Rock Creek
Rock Creek Canyon · Philipsburg Road
W Montana, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat.
Stream gauge: 12334510. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
Rock Creek is running high at 1,380 cfs with water temp at 51.3°F — prime Salmonfly conditions as we hit peak hatch timing. The big bugs are active in the canyon stretch, with Golden Stones backing them up as water temp approaches the 52°F sweet spot for sustained emergence. Focus the canyon from the mouth to Grizzly Campground with foam patterns like Chubby Chernobyls and Improved Sofa Pillows. Wading is essential at these flows.
- Flow: 1,380 cfs — elevated but fishable for Salmonfly season. Canyon pocket water is productive, avoid deep runs until flows drop.
- Hatches: Peak Salmonfly emergence with Golden Stones backing them up. PMDs starting as water temp climbs toward 52°F threshold.
- Water Temp: 51.3°F — perfect for sustained stonefly activity. One degree from triggering consistent PMD emergence.
- Best Window: Mid-morning through late afternoon for stonefly action. Warmer afternoons will push PMDs if temp climbs.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: May–Oct, peak June–July & Sept
Rock Creek enters the Clark Fork east of Missoula after tumbling through a 50-mile canyon of extraordinary beauty. It is one of Montana's most productive wild trout streams — dense populations of brown, rainbow, westslope cutthroat, and bull trout inhabit its cold, clear currents. The canyon is roadless for much of its upper length, accessible only by trail or 4WD road, ensuring genuine backcountry solitude.
Rock Creek's salmonfly hatch in late May is one of the most concentrated in Montana — huge golden stoneflies blanket the canyon walls and surrounding vegetation for a brief, explosive window.
January Outlook
The Rock Creek canyon in January is cold and remote. The lower canyon near the mouth stays open most winters. Midge fishing in the deep pools for the dedicated. Not a winter destination but worthwhile on mild days.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Pheasant Tail
- WD-40
Tips
The lower 5 miles near the Blackfoot confluence stay open most winters. Target deep pool tailouts with small midge rigs. The river is absolutely quiet in January — just you and the fish.
Water Notes
200–450 cfs. Lower canyon open; upper canyon may freeze. Water 34–40°F.
February Outlook
February midging with the first signs of spring approaching. Stonefly nymph activity increases. Rock Creek is one of the first Montana rivers to show Skwala crawlers on warmer afternoons.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Hare's Ear
- Brown Rubber Leg
- RS2
Tips
The lower canyon near the mouth sees the first Skwala crawler activity in February on warm days. A brown stonefly nymph in #10 fished deep is the go-to approach through the month.
Water Notes
250–500 cfs. Lower canyon clear and fishable. Water 38–46°F.
March Outlook
One of the finest March rivers in Montana for Skwala and early season dry fly fishing. The lower canyon produces Skwala dry fly action earlier than most Montana rivers. A must-fish in late March for early season dry fly addicts.
Productive Patterns
- Skwala Stone #10
- Sparkle Dun #18
- Hare's Ear
- Pheasant Tail
Tips
The lower canyon stretch (mile 0–10) is prime for early Skwala. Fish slowly and cover all water — the fish are hungry after winter. Call Missoula shops for hatch conditions. Late March often provides some of the finest dry fly fishing of the year.
Water Notes
300–800 cfs in early March, building toward runoff. Water 40–50°F. Fish before flows peak — Rock Creek runs off quickly.
April Outlook
Exceptional early-season fishing with Skwala and Baetis action. Small, intimate, and full of wild cutthroat and brown trout.
Productive Patterns
- Skwala Stone #10
- Sparkle Dun #18
- Pheasant Tail
- Hare's Ear
Tips
Lower canyon sections fish best in April. Skwala adults on rocks early morning, BWO emerging in the afternoon.
Water Notes
400–1,200 cfs. Rock Creek's smaller drainage clears faster than larger rivers.
May Outlook
Multiple overlapping hatches as river descends from runoff. PMD, Caddis, and Golden Stone activity. Very charming May fishery.
Productive Patterns
- PMD
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Golden Stone
- Stimulator #12
Tips
Lower canyon from mouth to mile 10 typically clears first. Work pocket water carefully — varied structure holds fish in every lie.
Water Notes
Drops from peak to 600–1,500 cfs by late May. Target under 1,000 cfs for best fishing.
June Outlook
Prime month with consistent hatches. The Salmonfly hatch here is one of the most exciting in the state.
Productive Patterns
- Salmonfly #4
- Golden Stone
- PMD
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
Check Missoula fly shops for Salmonfly reports. Canyon from mouth to Grizzly Campground is most productive. Wading is required — floats not practical.
Water Notes
500–1,000 cfs ideally. Crystal clear mountain water. Water 50–58°F.
July Outlook
Excellent hopper-dropper fishing and continued caddis activity. More technical and personal than the larger valley rivers.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper-Dropper
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Stimulator
- PMD Cripple
Tips
Clear water rewards careful presentations. Work pocket water between runs thoroughly. Afternoon caddis 4–8pm is consistent.
Water Notes
300–600 cfs. Excellent wading. Water 60–65°F — shaded canyon stays cooler.
August Outlook
Lower canyon near the mouth stays cool. Hopper fishing productive throughout the canyon.
Productive Patterns
- Dave's Hopper
- Parachute Ant
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Beadhead Nymph
Tips
Stick to the lower canyon in August for cooler water. Hoppers along rocky banks produce all day in the lower canyon.
Water Notes
200–450 cfs. Lower canyon 60–65°F; upper sections can exceed 68°F. Focus on lower 15 miles.
September Outlook
Rock Creek's finest month. Cooling water, reliable BWO hatches, and aggressive fish. This is what Montana fly fishing is about.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Mahogany Dun
- Soft Hackle
Tips
Afternoon BWO hatch on a gray September day is extraordinary on Rock Creek. Fish flat pools and glassy tailouts. Approach on your knees — fish are spooky in low, clear water.
Water Notes
200–400 cfs. Crystal clarity. Water 50–58°F.
October Outlook
Beautiful fall colors in the Rock Creek canyon and productive streamer fishing for large brown trout.
Productive Patterns
- Streamer
- Blue Winged Olive
- Soft Hackle
- Copper John
Tips
Work deeper pools with streamers in the morning. Watch for BWO activity in the afternoon. Brown trout staging before spawning are aggressive.
Water Notes
180–350 cfs. Very low and clear. Sight fishing to individual fish. Precise presentations required.
November Outlook
November on Rock Creek brings winter conditions to the canyon. Midging in the lower canyon pools produces fish on mild afternoons. Brown trout spawning concludes — leave visible redds alone.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Pheasant Tail
- Juju Baetis
Tips
The lower canyon (miles 0–8) is the most productive and accessible in November. Fish noon–2pm. Rock Creek in November has essentially no pressure — fish are undisturbed.
Water Notes
180–350 cfs. Cold 38–46°F. Lower canyon stays open. Upper sections may have ice formation.
December Outlook
December on Rock Creek is quiet and cold. The lower canyon pools hold fish through winter but the fishing is specialized. Worth visiting on the mildest days.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Mercury Midge
- Midge Larva
Tips
Fish the lower 5 miles near the Blackfoot confluence — the most reliably open section. Noon–2pm is the window. Very small midge rigs in #22–24.
Water Notes
150–300 cfs. 34–40°F. Lower canyon reliably open. A cold but productive fishery for the dedicated.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skwala Stonefly Skwala americana |
Apr | Mar, Apr | #8–10 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis tricaudatus |
Apr, Oct | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Salmonfly Pteronarcys californica |
Jun | May, Jun | #4–8 |
|
| Golden Stonefly Hesperoperla pacifica |
Jun, Jul | Jun, Jul | #8–12 |
|
| Green Drake Drunella grandis |
Jun | Jun, Jul | #10–12 |
|
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella inermis |
Jul | Jun, Jul, Aug | #16–22 |
|
| Yellow Sally Isoperla / Chloroperlidae |
Jul | Jun, Jul, Aug | #12–16 |
|
| Caddis Hydropsyche / Brachycentrus spp. |
Jul, Aug | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #14–18 |
|
| Hoppers Acrididae / Tettigoniidae |
Aug | Jul, Aug, Sep | #8–12 |
|
| October Caddis Dicosmoecus gilvipes |
Oct | Sep, Oct | #8–10 |
|
Access & Approach
Rock Creek Road runs the lower canyon from Clinton to Maxville. USDA Forest Service campgrounds provide multiple access points. Walk-wade or horseback access for upper canyon. No fee for public access lands.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Missoulian Angler
- Grizzly Hackle
Regulations & License
Fishing in Montana requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Montana fishing regulations & license →
Nearby Waters
Closest Waters
More in This Region
About Current
Rock Creek conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Rock Creek is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
Open the live forecast for today's numbers and the 7-day outlook, or download the iOS app to carry it with you on the water.