Blackfoot River

"Like many fly fishermen in western Montana where the summer days are almost Arctic in length, I often do not start fishing until the cool of the evening. Then in the Arctic half-light of the canyon, all existence fades to a being with my soul and memories and the sounds of the Big Blackfoot River and a four-count rhythm and the hope that a fish will rise."
- Norman Maclean, River Runs Through It and Other Stories

The Blackfoot River stretches from its winding meadows near Lincoln to the town of Bonner, situated just east of Missoula. Originating in the mountains outside Lincoln along the continental divide, this river meanders through diverse and picturesque landscapes for 130 miles before joining the Clark Fork east of Missoula. Renowned through Norman Maclean's "A River Runs Through It," the Blackfoot offers a stunning setting for your river excursions. With some awesome rock formations, canyons, rapids, boulders, and abundant pocket water, your journey along this river will be filled with excitement just do't forget to pull over and wade fish every once in awhile!. The Big Blackfoot features clear riffles and deep emerald pools, providing habitats for various species such as native Westslope Cutthroat, Native Bull, browns, rainbows, and cuttbows. It's become a popular spot with heavy use these days, but it experiences less fly fishing pressure compared to some other famous Montana trout rivers. Much of the activity on the Blackfoot is for non-fishing purposes and if timed right you may not see another angler! 

In the upper section, the river gently flows through dense forests with brushy and timbered banks, featuring numerous logjams. Take extreme caution here as the log jams are frequent and ever changing with the seasons and spring runoff. Above Lincoln, access is excellent as the river traverses National Forest land. Below Lincoln, multiple fishing access sites are available, with convenient road access from Highway 200 for most of this segment. For the day trip fisherman you'll find plenty of water with easy access from about here down.

From the River Junction Fishing Access Site onward, the river gains speed, maintaining quick to moderate flows until the confluence with the Clark Fork. The initial twelve miles pass through a broad, sparsely wooded plain, offering an ideal setting for observing wildlife, including elk, moose, deer, and bears. Flowing into a stunning canyon with whitewater near the end, the river converges with the Clearwater River at Clearwater Junction. Below Clearwater Junction, the Blackfoot enters a protected river corridor, characterized by swift currents, moderate rapids, and deep pools.

The Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor.

This corridor offers numerous access points, making it convenient for floating or wading. It includes a road that stretches from the Johnsrud Park Access upstream to just below Scotty Brown Bridge. This recreational area is well-frequented by anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, boasting multiple access points. Additionally, Route 200 runs parallel to the river in this area, offering access in various locations.

The Stonefly hatch serves as a vital protein source for fish during Spring and Summer. This includes Salmon Flies, Golden Stones, and Little Yellow Sallys. Each year, fish over twenty-two inches are caught when Stoneflies are present. Caddis patterns are successful from late April to late October. Various mayflies also hatch during the season, such as Blue-winged Olives, Pale Morning Duns, Western Green Drakes, Western March Browns, and Tricos. Use smaller dry flies in calm water and larger stonefly patterns in faster currents. Hoppers are effective in late summer and early fall. Streamers and nymphs work well year-round, especially with a sink tip line for deep fishing. Nymph fishing with a floating line and a leader twice the depth of the water is most effective.

There are 8 designated campsites in this section, with a reminder that camping is restricted to these sites within the Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor.

Glass is prohibited at float-in campsites. Fire pans, proper food storage and portable toilet systems are required. Float-in camps are limited to a maximum of 10 people.