|
The Blackfoot River, located just outside Missoula in
Western Montana, is well known for its outstanding diversity
of water, beautiful scenery, and quality trout. It flows
through charming riffles, fast runs, and deep dark pools
while passing firs and willows along its route. Cattle
ranches and farmland also exist along the river which
makes for a serene float. Rainbow, brown, cutthroat,
and the endangered bull trout are all found in the Blackfoot
River. There are a few Special
Regulations for the river.
Staring its journey in Helena National Forest, the
Blackfoot turns and wanders as feeder creeks increase
its volume. The water in the upper reaches are narrow
and shallow for the most part and fishing is not at
its best until the river flows past Scotty Brown Bridge
which lies just downstream from the town of Ovando.
There are a fair number of brown, brook, and cutthroat
trout above the bridge.
Below Scotty Brown Bridge, the river begins to develop
into the tremendous fishery it is well known for. Rainbows
become predominant, with good numbers of brown, cutthroat,
and bull trout. Access becomes much easier and floating
becomes a great way to fish. |
|
 |
CLICK FOR MAP
|
Averaging seventy five feet across; deep long pools,
choppy riffles and fast runs characterize the river.
Pine and willow lined banks as well as emerald colored
water creates a wonderful setting. Floating the river
is almost a tradition in the area. Its waters consist
of great diversity which makes a float down the Blackfoot
a great experience. Rapids, long gentle glides, boulders,
and hard bends create both an easy and difficult float.
Many anglers also choose to wade fish the river from
one of the many access points found along its route. |
|
The Blackfoot is a quality fishery all the way to where
it meets the Clark Fork just below where I-90 crosses
the river. Access to the Blackfoot can be found at one
of the many bridge crossings, along side roads, and in
the Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor. The corridor
has many access points in which to float to and from,
or simply wade fish from. Inside the corridor there is
a road that extends from the Johnsrud Park Access upstream
to the Missoula County line just downstream from Scotty
Brown Bridge. This recreational area consists of many
access points for anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Route 200 also parallels the river and provides access
in some areas. I-90 Crosses the Blackfoot just upstream
from where it enters the Clark Fork River.
Hatches can be excellent throughout the year. Stoneflies
are very productive and important throughout the Spring
and Summer. Stoneflies include Salmon Flies, Golden
Stones, Little Yellow Sallies, as well as a couple
others. Large fish over twenty inches come to net each
year when the "big bugs" are on the water. Caddis are
productive from Spring till mid Fall and include a
variety of different species. Many mayflies also hatch
throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall and include
Blue-winged Olives, Pale Morning Duns, Western Green
Drakes, Western March Browns, Callibaetis, Tricos,
Mahogany Duns, and a few other less productive ones.
The smaller dry flies fish best in the flat pools found
along the river while the larger stonefly patterns
can be thrown in the harder pushing water throughout
the riffles and runs. Terrestrials, especially hoppers,
are also very effective during late summer.
Streamers and nymphs are also very productive throughout
the year. Bring a sink tip line if you plan to get
your large streamers down. Nymph fishing is most effective
using a floating line with a leader approximately twice
as long as the depth of the water your fishing. Woolly
buggers and generic nymphs are local favorites.
The Blackfoot is easily reached from Missoula or any
of the towns in the area. The closest commercial airport
is in Missoula and also one in Butte a short drive
from the Blackfoot. If your planning a fishing trip
the Blackfoot is a wonderful choice. The area also
has other quality fisheries to create variety for your
trip. |
|
|
