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:

34

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

While temps in our area are warming up, water temperatures have stayed relatively cold (sub 40F). This is often due to melting snow and shelf ice lowering the water temperatures. Be sure to bring a thermometer with you while fishing so you can monitor water temps. This will help determine the best approach for fishing.

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 3/11/26

Weather in the Rock Creek canyon will be a mixed bag, starting with low 40s and snow showers before transitioning to clearer skies and near 50-degree highs by Saturday. Winds will remain relatively calm, but the canyon keeps things shaded and chilly, so expect crisp morning lows down in the 20s. The creek itself is flowing clear and cold, with shelf ice still a very real factor in the slower, upper canyon bends towards Philipsburg.

Techniques & Tips as of 3/11/26

Nymphing the deep pools and tailouts of Rock Creek will prove most effective when the water is cold. A slowly stripped or jigged streamer can be a great way to get the bigger fish to move. Streamers: Wooly Bugger, Kreelex, Sparkle Minnow, Chicago Overcoat, Jig Sparkle Yummy, Zonker Nymphs: San Juan Worm, Trina’s Squirm, TJ Hooker, Sili Leg Stone, Prince Nymph, Duracell, Jig PT, Lightning Bug, Copper John, Zebra Midge Dries: Midges

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):
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

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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:

Midges and winter stones.

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