In this 5-part series we will share our knowledge and insights on the five rivers we fish in Montana
The Blackfoot River starts deep in the Scapegoat Wilderness (part of the second largest wilderness complex in the lower 48) as it spills out into the Ovando valley and becomes one of the most famous trout rivers in the country. Norman Maclean’s A River Runs Through It novel made this river famous around the world, followed by Robert Redford’s film starring Brad Pitt. As corny as it may sound, Montana’s widespread notoriety with fly fishing worldwide was spurred by this film over 25 years ago.
Since then, anglers from around the world have fallen in love with fly fishing through experiences on the Blackfoot. In terms of fishing, the Blackfoot is probably the most fickle river we fish here in western Montana. There are times of year where it’s just plain out not good, and during those times we tend to go to the Bitterroot or Clark Fork. But, when conditions are right on the ‘foot, I would argue it can be the best river in Montana. Specifically, pre and post Spring runoff brings out the big fish here, and they really are big. Browns, Rainbows, Cutthroats, and the mighty Bull Trout all come out to play. During these conditions, it’s not uncommon to see Browns and Rainbows pushing towards the 24” mark, and Bull Trout that push over 30”. It’s also an extremely fun time to fish, as post runoff flows typically are between 4000-5000 CFS, and a somewhat legitimate whitewater element is added to the adventure.
Top hatches for the Blackfoot are salmon flies, golden stones, green drakes and lastly, what I call the “slop rig hatch” (that basically translates to big streamers and worms in stained water). On hotter, dryer years, the spruce moth hatch can also be phenomenal on the upper reaches of the ‘foot. This is big fly water, as a lot of the time you will be using dry flies the size of your finger and nymphs at least half that size.
In addition to the fishing, many would argue the Blackfoot is the prettiest river they have floated. The Box Canyon on the upper river is characterized by limestone cliffs and huge shelf rock that comes right down to the water’s edge. The middle and lower river has some of the most amazing boulder gardens you’ll ever see, with many of these ancient rocks the size of cars and trucks. As you work and fish your way through the pocket water of the boulders, a vast and lush ponderosa and Douglas fir pine forest mirrors every bend. Although the upper river is the most well known, many of our clients prefer this middle part of the Blackfoot for fishing and scenery.
Peak times for the Blackfoot include, but are not limited to: late April, all of June, first part of July, and September and October. June is definitely our favorite and usually the most prime conditions, but those other times can be fantastic as well. If you haven’t fished the Blackfoot yet, be sure to request a day here on your next trip.
Don’t forget to buy a fishing license!
-Trevor Anderson
Owner/Outfitter, Montana Guiding Company