Western Montana

The Blackfoot River runs through Missoula and is featured in the book, A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean.

The third Saturday in May marks the opening of the “general” fishing season in Montana. This means fishing season opens on small streams and lakes that were closed to winter fishing. It also means that waters that have been open for “catch-and-release” now allow taking of a daily limit for various species. We are reminded every year that rules may have changed, and that certain areas are limited to artificial lures and flies only, and that we MUST be able to recognize the Bull Trout, a threatened species (no black spots on the dorsal so put it back).

My 25-year-old son and I both enjoy fly fishing now; he just began last year so was eager to get out and try it this spring. Early spring fishing is usually terrific, and catch-and-release is pretty much our standard procedure anyway, so opening day holds little significance except for special locations (meaning: secret) where we will be able to fish again.

We drove alongside the Blackfoot River upstream from Johnsrud Park, a recreation and State Fishing Access Site (FAS) just off Montana Highway 200, about 18 miles northeast of Missoula. This is one of my favorite stretches of water because I love the scenery and the quiet. During the middle of the week in early spring we had the place to ourselves, and so we tried seven different Fishing Access Sites up the gravel road from Johnsrud Park. We eventually ended up at Thibodeau FAS, which is also a camping site. There are a couple of well-fished holes along this stretch, but with not even one other fisherman around, we caught four 10 to 12-inch rainbows. It feels great to be out. The sun is shining, there is just a light breeze, the water is still clear, and nobody else around; and that is one of the best things about our “Last Best Place.”

ABOVE: I think this is just one beautiful river!

Note: Coinciding with the snowmelt and spring runoff, the third Saturday in May usually finds the rivers high and silty. Small creeks may be too high as well. Small lakes are usually good for opening day.

Untangling the line is something the youngsters will have to learn.

Fishing can be relatively expensive if top-of-the-line tackle is the priority, but it can be inexpensive too, and is a wonderful way to spend a day in the outdoors with a youngster who wants to spend time with a parent (or grandparent).

I would advise having hip or chest waders to fish the Blackfoot. Most shorelines are too narrow to allow fly casting from shore. As always, bug spray, sun block and a first-aid kit are insurance for a happy ending to a day on the water.

Montana requires a Conservation License ($8) for adults and kids age 12 and above. Kids 15 and over, and all adults under age 62, must also purchase a Fishing License ($18 for the season for adults; $8 for the season for youth ages 15-17).

There are many rules that we have to be aware of, and the Montana Division of Fish, Wildlife & Parks issues Fishing Regulations every year. We are now able to purchase all Conservation and Fishing licenses online at the Montana FWP website (http://fwp.mt.gov/fishing). The annual Fishing Regulations publication is also downloadable from this site.

Incidentally, one of my favorite river rafting trips is along this stretch of the Blackfoot. We put in at the Roundup FAS which is adjacent to Highway 200 where the river crosses under the highway. (see map above) Take out point is usually Johnsrud Park. Time of float depends on time of year and speed of water, but six hours is a lazy ride or, try paddling hard for four hours. Inexperienced rafters should avoid rafting during the heaviest spring runoff as the rapids get pretty rough.

How to Get Here:

JOHNSRUD FAS.Travel east from Missoula on Interstate 90. Exit at Bonner (Exit 109) and continue on Highway 200 for eleven miles. Take the Johnsrud Park Road for one mile north. There are no fees for day use at Johnsrud and overnight camping is not allowed. Drinking water and toilets are available. There is a boat ramp (only non-motorized boats are allowed on the Blackfoot).

(NOTE: Although the first mile of the Johnsrud Park Road is paved, I would not attempt to pull a trailer or drive my RV on this road beyond the Johnsrud Fishing Access Site; it is deep gravel and often washboard-rough.)

DAIGLES EDDY FAS. Two miles further upstream from Johnsrud (east), continuing on the Johnsrud Park Road. There is a toilet but no other services.

SHEEP FLATS FAS. Two additional miles upstream from Daigles Eddy. There are no facilities here.

THIBODEAU RAPIDS FAS. One additional mile upstream from Sheep Flats. No facilities.

THIBODEAU FAS and campground. One-half mile upstream from Thibodeau Rapids. Camping is allowed and the fee is $7 with a fishing license or $12 without a license. The fee applies all year round. There is a toilet but no other services. This is an undeveloped camping area with no maintained roads; therefore, trailers and RVs are not recommended. (See above NOTE about driving the Johnsrud Park Road.)

RED ROCKS FAS. Another half-mile upstream from Thibodeau. No facilities.

WHITAKER BRIDGE FAS. Just adjacent to Red Rocks. There is a toilet and boat ramp at Whitaker. No other facilities. This bridge crosses the Blackfoot River and the road continues on to re-join Highway 200 at the Roundup FAS about 9 miles upstream.

We always have great times out on the water, whether in a boat, fishing from shore or wading our way across a cold stream. This is “Montana Living” at its very best; and with plenty of grandchildren growing up around me, I will have company to take along with me all year!

Here is a full-sized version of the thumbnail image at the beginning