Hoot owl fishing restrictions (no fishing from 2:00 p.m. to midnight daily) are in effect for the Blackfoot River from the confluence with the Clark Fork River upstream to Cedar Meadow Fishing Access Site.
On Tuesday July 9, the Blackfoot Drought Committee voted to recommend FWP implement hoot owl restrictions after three consecutive days of meeting temperature criteria. The criteria was met as of July 10. Long-term forecasts predict excessive heat and continued exceedance of the criteria. This portion of the Blackfoot River receives very high fishing pressure.
Located in the west-central part of the state and famously known as the centerpiece of Norman Maclean’s novel “A River Runs Through It,” The Blackfoot River is one of Montana’s most popular rivers for recreation. The river’s outstanding natural resources, incredible scenery, and multitude of recreational opportunities all contribute to its popularity. Fishing, whitewater boating, recreational floating, innertubing, camping, swimming, or just simply relaxing are some of the activities that can be enjoyed on the Blackfoot.
The Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor is an agreement between Private Landowners and Government entities. In 2015 the Montana Fish and Wildlife commission adopted regulations for a special management section of the Blackfoot River known as the Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor. The Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor exists from Russell Gates Fishing Access Site downstream to Johnsrud Fishing Access Site.
Camping along or on the river on both private and public lands is prohibited within the Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor. As part of the Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor, FWP, Bureau of Land Management, and Private Landowners have set up a float-in camping program along the Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor that would allow floater’s the ability to camp at designated float-in campsites after first obtaining a reservation and permit to do so from FWP. The Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor also established 3 river access sites for the public to access through privately owned land, as well as permits the public to use the privately owned shoreline for up to 50ft from the river to walk and wade up and downstream from designated river access sites.
The float-in campsite program on the Blackfoot River provides opportunities for floaters to enjoy overnight trips along the river. There are 8 reservable float-in campsites.
ATTENTION: Blackfoot Float-in Campsite reservations for the 2024 float season will open on Monday, March 4 through the Reserve America call center starting at 8 a.m. (MST). The call center can be reached at 1-855-922-6768
Availability information is available online
Reservations can be made by calling 1-855-922-6768
Each of the individual float-in campsites are available by reservation and special permit only, which must be obtained in advance. Camping within the Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor is limited to the permitted Float-In camps only. Camping outside of a designated float-in camping permit within the Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor is prohibited. For more information on the Blackfoot River Corridor, email BlackfootRiver@mt.gov.
Glass is prohibited at float-in campsites. Fire pans, proper food storage, and portable toilet systems are required. Float-In camps are limited to a maximum of 10 people.
On March 10, 2005, the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission adopted administrative rules requiring a Special Recreation Permit to conduct commercial use, competitive events, and organized group activities on the Blackfoot River and lands adjacent to the river that are owned or managed by the department.
Blackfoot River Recreation Management Plan (PDF)
This management plan provides guidance to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) when managing recreation on the Blackfoot River, North Fork of the Blackfoot River and adjacent lands owned or managed by FWP.
Blackfoot River Commercial SRP Rules and Regulations (PDF)
This document explains the terms and conditions that apply to all Restricted Use Permits authorizing commercial use on the following restricted use rivers: Alberton Gorge (Clark Fork), Beaverhead, Big Hole, Blackfoot, Madison and Smith.
2025 Blackfoot River Commercial SRP Application (PDF)
The required application for obtaining a special recreation permit on the Blackfoot River.
2025 Permit Instructions (PDF)
2025 Permit Packet Letter (PDF)
2024 Blackfoot River Use Report (Excel)
Every SRP Holder must submit the following documents by December 31st.
Email electronic copy of Use Report to FWP River Ranger as an attachment.
2023 Blackfoot River Use Report Cover Sheet (PDF)
Please mail in signed cover sheet with any due payments.
Christine Oschell, Ph.D.
3201 Spurgin Road
Missoula, MT 59804
406-542-5562
coschell@mt.gov
FWP Region 2 Headquarters
3201 Spurgin Road
Missoula, MT 59804
406-542-5564