Rock Creek Facts

Location:

Rock Creek is found half an hour east of Missoula.  It is formed by the confluence of several small streams high in the Long John Mountains.  From that point, Rock Creek flows downhill 60 miles to its confluence with the Clark Fork River. 

Features:

One of Montana’s most famous rivers, Rock Creek offers consistent fishing all year long.  Most of the trout in Rock Creek are between 12-14 inches, but a few 16 inch fish every day is not uncommon. 

Rock Creek offers some of the state’s best Salmonfly action.  A large and famous Caddis hatch occurs every October.  If the fish are not rising, a nymph or streamer bounced along the bottom will almost always produce fish.

Seasonal Strategies:

The best fishing on Rock Creek occurs before runoff.  Runoff begins in mid May and runs until late June or early July.  In this pre-runoff period, strip a streamer, egg pattern or San Juan Worm through the deeper stretches.  This works well all year long.  In mid May through early June, a fabulous and prolific stonefly hatch occurs.  This is the busiest time on Rock Creek, so be prepared to deal with the crowds. 

Another early season attraction is the March Brown and Skwala stone hatches in March and April.  The summer and fall are characterized by Caddis hatches, and nymph fishing.  Terrestrials will draw strikes starting in August.   Attractor patterns like the Royal Wulff also work well.  As fun as dry fly fishing is, your best bet to catch fish in Rock Creek is by stripping a deep Bugger through the holes and pools.  Dry fly fishing is consistently good all summer, but the larger fish take nymphs and buggers.

Special Regulations:

Float fishing is closed July 1 through November 30.

Access and River Mileage:

Access to Rock Creek is provided by Rock Creek Road, which runs along Rock Creek for its entire length.  However, much of the land along Rock Creek is privately owned.  Do not trespass on private land, instead knock on the door and ask.  If the owner says no, thank him anyway and move on.  Never argue with a landowner. 

Montana’s Stream Access Law allows anglers to access any part of a river or stream as long as the angler stays below the mean high water mark.  This wonderful law opens all of Rock Creek to fishing. 

Special Cautions:

Rock Creek can be dangerous and difficult to wade during high water.  A wading staff (use your rod case) and felt bottomed wading shoes are a must. 

Also, take care when you are moving in brush or tall grass.  Snakes are common in this area.