Missoula County, MT · Inland River
Blackfoot River
The river of Norman Maclean’s “A River Runs Through It,” flowing west out of the Continental Divide to meet the Clark Fork near Bonner. A freestone fishery for wild rainbow and brown trout and native westslope cutthroat and bull trout (both release-only), restored over decades from mining damage into a centerpiece of Montana fly fishing.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Rainbow Trout & Brown Trout — tied at the top (92/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at Blackfoot River.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Blackfoot River
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rainbow Trout Drop everything — ideal day for Rainbow Trout. In season 92/100
What's helping
- 56°F water — right in rainbow trout's ideal range
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 3
Western District streams: 3 trout daily and in possession (all species combined), only 1 longer than 14".
Source: Montana Western District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
#1 Brown Trout Drop everything — ideal day for Brown Trout. In season 92/100
What's helping
- 56°F water — right in brown trout's ideal range
- 13 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Daily creel
- 3
Western District streams: 3 trout daily and in possession (all species combined), only 1 longer than 14".
Source: Montana Western District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Montana Western District
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Blackfoot River: Montana FWP fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Blackfoot River?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Blackfoot River you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Blackfoot River?
Blackfoot River is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Blackfoot River?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Blackfoot River against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Blackfoot River have?
Blackfoot River has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Blackfoot River?
state agency regulations apply at Blackfoot River. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Blackfoot River tidal water?
No. Blackfoot River is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.