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Photo of the Blackfoot River in Montana

Blackfoot River Fly Fishing Trips

Wild Trout Fishing

Fly Fishing Trips On Montana's Blackfoot River

Step into the legendary waters of Montana’s Blackfoot River, where wild trout live, stunning 
scenery, and incredible fly fishing await. Whether you're into dry fly fishing, droppers, or seeing fish attack a streamer our guided Blackfoot River fly fishing trips cater to all skill levels.

Let expert guides take you through every riffle and run for an unforgettable experience. If you are envisioning the ideal freestone river for fly fishing, the Blackfoot would be it.

After experiencing this river, it's clear why Norman Maclean chose to write about it in his classic, A River Runs Through It. With its cold, clear waters and breathtaking scenery, the Blackfoot River offers an authentic Montana fishing experience that should be on every angler's list.


As the Bitterroot explodes with popularity in the spring the Blackfoot’s time to shine is in June, when the river banks are lush with stoneflies. When flows drop and the river starts to clear to a murky green coloration, trout begin to feed on its banks.

 

The river provides a healthy population of rainbow and cutthroat trout. Big brown trout also can be found in these water. All of these fish are prey to the river’s bull trout that lurk in the depths. It’s not uncommon to see a three foot bull trout chasing the 16” rainbow that is on the end of your line. The Blackfoot River is the most popular of our rivers due to its isolation and deep forested landscape.

Fly Fishing the Blackfoot River
Blackfoot River Fishing Seasons and Hatches

Blackfoot River Early Season Fishing (March to April):
As the coldest drainage in the region, the Blackfoot takes the longest to become fishable each year. During the colder months of March and April, nymphs and streamers are the go-to options. When the weather warms up, you’ll find opportunities with blue-winged olives and small stone flies.
 
Blackfoot River Spring to Early Summer Fishing (May to June):
The river usually provides the best fishing from early to late June when stone flies are plentiful. The banks are lined with willows teeming with salmon flies. Large flies are key to enticing the fat cutthroats eager to feed.

Blackfoot River Mid to Late Summer Fishing (July to August)
:
As river flows decrease through June, fish shift from the willow-lined banks to the deeper, emerald waters. In July, the Blackfoot remains productive with nocturnal stones and hoppers.

Blackfoot River Fall Fishing (September to October)
:
As fall approaches and the nights lengthen, mayflies reappear on cloudy September and October days. Fishing during this period can be exceptional with October caddis, which often elicit explosive strikes.

Salmon flies on the Blackfoot River
Why Fish the Blackfoot River With Us?

Whether you enjoy fishing big dries, hopper-dropper setups, or streamers, the Blackfoot has it all. Our experienced guides know the river intimately and will tailor your trip to match your preferred fishing style, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Blackfoot River Gallery
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