Fishing Conditions Rating: 6/10
Current River Conditions: 427 CFS Near Bonner, Temp Range 62-65 degrees
From the FWP website:
Hoot owl restrictions (2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the Blackfoot River from the confluence with the Clark Fork River to Cedar Meadow Fishing Access Site beginning July 12
Temperatures were measured at USGS Bonner Gage 12340000.
Daily maximum temperatures have exceeded the Blackfoot River Drought Management Plan trigger of 71F for three consecutive days on 7/8, 7/9 and 7/10.
On Tuesday July 9, the Blackfoot Drought Committee voted to recommend FWP implement hoot owl restrictions after three consecutive days of meeting temperature criteria. The criteria was met as of July 10th. Long-term forecasts predict excessive heat and continued exceedance of the criteria. This portion of the Blackfoot River receives very high fishing pressure.
The low flows have made float fishing more challenging, particularly on the upper river. Terrestrials have been the main menu including spruce moths and hoppers. Look for trico fishing to improve over the next few weeks. Be careful of the main river Bull Trout Spawners - It is against the law to target Bull Trout in most waters in Montana.
