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

Rock Creek - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

59

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Rock Creek is in absolutely stellar shape right now. Flows have dropped into an optimal and fishable range, and the Golden Stone hatch is firing. Focus heavily on the softer side channels, boulder pockets, and willow lines. Even if you don't see massive swarms of bugs in the air on a cooler afternoon, the trout are actively looking up, waiting for a big meal to drift by *There are a few diversions on Rock if you are floating. Mile Marker 27 there is a tree down and then between Upper Fire Ring and the Microburst there is a new one. FLOAT CAUTIOUSLY!*

Directions open in app

Map of Rock Creek

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Blackfoot River Outfitters
Blue Damsel Lodge

5-Day Outlook as of 6/19/26

Mix of clouds and sun over the weekend on Rock Creek. Temps will be in the mid 60s. Next week it looks like the clouds and sun mixture will continue but temps will warm up a bit and be in the high 60s and 70s.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/19/26

Salmonflies are done on the Creek but the Goldenstones are in full swing. A dry-dropper rig utilizing a Juicy Stone (Golden), Henry’s Fork (Golden), or a Chubby Chernobyl and then a TJ Hooker, Sili Leg Stone or a Price Nymph underneath has been the ticket. If the fish start eating the dry cut off the dropper and throw a single dry in a Goldenstone pattern like a Plan B. Yellow Sallies will start to hatch any day so be on the lookout for those and the possibility of Green Drakes as well.

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

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    Cutthroat

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    rainbow

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    cutt-bow

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    brown

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    bull

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    some brook trout

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    and whitefish.

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Recommended Fly Patterns

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

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Stimulator N/A #10-14
Elk Wing Caddis N/A #12-16
Big Sky Salmon Fly N/A #8-12
TH 20 Incher N/A #8-12
Zebra Midge N/A #18-20
TJ Hooker Coffee 10-12
Elk Wing Caddis N/A 14-16
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer N/A #10
Perdigon Black/Red 16-18
Sparkle Minnow N/A #8

Stimulator

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Item #0928

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Blackfoot River Outfitters's Recommended Gear

Description: About Rock Creek

On Montana's blue ribbon gem, Rock Creek, the fishing is as exhilarating as the scenery. This pristine, free flowing stream boasts one of the highest fish counts in the state. Rock Creek is a perfect classroom complete with consistent depth and speed riffles for nymphing, long and smooth taliout dry fly slicks and boulder-choked fast water corners providing a haven for streamer chase'n trout. Wade fishing the Creek with a guide affords any level of angler an opportunity to improve his/her skills, and, it's simply the best chance anywhere in Montana to catch five different trout species in one outing.

Nearest Airport:

Missoula International Airport (MSO)

Hatches:

Golenstones and PMDs

Best Time to Fish:

The warmest hours of the day

Best Stretch:

Stick to the upper or lower. Stay out of the canyon in the winter.

Best Access:

Upper: Gilles Bridge Lower: Valley of the Moon