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© 2026 Barbless.co. Flow and gauge data from USGS; weather from Open-Meteo. · v2026.10.18.2

  1. Idaho
  2. Rivers & Lakes
  3. Blackfoot River

Updated September 26, 2026

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Idaho Rivers › Eastern Idaho

Blackfoot River

Premier Idaho trout water with diverse seasonal hatches.

Recommended water137 mi · 220 kmFreestone RiverTrout fishery
View on MapGet Directions
Cutthroat troutRainbow troutBrook trout

A Legendary Idaho Fishery

Idaho's Blackfoot, above and below Blackfoot Reservoir, not the Montana river of the same name, and the timing differs. Above the reservoir the river is closed to fishing May 1 through June 30, and no bait is allowed the rest of the year. Trout limit 6 throughout, with no harvest of cutthroat.

Sources: idfg.idaho.gov

Best Season

May – October

River Type

Freestone

Skill Level

Beginner – Intermediate

Best Techniques

Dry Flies, Nymphing

Access

Moderate

Gauge stations along the Blackfoot River

Primary stations

Related stations

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Fish in Blackfoot River

Explore fish species associated with the Blackfoot River. Each profile includes identification tips, habitat notes, and practical fishing guidance for Idaho anglers.

Hatches on Blackfoot River

Review seasonal insect hatches on the Blackfoot River, including timing windows and fly pattern suggestions for Idaho fly fishing.

Regulations

Check current seasons, limits, and special rules for Blackfoot River before you go. Regulations change, so always verify with IDFG.

View IDFG Regulations

Guides & Outfitters

Recent conditions on Blackfoot River

The latest fishing conditions and hatch notes for Blackfoot River. Older reports live in the Blackfoot River report archive.

Videos on Blackfoot River

These YouTube videos have been hand-curated by our team because we feel they best represent the Blackfoot River fishery. Watch for river character, access context, and techniques that translate to your next Idaho trip.

Photos

Nearby Communities

  • Morgan3.2 mi
  • Chesterfield10.3 mi
  • Hatch13.9 mi
  • Alridge14.4 mi
  • Wolverine18.4 mi
  • Pebble19.4 mi

On this page

Overview
Flows
Live camerasAccessFishHatchesRegulationsGuides & OutfittersVideosPhotosNearby Communities

River Tools

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Map data © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap

Fish in Blackfoot River

The Blackfoot River supports 3 fish species in our Idaho fishing catalog. Browse each profile for identification tips, seasonal patterns, and how these species are managed on this water.

  • Brook Trout
    Brook TroutA colorful introduced char of Idaho’s cold streams, small rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
  • Cutthroat Trout
    Cutthroat TroutIdaho’s native trout, built for cold streams and lakes and famous for rising to a well-drifted fly.
  • Rainbow Trout
    Rainbow TroutIdaho’s most widespread trout, quick to rise and willing to chase nymphs and small streamers.

Guides & Outfitters

Fishing guides, outfitters, shuttles, and shops that operate on the Blackfoot River.

No verified providers for this river yet. Browse the full directory.

Videos on Blackfoot River

These YouTube videos have been hand-curated by our team because we feel they best represent the Blackfoot River fishery. Watch for river character, access context, and techniques that translate to your next Idaho trip.

No videos
No related videos yet.

Hatches on Blackfoot River

The Blackfoot River has 13 documented insect hatches across spring, summer, fall, and winter. Review seasonal timing and recommended fly patterns to plan productive days on this Idaho water.

Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Blue-winged Olive
Midge
Skwala
Salmonfly
Caddis
Golden Stonefly
Green Drake
Pale Morning Dun
Yellow Sally
Ant
Beetle
Grasshopper
Mahogany Dun
PeakActiveSelect a dot for timing and patterns, or a month to focus it.

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