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:

69

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Rock Creek has dropped into great wadeable water. Target riffle, boulder pockets, and soft pocket water behind heavy current breaks. Look for shady covered banks and run as the day continues since the water temps are creeping up. The water has great clarity, so having a dragless drift is important. Get out early and beat the heat, and keep an eye on the water temps throughout the day. ***Closed to fishing from boats/vessels July 1 through Nov. 30***

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Map of Rock Creek

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Blackfoot River Outfitters
Blue Damsel Lodge

5-Day Outlook as of 7/17/26

Rock Creek is gonna be warm this weekend with highs in the upper 70s with lots of sun. Next week will have a mix of sunshine and clouds with highs in the 70s and 80s

Techniques & Tips as of 7/17/26

Dry-dropper setups are still the best option right now. Throw a size #10 or #12 Chubby Chernobyl on top or even a Hopper pattern, and trail a size #16–#18 PMD nymph or a general attractor nymph like a Jigged Pheasant Tail, Duracell, or Hare's Ear underneath. Yellow Sallies are also hatching and a great option if you are seeing them on the water. If the Caddis and PMDs start to hatch, be ready to switch to a single dry like a PMD Flash Cripple, X-Caddis, or Para-Wulff. Terrestrials are a great option as the temperatures continue to rise throw an Ant or Beatle or a smaller hopper as well.

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:

PMDs and Caddis

Best Time to Fish:

Morning and the Evening

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