North Fork Blackfoot River

The North Fork Blackfoot River flows from the Scapegoat Wilderness through the Lolo National Forest to join the main Blackfoot River near Ovando. This beautiful tributary offers excellent fishing for native westslope cutthroat trout in a remote mountain setting. The upper river in the wilderness requires multi-day backpacking trips but rewards anglers with pristine water and eager fish. Lower sections along Highway 200 provide more accessible fishing with good numbers of cutthroat and occasional bull trout. Special regulations including artificial-lures-only protect the native fish populations within 100 yards of the mouth. The river fishes best from late June through September, with attractor dry flies and small nymphs effective throughout. The North Fork played a key role in the Blackfoot River restoration efforts and exemplifies successful native fish conservation. This is quintessential Montana small-river fishing with willing cutthroat, beautiful scenery, and the chance for solitude.