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Blackfoot River

Near Deer Lodge, Montana

The Blackfoot River gained worldwide fame as the inspiration for Norman Maclean's "A River Runs Through It" and remains one of Montana's most beloved fly fishing destinations. Flowing 132 miles from the Bob Marshall Wilderness to its confluence with the Clark Fork near Missoula, the Blackfoot offers a classic freestone experience through stunning canyon scenery lined with ponderosa pines and towering cliffs. The river supports healthy populations of native westslope cutthroat trout, along with rainbow, brown, and brook trout, plus the occasional bull trout. Deep emerald pools, boulder-strewn pocket water, and long riffled runs provide diverse water types, while prolific stonefly hatches in June and terrestrial fishing through summer keep trout looking up. The float through the Box Canyon is considered one of Montana's finest river experiences, combining world-class scenery with willing trout.

Species

Westslope Cutthroat Trout

Longnose Sucker

Largescale Sucker

Mountain Whitefish