On Aug. 5th, the Blackfoot and all its tributaries closed to fishing on the recommendation to FWP by the Blackfoot Challenge/Irrigation District as levels fell below 500 cfs.  This is one of the “trigger levels” written into the drought response plan (http://blackfootchallenge.org/Articles/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Blackfoot-Drought-Response-Plan-Revised_April-2013.pdf) wherein actions begin to take place at 700 cfs.  These actions can mean different things based on water temperatures but can include, calls for voluntary non use of water by irrigators and fishing restrictions that can run the gamut from hoot owl hours to total closure.  While the plan clearly states the goal is to maintain water rights for junior water rights users while keeping other Blackfoot user entities happy, this year, according to Gary Burnett, executive director of the Challenge,  “presented something of a phenomenon as water temperatures remained well below drought plan triggers despite the lower flows.     . . . . .As the committee revises the drought plan this offseason,  these new developments will have to be addressed”.    Both FWP and the Drought Committee have an unenviable job of balancing legitimate irrigation demands, biology and a unique land owner/recreational use compact for the Blackfoot Valley.  Reading the drought plan, Montana’s Murphy Water Rights act and understanding the “wetted perimeter” discussed in the committee document and how real live fisheries biologists suggest(ed) it applies river to river in the Missoula area will give you a better than average understanding of closures past, present and future . . . .even if “you barely made it out of High School”

The Blackfoot is open today with a flow of 472 at Bonner and a chilly water temp of 60 degrees.  It’s going to take the fatties awhile to get motivated in the cooler water so your best bet on dries will be to hit the water a bit later.  Oversized yellow stimis work about as well as anything in the cold and windy conditions.  Steamers may be a better gig for you in the clouds today than they have been in the sun, but your best bet all day, especially if the wind kicks up, is liable to be tandem nymph rigs.