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:

48

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Water clarity is decent right now, and should continue to improve as water continues to drop. Just keep in mind that the incoming heat wave early next week could cause another push of snowmelt, so take advantage of the current conditions!

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 4/22/26

Down in the canyon, expect a beautiful weekend with highs pushing into the 60s by Monday and Tuesday. However, with those warmer daytime highs and rising overnight lows, we'll be watching the snowpack closely before a cool-down and snow showers arrive on Wednesday.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/22/26

Dry fly fishing has been day-to-day. If you're sticking with a dry, try blind fishing a Skwala like a Water Walker or Plan B. If you see fish rising with any regularity, try a March Brown pattern like the Ms. Tickle Cripple or D&D Cripple. A big purple haze is a great option as well. A PT, TJ, or Duracell under a foamy Skwala dry is our go-to rig for the Creek right now. Streamer fishing has also been productive, so don't hesitate to switch to streamers if the dry fly fishing is slow.

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
Parachute Pheasant Tail N/A #12-14
Sparkle Dun N/A #18
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

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:

Skwalas, 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