Fishing the Blackfoot River
River days, mountain lakes and room to settle in back at camp.
Fishing
The Blackfoot brings anglers to the valley, but there’s more than one way to spend a fishing day around Lincoln. Make an evening cast at a public access point in town, explore a lake or bring a rod along on a longer hike.
Stay a few days and you don’t have to choose just one. Start with the access information below, then pick the water that interests you.
Local tips from Matt and Nichole, owners of Lost Moose Meadows.
Quick facts
- River proximity
- About a quarter mile from camp. Recommended public access is a short drive away at Lincoln Community River Park.
- Fish
- Cutthroat, rainbow, brown and brook trout.
- Fishing options
- The Blackfoot River, tributary streams and mountain lakes.
- Best times
- June hatches, summer evenings and quiet fall days.
- Licenses
- See Montana FWP for current fishing license requirements.
Where to get on the river
Our recommended public access near town is Lincoln Community River Park, a 9.5 acre park on the south bank of the Blackfoot, just below the Stemple Pass Road bridge.
From the campground, drive east on Highway 200 into Lincoln, then turn south on Stemple Pass Road toward the bridge.
The river is close to Lost Moose Meadows, but there is no direct public access from the campground. Please use established access points and respect private property.
Directions to public river access →About the Blackfoot
The Blackfoot River flows approximately 132 miles from its headwaters near Lincoln to its meeting with the Clark Fork River at Bonner. Along the way, it passes through mountain valleys, ranch country and canyons, offering different experiences from one stretch to the next.
Around Lincoln, the river is smaller and more intimate, with riffles, bends and undercut banks that are fun to explore on foot. Farther west, the river widens out and runs through ranch country and canyons, with plenty of fishing access sites along the way.
Fish of the Blackfoot
Westslope cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout are among the fish that draw anglers to the Blackfoot. Their distribution varies along the river, so a local fly shop or outfitter can help you choose a stretch for the fishing you enjoy.
Bull trout also inhabit the Blackfoot. Do not intentionally fish for them, and release any caught accidentally immediately and carefully.
When to fish
- Spring: Spring brings anglers back to the water as the valley warms and the fish get active again. It’s a quiet, peaceful time to be on the river.
- Early summer: The salmonfly hatch is a highlight for anglers hoping to fish large dry flies, and it brings some of the biggest trout of the year to the surface. Timing varies with river conditions, and snowmelt can bring high, cloudy water. A local outfitter can help you plan around what the river is doing during your stay.
- Summer: Summer brings opportunities to fish caddis, smaller stoneflies and, later, hoppers. An evening on the river can be a great way to finish a day around Lincoln. During warm spells, check current fishing restrictions before heading out.
- Fall: Cooler days and changing colors give anglers another reason to spend time beside the Blackfoot. Bring a warm layer, leave time to enjoy the setting and make the most of the daylight.
Rivers and creeks
The Blackfoot is the best known name, but its tributaries are some of the prettiest water in the valley.
Lincoln Community River Park
In LincolnOur recommended public access near town, just below the Stemple Pass Road bridge. It’s a great spot for an evening cast when you want some time beside the Blackfoot without planning a long drive.
The Blackfoot toward Missoula
West along Highway 200Explore another stretch of the river as you head west through the valley. Use Montana FWP’s access map to find an established fishing access site. Explore public fishing access
Landers Fork
East of LincolnLanders Fork comes down from the Scapegoat Wilderness and joins the Blackfoot near Lincoln. The upper stretches are cold, clear and a great place to look for cutthroat. Indian Meadows is a good starting point for trail access into the upper country.
North Fork of the Blackfoot
Near OvandoThe North Fork flows out of the Scapegoat Wilderness through a rugged canyon before joining the Blackfoot near Ovando. The trail toward North Fork Falls follows it upstream, making it a great outing that combines time on the trail with time beside the river.
Monture Creek
Near OvandoA classic small stream that runs about 24 miles down from the Bob Marshall country, with riffles, pools and easy wading. Use a public access point, since much of the land along it is private.
Lakes
A lake day offers a different pace from moving water. Bring what you need, find your spot and leave time to enjoy the surroundings as well as the fishing.
Browns Lake
West toward OvandoBrowns Lake is a good option for a lake outing west of Lincoln. Reach the public fishing access site from Highway 200 east of Ovando, followed by approximately 3.5 miles south on the signed county road. Browns Lake access information
Coopers Lake
Northwest of LincolnA pretty forest lake of about 200 acres, stocked with westslope cutthroat, Coopers Lake makes a great destination for a day in the mountains. There’s a boat launch at Big Nelson Campground, and it’s a nice lake for a canoe, kayak or float tube.
If you enjoy riding as well as fishing, see our UTV guide for the Coopers Lake outing.
Upsata Lake
Near Clearwater JunctionFor a change from trout fishing, try Upsata Lake, which supports largemouth bass, yellow perch and northern pike.
The public fishing access site has a gravel boat ramp. From Highway 200 at milepost 38, follow Woodworth Road north approximately four miles. Upsata Lake access information
Heart Lake
Scapegoat Wilderness, reached on footHeart Lake makes the walk part of the fishing trip. Tucked into the Scapegoat Wilderness, it’s home to Arctic grayling and westslope cutthroat. From Indian Meadows Trailhead, the route is approximately 4.8 miles each way, or 9.6 miles round trip. Montana FWP describes it as moderately difficult.
Make this the main outing of your day, with time for the trail, the lake and the return walk.
- Trailhead
- Indian Meadows Trailhead
- Hiking distance
- Approximately 9.6 miles round trip
- Access
- Travel east from Lincoln on Highway 200 to Copper Creek Road, then follow the signs to Indian Meadows Trailhead. Heart Lake route and access information
Before you head to the water
Confirm your access point, check licenses and regulations, and save your directions before leaving reliable cell service.
Bringing a boat, raft or float tube? Check Montana’s current watercraft requirements and allow time for inspections where required.
Water conditions can change quickly. Choose a place and approach that suit your experience, especially when wading.
Fishing licenses and requirements · Watercraft inspection information
Keep exploring
More to see and do
Open April 15 to October 15
Make time for the water.
Spend a day on the river or beside a mountain lake, then settle back into your site at Lost Moose Meadows. There’s room for your RV, your chairs and another day of fishing.