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

Flint Creek - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

34

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

1. Nymphing deeper pools 2. Streamers under the undercut banks 3. Putting your nymph right under the bank

Directions open in app

Map of Flint Creek

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Blackfoot River Outfitters

5-Day Outlook as of 1/28/26

It’s going to be a grey, wintry week near Philipsburg, with highs generally hovering in the mid-30s to low 40s and a nagging chance of light snow flurries each day. While the winds will be light (mostly under 10 mph), shelf ice is a major factor on these smaller waters right now, so you'll need to hunt carefully for open pockets. If you do head out, focus on the deeper runs where the water is moving just enough to stay liquid, but be prepared for technical, frozen conditions.

Techniques & Tips as of 1/28/26

Nymphs, Streamers

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.

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.