Blackfoot River Fishing Report, June 20, 2026

2026-06-20 (June 20, 2026)

Regional summary

Western Montana is into real early summer fishing now. The rivers have paid spring's toll of high water, and the payout is under way: flows keep dropping across the region, clarity improves by the day, and the stonefly show is the headline. Salmonflies are winding down (now mostly the upper reaches) while Golden Stones take over everywhere, joined by Green Drakes, PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and caddis filling the dry fly windows. Big bug dry dropper fishing is the dominant game on all four rivers. Rock Creek and the Blackfoot are the standout dry fly options; the Bitterroot is the safest all-around bet; the Clark Fork has turned the corner and is fishing well. Warm afternoons are in the forecast, so fish the late morning through early afternoon window and watch water temperatures.

At a glance: Slightly off color | ~59°F midday | ~2,600 to 3,000 CFS at Bonner | Grizzly Hackle quality rating: 5/5 | Missoulian Angler rating: 4/5 | Best window: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Blackfoot has dropped into prime fishing shape. Clarity is good and the fishing has been stellar throughout the river. Salmonflies are still the big story, coming off in Box Canyon and getting fish looking up for the larger dries, though they seem to be dwindling day by day. Golden Stones grow more important each day, and PMDs, Green Drakes, Yellow Sallies, and caddis round out the bug activity. Fish are spreading into better summer holding water along banks, willow lines, soft inside seams, slow bankside eddies, and softer riffles, with early and late windows and cloudy periods extending the surface bite.

Best techniques

Dry dropper is the go-to: a Henry's Fork Salmonfly, dark Chubby Chernobyl, Juicy Stone, or Water Walker up top with a Sili Leg Stone, TJ Hooker, Frenchie, or Jig TNT PMD underneath. PMDs will hatch in the slower water and on foam lines. Nymphing stays most consistent early or under high sun, where Yuk Bugs, Double Bead Stones, Pat's Rubber Legs, Shuck Its, Hare's Ears, and Jig PTs all produce. Streamers cover water efficiently: dead drift or strip Sparkle Minnows, Kreelex Minnows, Mini Dungeons, Peanut Envy, Sculpzilla, and Woolly Buggers through deeper buckets and shaded banks.

Hatches

Salmonflies (#4 to #6), Golden Stones (#6 to #10), Green Drakes, PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and caddis.

The Fly Box

Nymphs: Zirdles, Psycho May, Split Case PMDs, Duracells, Prince Nymphs

Dries: Dancin Rickys, Emma's Stones, Fools Golds, Purple Haze, Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis, On Point Para Wulff, Flash Cripple, Film Critic

Streamers: Swim Coach, Thin Mint, JJ Special

Outlook. Near Ovando, weekend temps in the 70s with sun and a few clouds, climbing into the high 70s and possibly the 80s next week. As flows keep dropping and clarity holds, the Blackfoot should keep fishing well. The salmonflies are not inclined to wait for anyone's free weekend, so get in on them now; expect excellent dry dropper fishing for the next couple of weeks as Golden Stones take over.

Sources and Thanks

Shop	Report date	Coverage
Blackfoot River Outfitters	June 19, 2026	Blackfoot
Kingfisher Fly Shop	June 19, 2026	All four rivers
Grizzly Hackle	June 13, 2026	All four rivers
The Missoulian Angler	June 12, 2026	All four rivers (about one week stale)
Lightweight Fly Shop	June 14, 2026	All four rivers