Blackfoot River Montana Fly Fishing

The Blackfoot River, the star attraction in Robert Redford's 1992 film, A River Runs Through It, and continues to draw off its celebrity by attracting hordes of anglers during the summer months.

The Blackfoot River, recognized as one of Montana's 12 Blue Ribbon rivers, begins in the Helena National Forest near Lincoln, Montana, the town best known for being the hideout for Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber. This famed river travels west for 130 miles connecting with the Clark Fork, four miles east of Missoula in Bonner. Brown, brook, rainbow, cutthroat and bull trout all glide through its changing waters.

Float fishing is especially popular on the Blackfoot, especially between Clearwater Junction and Johnsrud Park where the current runs fast and patches of rapids provide deep holding pools. This section, which juts through the Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor, is wadeable, yet requires a cautious eye for slippery boulders and patience for the number of boats floating through.

There are many access points along Highways 141 and 200, some more remote than others. Dry flies work best on the Bitterroot. Though some anglers claim fly fishing with grasshopper imitations will guarantee success, especially with rainbows, from July through September.

To avoid Blackfoot's crowds consider fishing closer to the headwaters, where the brown trout are more predominant. Or, if your schedule allows, consider either fishing before Memorial Day or after Labor Day.