Blackfoot River : Fly Fishing.gif)
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Blackfoot River : Clearwater Crossing to Johnsrud Park
The character of
the Blackfoot River changes markedly in this stretch. Gone
is the wide open valleys and gently, twisting river slowly
flowing through a thick growth of trees. Instead, it is replaced
by a rock and boulder-strewn environment, with fast current
and some whitewater. Numerous deep pools are found all along
this section. The extensive riffles and whitewater also provide
lots of pocket water fishing. Beautiful forests of ponderosa
pine come right down to the riverbanks.
 This
is the most popular section on the Blackfoot River, and is
used extensively by both anglers and recreational floaters.
So, especially on a summer weekend, be prepared to share the
water with lots of other people.
This section of
the Blackfoot River flows through the Blackfoot River Recreation
Corridor. Numerous designated fishing access sites exist on
this stretch, and access is also possible off a good condition
dirt road (Ninemile Prairie Road) that closely follows the
river on the northern side. A number of special fishing and
camping restrictions (allowed only in designated areas) are
in place on this stretch of the Blackfoot River, so be sure
to check the latest fishing regulations before heading out.
Fly fishing from
shore or wading can be a challenge on this portion of the
Blackfoot River. Lots of slippery boulders await the unsuspecting
wader, and the faster current guarantees an interesting ride
for anyone who happens to lose their balance.
Float fishing can
also be interesting on this stretch, as lots of large waves,
boulders and some short whitewater sections (Class II) can
provide for a fun float trip. It is also a very scenic float,
as the Blackfoot River weaves its way through a mountainous,
rocky and forested environment. Many beaches also provide
a great place to stop and have lunch or to just sit back and
enjoy the day.
The fly fishing
in this section of the Blackfoot River is similar to what
is found upstream between River Junction and Clearwater Crossing.
The difference is that the faster current and roiling water
allow for a more sloppy presentation. Thus, while fly fishing
conditions might be more difficult in this stretch of the
Blackfoot River due to faster current and rocky terrain, the
trout are not quite as finicky as they are between River Junction
and Russell Gates Fishing Access Site.
 Similar
to upstream, dry fly fishing and hopper fishing predominate
during the summer on the Blackfoot River. Dry flies should
be fished around the holes and in the extensive pocket water
sections. An occasional undercut bank is also found. Colorful
attractor patterns such as the Parachute Adams or Royal Wulff
(in sizes 12-16) work particularly well in the riffles and
pocket water sections. For the angler who enjoys fishing nymphs,
the Hare's Ear Nymph and the Pheasant Tail Nymph, sized 14-16,
also work well and can catch the larger fish, especially when
weighted and fished on a sink tip line in the deeper holes.
Blackfoot River
: Johnsrud Park to Clark Fork
Beginning at Johnsrud
Park, Montana Highway 200 rejoins the Blackfoot River, providing
excellent if somewhat noisy access. Several other designated
fishing access sites are also found along this stretch of
the river. The Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor ends at
Johnsrud Park, removing the special restrictions found just
upstream.
This section of
the Blackfoot River has both very large rainbow and brown
trout. This stretch of the river has lots of riffles and many
deep pools, along with many boulders lying out in the middle
of the river. When fly fishing this section, use the tactics
described above, although the larger trout will be caught
using larger nymphs down deep in the holes.
Trout fishing on
this section of the Blackfoot River ends two miles above the
Clark
Fork due to the presence of the Bonner Dam, which backs
up the river for about a mile.
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