Blackfoot River - Bonner - Montana
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Blackfoot River – Bonner - Water Flow Chart
Blackfoot River – Bonner - Weather report & radar
Blackfoot River – Bonner - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | 20-22 | Black Beauty, Zebra Midge |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | 20-22 | Griffiths Gnat, Fuzzy Wuzzy |
| March | Midges | Afternoon | 20-22 | Griffiths Gnat, RS2 |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 20-22 | Rusty Spinner, RS2 | |
| April | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 18-20 | Rusty Spinner, Pheasant Tail |
| March Browns | Afternoon | 14-16 | Hare’s Ear, Parachute Adams | |
| May | Slate Grey Drakes | All Day | 12-14 | Pheasant Tail, Para Drake |
| Sculpin | Morning/Evening | 4-6 | Zoo Cougar, Woolly Bugger | |
| Golden Stoneflies | Afternoon | 6-8 | Double Dutch Bug, Stimulator | |
| June | Salmon Flies | Afternoon | 2-6 | Rogue Foam Stone Fly, Chubby Chernobyl |
| Green Drakes | Afternoon | 10-12 | Green Drake Dun, Hare’s Ear | |
| Golden Stoneflies | Afternoon | 6-8 | Double Dutch Bug, Stimulator | |
| Caddis Flies | Evening | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| July | Trico Mayflies | Morning | 20-24 | Trico Spinner, Hi-Vis Trico Spinner |
| PMDs | Morning | 16-18 | PMD Cripple, PMD Thorax | |
| Golden Stoneflies | Afternoon | 6-8 | Double Dutch Bug, Stimulator | |
| Grasshoppers | Morning | 8-12 | Cloud Hopper, Thunder Thighs Hopper | |
| August | Grasshoppers | All Day | 8-12 | Cloud Hopper, Chubby Chernobyl |
| Yellow Sallies | Night | 14-16 | Yellow Sally Stone, Yellow Stimulator | |
| Ants | All Day | 16-20 | Hi-Vis Foam Ant, Fur Ant | |
| September | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 18-20 | BWO Cripple, BWO Thorax |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 18-20 | BWO Cripple, BWO Thorax |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | 20-22 | Black Beauty, RS2 |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | 20-22 | Black Beauty, Zebra Midge |
Blackfoot River – Bonner Access Points
The Blackfoot River in Bonner, Montana offers a wealth of opportunities for fly fishing enthusiasts from across the globe. Listed below are some of the best accessible points to fish:
- Johnsrud Park: This public fishing access site is located approximately 8 miles east of Bonner. It offers excellent opportunities for fly fishing.
- Ninemile Prairie Fishing Access: Located 9 miles east of Bonner, this site provides fishermen a chance to traverse more secluded parts of the river.
- Corrick’s River Bend: Approximately 16 miles east of Bonner, this area provides a boat launch and access to prime fishing grounds.
- Harry Morgan Fishing Access: Situated about 22 miles east of Bonner, this site is famed for its iridescent trout population.
- River Junction Fishing Access: A little farther east of Bonner, this fishing access presents opportunities for more adventurous anglers to fish the main river and its tributaries.
Blackfoot River – Bonner Fishing Spots
The Blackfoot River in Bonner, Montana, offers diverse and exemplary fly fishing opportunities. Some of the best spots on the river include:
- River Junction: As the name suggests, this location is the confluence of the Blackfoot and Clark Fork Rivers. The diverse range of fish species makes it a favorite spot for fly fishermen.
- Thiboudeaux Rapids: An exciting location for adventurous anglers, this area offers excellent rainbow and brown trout fishing amidst fast-paced, roaring rapids.
- Harry Morgan Fishing Access: This easily accessible area is great for wade fishing, offering both Rainbow and Brown Trout.
- Russell Gates Campground: Along with being a spectacular camping spot, it is also known for its abundant Westslope Cutthroat Trout and whitefish populations.
- Monture Creek: A tributary of the Blackfoot River, it’s quieter and great for anglers who prefer less crowd. Westslope Cutthroat trout is a common catch here.
Blackfoot River – Bonner Local Fish Species
- Trout – Rainbow, Cutthroat, and Brown Trout are the most common fish targeted on the Blackfoot River. These species are known for their aggressive nature and acrobatics when hooked.
- Mountain Whitefish – Though not directly targeted for sports fishing, they often get caught while fly fishing for Trout and provide an enjoyable experience with their vigor and cunning.
- Arctic Grayling – A less common, but special catch on the Blackfoot River. These fish are usually found in the quieter parts of the river and are known for their vibrant, sail-like dorsal fins.
- Westlope Cutthroat Trout – Native to the Blackfoot River and are a prized catch. They can be identified by the brightly colored slash marks on their throats.
- Bull Trout – A beautiful but challenging catch, these are ferocious fighters and one of the largest trout species on the Blackfoot River.
- Brook Trout – Known for its striking colors and patterns, Brook Trout aren’t as common on the river but are a delight to catch.
- Pike – An uncommon fly fishing target but still present in the river. Pike are long, lean, and fast fish known for their aggressive strikes.
- Largemouth Bass – Not a typical catch on the Blackfoot River but still possible to find in certain parts. They’re renowned for their fight, making them a popular species for anglers.
About the Blackfoot River – Bonner
The Blackfoot River, a treasure trove of history in Bonner, Montana, has been charming locals and tourists alike for centuries. This serpentine river, cloaked in legend and lore, has played an integral role in shaping the region’s habitat, lifestyle, and culture.
Originally known by the indigenous Salish as ‘Cokalahishkit’, the river was later renamed ‘Blackfoot’ by Lewis and Clark’s expedition. Few know that the infamous gold rush of the 1860s propelled the river into prominence.
- The river’s fertile banks became home to several bustling communities.
- It served key transportation routes during the westward expansion.
Today, the Blackfoot River still presents a vibrant picture of historical significance mixed with mesmerizing beauty. Whether its fly-fishing, rafting, or an enlightening historical exploration, this river never fails to enthrall. The time-honored Blackfoot River truly is a testament to Bonner’s rich history and enduring spirit.
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