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:

55

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Flows on Rock Creek were dropping, but it has jumped back up with the warm weather. Salmonflies are out on the lower end and the fish are looking up for them. Fishing side channels, structure, and slower moving water will be where the fish are at. Even with high, off color water the fish need to eat! *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 5/29/26

It’s going to be a cold and wet weekend up the Creek. Temps will be in the 40’s with a high chance of rain both Saturday and Sunday. Looks like the highs will creep back into the 60s by Tuesday.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/29/26

The Big Bugs are here! Salmonflies are on the lower end of the river and the fish are hungry for them. With the colder weather nymphing will be your best approach with a TJ Hooker, Sili-Leg Stone with the Orange TB, and Rubber legs. You can also try the dry drop with a Juicy Stone Salmonfly, Henry’s Fork Salmonfly or a Fools Gold Salmonfly. Streamers will also be effective with the bump in the water. Focus your dry fly fishing on the soft water against the willows and structure (big rocks, trees).

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:

Salmonflies

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