Fishing Season: Year round; Tributaries closed December 1-third week of May. Check regulations before fishing.

Flint Creek - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

40

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Unlike some of the bigger rivers dealing with runoff fluctuations, Flint Creek is at or below its normal, historic average for this time of year. This makes it a fantastic, stable option if you want to avoid the high water elsewhere. Stealth is still key on this smaller water.

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Map of Flint Creek

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Blackfoot River Outfitters

5-Day Outlook as of 4/22/26

Over in the Philipsburg valley, expect a nice warm-up this weekend. Highs will climb from the upper 40s on Saturday to the low 60s by Tuesday. A midweek system will drop temps back into the 40s with a chance of snow by Wednesday, so enjoy the sun and manageable winds while they're here.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/22/26

Streamer fishing has been good lately, and Flint Creek is no exception. Strip some flashy patterns through the deeper buckets. If you're nymphing, try a worm with a March Brown nymph like a Jig PT or Duracell. A TJ Hooker or Rubber Legs are great options as well.

Local Species Available Year round; Tributaries closed December 1-third week of May. Check regulations before fishing.

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    Brown Trout

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    Mountain Whitefish

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    Cutthroat Trout

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Griffith's Gnat N/A #16-18
Midge N/A #18-20
Birchell's Hatching Midge N/A #18-20
Bead Head Prince N/A #12-14
TJ Hooker tan 10-12
Perdigon black, red 14-16
Vernille San Juan Worm N/A #8-12
Lightning Bug N/A #14-16
Sparkle Minnow yellow and brown 12
Kreelex copper and brown 6

Griffith's Gnat

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Item #0922

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Blackfoot River Outfitters's Recommended Gear

Description: About Flint Creek

Flint Creek winds down out the Pintler Mountains, back and forth across the hay fields near Philipsburg. The meanders are so tight at times you could virtually fish two sides of a button hook at the same time. The miles of undercut grassy banks are home to wild brown trout that eagerly eat hoppers all summer long. Most of Flint Creek is private so please respect that and ask first before entering someone's ranch.

Nearest Airport:

Missoula International Airport (MSO)

Hatches:

Midges, BWOs, March Browns.

Best Time to Fish:

The warmest hours of the day

Best Stretch:

Just north of Philipsburg but ask before you fish - very little public access so please secure permission from landowners.

Best Access:

Just north of Philipsburg but ask before you fish - very little public access so please secure permission from landowners.