flash Clouser Minnow, the Kreelex has proven its worth as a fish catching machine wherever predators eat small baitfish.  The slim profile and large dumbbell eyes allow it to sin...

USGS Water Charts

Specifics

Link to Water Flow Graph

http://on.doi.gov/1Tp3aKZ"

Visibility

60"+

Water temperature at mid-day

49F

Water Condition

Clear & low.

Best time of day to fish

Mornings and evenings are best!

Best stretch

Most of the river is fishing well right now, but some sections are pretty bony!

Best access point

Multiple access points all along river

Fish Species

Rainbows, westslope cutthroats, cutbows, browns, bull trout, whitefish, and suckers.

Fishing Season

All Year - Winter can be tough.

Nearest airport

Missoula International Airport (MSO)

Recommended fly fishing leader

From a boat - 7.5' 3x-4x. Wading step it up to 9'

Recommended fly fishing tippet

3X, 4X and 5X will cover 90% of our fishing applications. 1-2X is great for punching out large, wind resistant dries in high dirty water. Don't drop lower than 10lb for streamers (we recommend a 4-5' 10lb tapered leader with a sink tip fly line). Leave the 6X at home.

Best fly fishing rod

The 9' 5WT is our do it all rod. Fast action rods will be best for most of our fishing; foam dries, dry-dropper fishing and nymphing. A fast action 6WT will be useful for large foam dries, small streamers, heavy nymph rigs and punching bugs through the afternoon wind. Bring a 7WT if you plan to fish large articulated streamers.

Best floating fly line

Scientific Anglers MPX or Rio Grand

Best sinking fly line

Scientific Anglers Trout Express or Rio Predator F/I/S3

About This Water

The Big Blackfoot River is everything it’s cracked up to be.  Bottomless emerald pools, boulder strewn pocket water and diamond chop riffles all shaded by moss covered cliffs and towering ponderosa pines combine to make this the epitome of Montana fly-fishing. Thanks to a diligent concerted effort between neighboring landowners, government agencies, conservation organizations and concerned anglers, restored spawning tributaries are continually enhancing trout populations – especially those native to the river. Combining such exceptional juvenile trout recruitment with restrictive creel limits results in a Blackfoot teeming with fish like biceps. Nymphing here is just plain deadly, especially from a boat. We aren't talking about spending the day untangling two pinhead size flies spun tight with 6X tippet around a stick of soft lead and a Don King indicator – this is no tailwater. 4X is as light as we go with 1X common place and bugs often the size of small rodents. Then imagine the same terminal tackle for dries! No stress, just fun. In spite of its familiarity as the inspiration for the big screen hit, "A River Runs Through It," compared to other world class destinations fishing pressure remains relatively light.