Rock Creek Fishing Report

Updated Sunday, September 17 at 1:00PM
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.

Local Forecast

Deer Lodge, MT, USA

Conditions

Good

The Hatch

October Caddis. BWO. Mahoganies. Beetles. Tricos. Caddis.

Fly Patterns

  • Brindlechute size 14-18
  • Purple Haze size 14-18
  • Elk hair caddis size 14-16
  • Kreelex Minnow size 6, in copper/gold
  • TJ Hooker size 10-12
  • Pheasant Tail Nymph size 12-20
  • Chubbys size 10-14
  • Duracell 14-16
  • Blowtorch 12-14
  • Mongo Hopper 10
  • Parachute Ant 16

USGS Water Charts

Specifics

Water Flow

345cfs (slightly above average flows for this time of year)

Link to Water Flow Graph

http://on.doi.gov/1omaqKB"

Visibility

36"+

Water temperature at mid-day

62F

Water Condition

Clear

Best time of day to fish

Morning to early afternoons, and evenings

Best stretch

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.

Recommended Gear based on this report

Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon Trout Tippet Clear - 30M
Scientific Anglers
Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon Trout Tippet Clear - 30M
Price
$16.95
Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Leader 3-Pack
Scientific Anglers
Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Leader 3-Pack
Price
$19.95
Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Tippet Clear - 30M
Scientific Anglers
Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Tippet Clear - 30M
Price
$8.95
High and Dry Gel Floatant
High N Dry
High and Dry Gel Floatant
Price
$9.95
High N Dry Liquid Spray Floatant
High N Dry
High N Dry Liquid Spray Floatant
Price
$9.95
High N Dry Powdered Floatant & Desiccant
High N Dry
High N Dry Powdered Floatant & Desiccant
Price
$9.95
Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth MPX
Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth MPX
Scientific Anglers
Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth MPX
Price
$99.95
Rio Gold Premier Fly Line
Rio Gold Premier Fly Line
Rio Products
Rio Gold Premier Fly Line
Price
$99.99
Summer Fly Assortment
Summer Fly Assortment
Blackfoot River Outfitters
Summer Fly Assortment
Price
From $36.95
Streamer Assortment
Streamer Assortment
Blackfoot River Outfitters
Streamer Assortment
Price
From $39.95