Blackflies are used to feeding in safe places like the underside of a moose. The less you look like the underside of a moose, the better you will feel. Light colored clothing is good. I bought what I think is pretty close to the ultimate blackfly shirt. A thin, long-sleeved undershirt, oatmeal in color. I bought this one at EMS, but I'm sure they can be had from many places. I wore that shirt virtually every day on my month long trip last year. I wear nylon pants for my canoe trips, lightweight, fast drying. I wear sandals, with socks under them. Rubber bands around the pantcuffs and a little bugspray on your ankles is a good idea. A pair of gloves and a headnet, and you can be virtually bug proof.
Headnets are hard to get used to wearing. And blackflies try real hard to get under them. I once wore one tucked into my shirt, and found a line of fly bites right across my chest, at the edge of the net. I could have avoided that by applying bug dope around the neck of my shirt. I carry two headnets. The one I use most has a thin metal band that springs open and keeps it off my face. If it's not too hot out, I wear a broad brimmed hat inside the net. In warmer weather, I just use a cap. I actually have a third one, that I use as a stuff sack for my raingear.
You can cope with blackflies by staying on the water, unless it's real calm. There is a time called "bug-thirty" at the end of the day, also known as happy hour. Pour yourself a stiff drink, go in your tent and catch up on your journal. Don't come out until dark, then cook supper. I hate straining my food through a bugnet. It's no fun eating or drinking with a headnet on, so plan your chores accordingly. You can set up camp, cut firewood, filter water, portage, and don't forget hanging out in your tent. The only thing that's hard to do is stuff things in your face.
One other thing: the worst part about blackflies is the annoying way they hover right in front of your face. Use this opportunity to practice your patience. Once you've mastered the ability to ignore them, they don't really seem so bad after all. And try not to scratch.
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