The Blackfoot River is a world-class fly fishing destination, offering anglers the chance to chase wild trout in its crystal-clear waters while surrounded by breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. Flowing from its headwaters northeast of Missoula, the river winds through lush forests, rugged canyons, and classic Montana landscapes before joining the Clark Fork.

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The Blackfoot gained international fame through A River Runs Through It, the 1992 film directed by Robert Redford and based on Norman Maclean’s semi-autobiographical novel. The movie beautifully captures the art of fly fishing and the deep connection between family, nature, and Montana’s wild rivers. Though much of the filming took place on the Gallatin River, the Blackfoot remains widely recognized as the spiritual home of the story, drawing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world who wish to experience the river’s legendary waters firsthand.

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Known for its healthy populations of rainbow, brown, and native cutthroat trout, the Blackfoot provides exceptional fishing opportunities throughout the season. Missoula Guided Fly Fishing recommends the prime months of June and July, when the river comes alive with legendary hatches, including Salmonflies, Golden Stones, Green Drakes, PMDs, and Yellow Sallies. These prolific emergences create exciting dry fly action, drawing aggressive strikes from hungry trout.

As summer progresses, late July brings the highly anticipated spruce moth hatch, which can last for weeks. Peaking in the late morning, this hatch triggers explosive topwater eats, making for unforgettable dry fly fishing.

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The Blackfoot River season finishes strong with the arrival of October caddis and BWOs, offering some of the most exciting dry fly action of the year. Skittering or swinging a big caddis can trigger explosive strikes from trophy trout, making for a thrilling way to close out the season on this legendary Montana river.

 

Whether you're chasing epic summer hatches or the challenge of late-season dry fly fishing, the Blackfoot delivers an unforgettable experience for anglers of all skill levels. Missoula Guided Fly Fishing and outfitter Chase Harrison look forward to sharing this incredible river with you.