The Blackfoot river is a snow-fed and spring-fed river in western Montana. The Blackfoot River begins at the Continental Divide, 10 miles northeast of the town of Lincoln Montana. The river's headwaters are between Rogers Pass to the north and Stemple Pass to the south at elevations of between 6,000 and 7,000 feet. It flows westward a total of 120 miles before it enters the Clark Fork River approximately five miles east of the city of Missoula, MT. The Blackfoot River rapidly rose to national prominence when the 1992 movie "A River Runs Through It" was released featuring Brad Pitt, and directed by Robert Redford.
The Blackfoot River has a large variety of species of trout including west slope cutthroat, rainbow, brown, brook as well as one of the largest populations of bull trout in the entire USA. This provides an angler with the opportunity to catch all five species in one day.
The headwaters of the Blackfoot River are not what you would expect, in fact the first 22 miles above Lincoln, contains very few trout. Starting below Lincoln and the next 25 miles down to the Mineral Hill access the Blackfoot is more of a moderately flowing stream with long pools and short runs between them and is known for brown trout. This is by far the best section for wading; while other sections are best fished by floating.
The next nineteen miles down to Cedar Meadows, is a twisting, winding section that flows on a gentle or moderate slope. This section is not easily accessed from a road because the road leaves the river, but the river can be accessed from the Aunt Molly Fishing Access. Again, the trout population remains mostly browns, few in number but they can be quite large. In the twelve mile section from Cedar Meadows Fishing Access down to River Junction the flow of the Blackfoot River increases and becomes straighter and very suitable for floating.
Downsteam from the confluence of the North Fork of the Blackfoot River and the main Blackfoot River downst the character of the river changes to a faster stream for 12 miles before it flows through the Box Canyon which is another five miles. The rainbows become more prevalent in this section and provide excellent fishing.
From the Clearwater Crossing downstream to Johnsrud Park, the river consists mostly of fast water runs, riffles and pools with occasional bouts of whitewater and huge rocks. This area is beautiful as the river flows through a forest of Ponderosa Pine and subsequently is one of the most popular sections of the river. This section contains a 30 mile stretch where the Blackfoot River flows through the "Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor." This corridor is a cooperative land agreement between FWP and the private landowners. The intent of this agreement is to allow excellent access to the river while reducing the impact from its heavy use. This section contains the best fishing and is easily accessed from several campsites, as well as several access points along the river.
Special fishing and camping restrictions are applied to this stretch of the Blackfoot River, so be sure to check the latest fishing regulations before heading out to camp or fish. The Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor ends at Johnsrud Park.
Fishing the Blackfoot River:
Dry flies are productive during the summer as well as hoppers in hook sizes 4 to 8 and other large terrestrials especially in the forested areas of the stream. These can be fished around the holes, in pocket water and near the undercut banks. Attractor flies can be used with nymphs in the 14 to 16 hook sizes. Fish the nymphs weighted as necessary to reach into the deeper holes searching for the larger trout.
Spring:
Spring is an excellent time to fish the Blackfoot River starting with the blue winged olive hatch in late March followed by the yellow sally, spotted sedges and the little sister caddis hatches.
Summer:
The spring runoff may occur as late as June, but as soon as it has ended, the fishing becomes more excellent. The pale morning dun, the mahogany dun and the trico hatches will continue into early October.
Fall:
The water level decreases in the fall and the recreational activities slow down making the fall season a great time to fish the Blackfoot River. Hoppers, beetles and midge patterns will be most effective. Winter might just prove to be fun if there are some warm day.
Downstream from Lincoln for 25 miles, Highway 141 closely follows the Blackfoot River allowing easy road access. There are no designated fishing access sites between Cedar Meadows and River Junction, although one bridge crossing on Road 124 can provide access for the wade angler. As the Blackfoot flows through the Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor there are numerous designated fishing access sites. Access is also possible off a dirt road known as the Ninemile Prairie Road which closely follows the river on the northern side. From Johnsrud Park downstream to the Bonner Dam, the river flows along highway 200, so accessing the stream is easy.