Conditions At-a-glance
good
Our Report
Rock Creek continues to produce in spite of the heat wave over Western Montana. She has seen plenty of angler days this summer – perhaps even more than normal – in light of it staying cooler than say the lower Bitterroot or Clark Fork. Spruce moths are out and about in the morning as are a few pmds. The water temps remain fair but are warming creating some slick wading so be advised.
BEST TECHNIQUES – Look for spruce moths on the water mid morning and hit ’em hard as the hatch will dwindle a little after noon. Later in the day try long droppers or short leash nymph rigs in the deep channels for brownies.
TIPS OF THE WEEK – When fishing spruce moths the fish can be picky – first try to match the size then the color. Once they see your offering a few times and don’t commit don’t give up – size down one size and see if that helps.
7 DAY OUTLOOK – More sun and heat on the way – get out early and off early. Fishing should be good for the first few hours any way.
Good luck from the team at Blackfoot River Outfitters and Flint Creek Outdoors! FCO in Pburg is back on for the season – open every day. Be sure to stop in to meet Terra and for your Orvis gear and the best fly selection in the region.
The BRO and FCO Team wishes you all Great Fishing!
John, Terri, Matthew, Fred, Matt, Terra and Bruce
Conditions
Low and clear but super slick for wading so take your wading staff, cleats and care.
The Hatch
Nocturnal Golden stones, spruce moths, PMD's, few Caddis
Fly Patterns
DRIES -Pmd parachutes #16, spruce moth patterns #14, golden stone attractors (chubbys, rogues, etc) #8
NYMPHS- Prince, San Juan worm, pheasant tails, copper johns - tungsten is a good call on all.
STREAMERS - olive or natural zonker type pattern #6, sparkle minnow #6, olive or black bead head buggers #8
Specifics
Water Flow
About 475cfs @ Clinton about average
Visibility
clear
Water temperature at mid-day
4 feet
Water Condition
Perfectly clear but slick
Best time of day to fish
Nymphs all day - Mid to late morning for the spruce moths or pmd's
Best stretch
The entire Creek is fishing well but check to make sure the road up the lower end is open as a fire just out of the river bottom has been closing it to nonessential travel.
Best access point
Multiple points all along the river.
Fish species
Cutthroats, rainbows, cut-bows, browns, white fish, bull trout and some brooks.
Fishing season
Open year round, but catch and release for trout this time of year.
Nearest airport
Missoula International Airport
Recommended fly fishing leader
In the winter keep it short - 7'6" 3x
Recommended fly fishing tippet
3x and 4x top to bottom bug respectively unless you are swinging streamers then bump up to 2x
Best fly fishing rod
Crisp 9'4wt for nymphing but super fun spot to swing streamers with switch rods.
