6/20/2026: Blackfoot River Fishing Report
Summary
Western Montana is into real early-summer fishing now. Flows keep dropping across the region, clarity is improving by the day, and the stonefly show is the headline: Salmonflies are winding down (now mostly 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 great. 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, ~2,600-3,000 CFS at Bonner | GH 5/5 | Missoulian Angler 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 are becoming 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 dry-fly 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 are highly effective for covering water: dead-drift or strip Sparkle Minnows, Kreelex Minnows, Mini Dungeons, Peanut Envy, Sculpzilla, and Woolly Buggers through deeper buckets and shaded banks.
Hatches
Salmonflies (#4-6), Golden Stones (#6-10), 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 salmonfly window will not last forever, so get in on it 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 | All four rivers |
| 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 |
| Lightweight Fly Shop | June 14, 2026 | All four rivers, consolidated |
