Yes, there are probably 20 Rock Creeks in Montana but this is THE Rock Creek. The Montana blue ribbon stream you’ve likely read about or dreamed of fly fishing. The Rock Creek boasting the state’s most likely chance of you catching five different wild trout species in one outing. Welcome to the wade anglers paradise.
Conditions At-a-glance
Our Report
Rock Creek is still fishing well. Transitioning from terrestrials and tricos to BWO, October Caddis, and Mahoganies. Cooler weather is also right around the corner so the streamer bite has picked up as well.
Here are a few tips for fly fishing Rock Creek:
1. Try a double dry fly rig and if that is not producing put a dropper on
2. Fish the slow inside bends and deeper pools
3. Even if you do not see fish rising or a hatch, try dry flies. It doesn't get much better than it is right now
Flows and looking ahead:
Fall is here! Fishing in late morning through the afternoon has been good and the evening fishing has been excellent.
Anywhere you can access the river. Options are limitlesss.
Best access point
Upper: Gilles Bridge
Lower: Valley of the Moon
Fish Species
Cutthroat, rainbow, cutbow, brown, bull, some brook trout, and whitefish.
Fishing Season
Open year round, but catch and release for trout during winter.
Nearest airport
MSO (Missoula International Airport)
Recommended fly fishing leader
9' 3X or 4X for single fly. 7.5' 3X for dry-dropper rigs.
Recommended fly fishing tippet
3X-5X will cover almost all of your fishing applications. Don't use less than 2X for streamers.
Best fly fishing rod
A 9' 5WT is still going to be your do-it-all rod here, especially when nymphing or dry-dropper fishing, but we like to size down to a shorter 3 or 4WT when fishing dries.
Best floating fly line
Scientific Anglers Amplitude MPX
Best sinking fly line
A 3ips sink tip is all you need for Rock Creek, unless you are fishing during runoff- then go heavier. We frequently fish streamers on floating lines here.
