The Blackfoot topped out at 66 degrees near Bonner yesterday. Not too bad and it explains why the fishing remains very good on this river. Today’s cooler temperatures will go a long way towards making things even better by keeping a lot of the tubers off the river and moderating peak water temps. The spruce moths have begun up here again. They’re not like they were last year by any means, but the fish are looking for them. Hopper/ant dropper rigs are very productive midday rig, then skating caddis in the evenings becomes the way to go. Deep droppers of a size 16 p-tail about 20″ under your hopper have been mining up good fish, too, when the dries have been stalling. The river above Whittaker Bridge is you best bet to avoid the Firestone lemmings.
1/2 OFF Fridays. 50% Off your 1st dozen nymphs and dries! Every Friday – Every Week
HATCHES: caddis, PMDs, yellow sallies, hoppers and terrestrials in general
PATTERNS: golden stones in sizes 6 to 14, whitlock sculpines in black. Attractor stuff in a size 8 or 10, elk hair or other caddis in a 12 or 14. Double p-tail nymph rigs.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Did you know that The Kingfisher is exclusively a Missoula owned and operated shop? Amazing isn’t it.