Blackfoot River Fishing, Lincoln MT

Fishing

Made famous by Norman Maclean’s A River Runs Through It, the Blackfoot is one of Montana’s best known trout streams. It begins right up here in the upper valley.

A lot of our guests plan their whole trip around the river. Others head to the river with a rod after dinner to see what’s biting. Either way, it’s easy to get some time on the water.

Local tips from Matt and Nichole, owners of Lost Moose Meadows.

Quick facts

River proximity: About ¼ mile from camp. Recommended public access is a short drive away at Lincoln Community River Park.
Fish: Cutthroat, rainbow, brown and brook trout
Best months: July to mid October
License: Montana fishing license required

Where to get on the river

Closest recommended public access: Lincoln Community River Park, a 9.5 acre public park on the Blackfoot River just below the Stemple Pass Road bridge in Lincoln.

From the campground: Drive east on Highway 200 into Lincoln, then turn south on Stemple Pass Road to the bridge over the Blackfoot. It’s a short drive.

Before you go: Please reach the river only from public access points like the River Park, and don’t cross private property to get to the water. Check FWP regulations and current fishing restrictions first.

Directions to public river access →

About the Blackfoot

The Blackfoot starts at the Continental Divide about 10 miles northeast of Lincoln and runs roughly 75 miles west, where it joins the Clark Fork near Missoula. It’s a cold, fast river with plenty of deep holes, which makes it great trout habitat. Its canyons and valleys were carved by the huge Ice Age floods of Glacial Lake Missoula.

Up here near Lincoln the river is smaller and more intimate than the stretches downstream, with riffles, bends, and undercut banks that are fun to explore on foot.

What you can catch

Westslope cutthroat trout, Montana’s state fish and a beautiful native.
Rainbow trout and brown trout, both common throughout the river.
Bull trout also live in the Blackfoot. They’re a protected species, so check the current regulations and release them quickly and carefully.

When to fish

Spring (April and May): Before the snowmelt really gets going, there can be some good early fishing on warmer days.
Runoff (late May and June): The river usually runs high, fast, and off color. This is a great time to try the mountain lakes instead.
Summer (July and August): Water levels drop and clear, and this is prime time for most anglers. Early mornings and evenings are best on hot days.
Fall (September and October): Cooler weather, fewer people, and fall colors along the banks. One of our favorite times to be on the water.

Summer evenings on the river, taken by a guest.

Rivers and creeks

The Blackfoot is the big name, but the streams that feed it are some of the prettiest water in the valley. Many of them are also spawning water for bull trout, so they can have their own seasons and may close in low water. Check the regulations for each one before you go.

Lincoln Community River Park

In Lincoln

The closest recommended public access to the Blackfoot, just below the Stemple Pass Road bridge. A great place for an evening cast.

Access sites along Highway 200

East and west of town

There are several spots along the highway to reach the river, for both wading and floating.

Landers Fork

Just east of town

A cold, clear stream that comes down out of the Scapegoat Wilderness and joins the Blackfoot near Lincoln. Follow Copper Creek Road toward Indian Meadows to reach the upper stretches, where cutthroat trout are the main catch.

North Fork of the Blackfoot

Near Ovando

Flows out of the Scapegoat Wilderness through a rugged canyon before meeting the main river west of Ovando. The upper river is a beautiful place to chase cutthroat, and the trail to North Fork Falls follows it upstream. The lower stretch can close in low water to protect bull trout.

Monture Creek

Near Ovando

A classic small stream that runs about 24 miles from the Bob Marshall country down to the Blackfoot near Ovando. Riffles and pools, easy wading, and brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout. Forest Service Road 107 follows it north from Highway 200.

The lower Blackfoot

Toward Missoula

Farther downstream, the river runs through a pretty canyon with more access sites. Worth the drive for a day on the water.

Lakes

Lakes are a great option in June when the rivers are high, and a nice change of pace any time.

Browns Lake

West toward Ovando

Known for big rainbow trout, and FWP stocks it every year. There’s a fishing access site with a boat ramp and camping. It’s just off Highway 200, about 7 miles east of Ovando. Watch for the sign. The marshes around the lake are great for bird watching too.

Coopers Lake

Northwest of Lincoln

A pretty forest lake of about 200 acres with brook trout and cutthroat. There’s no boat ramp, so it’s best for a canoe, a float tube or fishing from shore. See our UTV guide for the ride to Coopers Lake.

Upsata Lake

Near Clearwater Junction

A good change from trout, with largemouth bass, perch, northern pike and rainbow trout. There’s a boat ramp. Take Highway 200 west to mile marker 38, then Woodworth Road north about 4 miles.

Heart Lake

Scapegoat Wilderness

Our favorite day hike into the Scapegoat, to a lake set in the forest below the peaks. Plan on a full day or an overnight backpack.

Trailhead: Indian Meadows Trailhead
Getting there: Highway 200 east about 6.5 miles to Copper Creek Road, then follow the signs about 8 miles
Hiking distance: About 5 miles each way, 10 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Season notes: Scapegoat Wilderness. Snow can linger into early summer. Food storage rules apply in bear country.

Mountain lakes around Lincoln are a great option when the river is high.

Before you go

Get a Montana fishing license. You can buy one online from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before your trip.
Check the regulations for the Blackfoot and any lakes you plan to fish. Some waters and species have special rules.
Bringing a boat, raft, or float tube? Montana requires aquatic invasive species inspections, and many out of state boats need a prevention pass. FWP has the details.
Watch the water. Spring runoff can make the river dangerous. Always use caution when wading.

When you’re done, camp is only a few minutes away and your fire pit is waiting. Staying a week or longer? See our weekly and monthly discounts.

Keep exploring

More to see and do

Open April 15 to October 15

Cast a line this season.

Book your site a quarter mile from the Blackfoot.

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