Rock Creek Fishing Report

Tip of the Week:

While temps in our area are warming up, water temperatures have stayed relatively cold (sub 40F).  This is often due to melting snow and shelf ice lowering the water temperatures.  Be sure to bring a thermometer with you while fishing so you can monitor water temps.  This will help determine the best approach for fishing.

7 Day Outlook:

Weather in the Rock Creek canyon will be a mixed bag, starting with low 40s and snow showers before transitioning to clearer skies and near 50-degree highs by Saturday. Winds will remain relatively calm, but the canyon keeps things shaded and chilly, so expect crisp morning lows down in the 20s. The creek itself is flowing clear and cold, with shelf ice still a very real factor in the slower, upper canyon bends towards Philipsburg.

Best Techniques:

Nymphing the deep pools and tailouts of Rock Creek will prove most effective when the water is cold.  A slowly stripped or jigged streamer can be a great way to get the bigger fish to move.

Streamers: Wooly Bugger, Kreelex, Sparkle Minnow, Chicago Overcoat, Jig Sparkle Yummy, Zonker

Nymphs: San Juan Worm, Trina’s Squirm, TJ Hooker, Sili Leg Stone, Prince Nymph, Duracell, Jig PT, Lightning Bug, Copper John, Zebra Midge

Dries: Midges

*Conditions change fast—call us at 406.542.7411 for the most recent updates on area rivers, fly selection, and gear recommendations. Local to Missoula? Swing through the shop to get dialed in with the best gear from Orvis, Patagonia, and Skwala, plus the exact bugs they're eating today.*