Don’t Forget the Blackfoot

If you’re headed out this way in 2017, don’t forget to put the Blackfoot River on your list. Several of our guides – including Mark and myself – really enjoy spending time on this river. It’s the polar opposite of the Missouri, and the incredible scenery, excellent and varied freestone hatches, and diverse species attract us and a handful of our customer each year. Most folks come for the Missouri, and we get that, But we also get why some of them include at least 1 Blackfoot day in the itinerary.

We love the pre-runoff period in late April and early May, especially for tossing streamers. It’s relatively quiet at that time, and while dry fly fishing can be limited to afternoons, it’s very good. The river is typically on the low side and probably has a touch of color.

Late summer – late August and September – is another of our favorite times. Again, the river can see minimal pressure at that time, and the fishing can be  excellent until things cool off late in September. A variety of dry and dry-dropper rigs are usually the methods of choice.

This is also an excellent river to book a guided two-handed trip if you want to learn about the Troutspey game, or get some hands on casting instruction while catching some wild Cutthroat Trout. Both times work well for swinging the fly.

Call the shop if you have any detailed questions about the Blackfoot River and guided as well as DIY opportunities.