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:

42

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Flows are mostly level right now, making for some fantastic early-season conditions. However, the overall water volume is still high from this early runoff, so wade with caution and stick to the softer edges where the fish are sheltering from the heavy current.

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 4/3/26

Rock Creek will see a warming trend this weekend, with highs starting in the 40s and reaching the mid-to-upper 50s by Monday. Expect mostly sunny skies for the first half of the week before things cool off on Wednesday with a solid chance of snow and rain showers. Winds shouldn't be much of a factor down in the canyon, keeping those dry fly presentations clean.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/3/26

We are seeing some dry fly opportunities right now with March Browns, Skwalas, and BWOs all making appearances depending on the day. Start your mornings focused subsurface, then transition to a dry-dropper rig in the afternoon when water temperatures peak. Streamer fishing should continue to improve.

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

  • Fish Icon

    Cutthroat

  • Fish Icon

    rainbow

  • Fish Icon

    cutt-bow

  • Fish Icon

    brown

  • Fish Icon

    bull

  • Fish Icon

    some brook trout

  • Fish Icon

    and whitefish.

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Recommended Fly Patterns

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

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Vernille San Juan Worm N/A #8-12
Fly Formerly Known As Prince N/A #12-16
Bead Head Hare's Ear Nymph N/A #12-16
TH 20 Incher N/A #8-12
Zebra Midge N/A #18-20
TJ Hooker Coffee 10-12
Bead Head Caddis Pupa N/A 14-16
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer N/A #10
Perdigon Black/Red 16-18
Sparkle Minnow N/A #8

Vernille San Juan Worm

Image Not Found

Item #0290

Buy Now

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:

Skwalas down low. BWOs and March Browns.

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