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:

70

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Hoot owl restrictions (fishing prohibited 2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for upper Rock Creek - from the confluence of the West and Middle Forks to the mouth of Stoney Creek starting  July 11. Get out early to beat the heat!

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 7/25/25

The week kicks off hot in the upper 80s on Friday, then cools into the mid‑70s with afternoon showers possible Sunday and Monday. Overnight lows in the upper 40s to low 50s provide a cool-down that supports good early morning water temperature. Showers later in the week could bring brief cloud cover but likely won’t bump flows or muddy things substantially. As always, the first few hours of daylight are prime fishing time—after that, trout tend to retreat into deeper, shaded water.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/25/25

Spruce moths are the name of the game for the dry fly aficionado. General attractors like a stubby chubby, Plan B, or Flash Cripple are a good option as well. Focus on the faster moving water and deeper riffles to target actively feeding fish on dry flies. Land fish quickly and return them home with minimal handling.

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 8-14
Elk Wing Caddis N/A 12-16
Bead Head Hare's Ear Nymph N/A 12-16
Royal Wulff N/A 12-16
Chubby Olive 10-14
TJ Hooker Coffee 10-12
Bead Head Caddis Pupa N/A 14-16
Adam's Purple Parachute N/A 12-16
Perdigon Black/Red 16-18
Spruce Moth N/A 14

Stimulator

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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:

Spruce Moths, Nocturnal Stones, Yellow Sallies, PMDs & Caddis.

Best Time to Fish:

Early morning

Best Stretch:

The entire river is fishing well.

Best Access:

Upper: Gilles Bridge Lower: Valley of the Moon