6/26/2026: Blackfoot River Fishing Report
2026-06-26 (June 26, 2026)
Regional summary
Western Montana has settled into a strong early-summer window. Runoff is receding across the region, flows are dropping into workable summer shape, and the salmonfly show is winding down (a few stragglers linger in the upper Blackfoot canyon and high in the Rock Creek drainage). Golden Stones are now the headline big bug, with PMDs, Green Drakes, Yellow Sallies, and caddis all in the mix. Dry-dropper is the dominant method everywhere. Watch the forecast: afternoon highs push near 90°F midweek before cooler weather and thunderstorms arrive Friday and Saturday. Fish early; carry a thermometer.
At a glance: Dropping into prime shape | slightly off color | ~59°F midday | ~2,400 CFS near Bonner | GH rating: 5/5 | Best window: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Float hazard, upper river (FWP floater advisory, 6/25). Unload and walk your boat through the "Strainer Tree Area" roughly one mile below Harry Morgan campground (near 46.98791, -113.11272). Numerous strainer accidents and hung-up boats have been reported in recent weeks. Keep hands on the oars and stay vigilant.
The Blackfoot has dropped into prime fishing shape. It still carries enough volume to keep fish happy but is far more approachable than during runoff, clarity has improved, and trout are looking up along banks, willow lines, soft inside seams, buckets, and riffle edges. Salmonflies are dwindling day by day (still possible up in the canyon), and Golden Stones are now the main event.
Best techniques
- Dry-dropper is the ticket: a Henry's Fork Salmonfly, dark Chubby Chernobyl, or Juicy Stone up top with a Sili Leg Stone, TJ Hooker, Frenchie, or Jig TNT PMD underneath.
- Target soft inside seams, slow bankside eddies, and willow lines for fish keyed on the big stones.
- Streamers are highly effective for covering water: strip something flashy like a Sparkle Minnow or Kreelex.
Hatches
Salmonflies fading (canyon and upper river only), Golden Stones now dominant, PMDs in slower water and on foam lines, Green Drakes showing, Yellow Sallies building, and caddis in the evenings.
The Fly Box
Nymphs: Pat's Rubber Legs, TJ Hooker, Sili Leg Stone, Double Bead Stone, Zirdle Bug, Yuk Bug, Frenchie, Jig TNT PMD, Split Case PMD, Jig PT
Dries: Henry's Fork Salmonfly, Chubby Chernobyl, Juicy Stone, Water Walker, Dancin' Ricky, Emma's Stone, Fool's Gold, Flash Cripple, On Point Para Wulff, Film Critic, Purple Haze, Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
Streamers: Sparkle Minnow, Kreelex, Mini-Dungeon, Dungeons, Peanut Envy, Sculpzilla, Thin Mint, Woolly Bugger, JJ Special, Swim Coach
Outlook. Weekend temps in the 70s near Ovando with sun and a few clouds, climbing toward the high 70s and low 80s next week. Cooler, wetter weather with showers and thunderstorms Friday and Saturday; cloud cover could help the bite. Great fishing should continue through the month, but the salmonfly window is closing fast.
Sources and Thanks
| Shop | Report date | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Blackfoot River Outfitters | June 19, 2026 | All four rivers |
| Kingfisher Fly Shop | June 26, 2026 | All four rivers |
| Grizzly Hackle | June 13, 2026 | Blackfoot |
| Lightweight Fly Shop | June 21, 2026 | All four rivers, consolidated |
| The Missoulian Angler | June 2026 | Fly corroboration |
