Trip brief · Blackfoot River
How to go fish the Blackfoot River
The months we list for the Blackfoot River are May, June, July, August, September, October. You are inside that window now, so this brief is written for August.
August
Reading the gauge…
Flies to tie — August
Grasshopper#8-12
Caddis#14-16
Ant#14-18
Access
Johnsrud Park
46.946, -113.712parking
Whitaker Bridge FAS
46.964, -113.567parking
River Junction FAS
46.986, -113.136parking
Ovando Bridge
47.001, -113.140parking
Regs — check current rules before you go
Montana fishing license required. Bull trout must be immediately released — no retention statewide. Westslope cutthroat catch-and-release only on North Fork and upper river sections. Check FWP for current special regulation waters. Standard 5-trout limit on main stem. River open year-round below Johnsrud Park; upper sections seasonal — verify current regulations with FWP.
Pack list
- A current state fishing licence
- Waders and boots you have already leak-tested
- Net, nippers, forceps
- Floatant and desiccant
- Tippet in the sizes the chart asks for
- Water, sun cover, polarised glasses
Generic gear. Anything specific to this water is above.
Full hatch chart, access map and live gauge on the Blackfoot River page →