Rock Creek Fishing Report

Rock Creek is one of western Montana's most beloved fly fishing streams, flowing into the Clark Fork River about 20 miles east of Missoula. Known for its wild cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout, Rock Creek offers a more intimate fishing experience than the larger rivers nearby. Conditions can change quickly, so checking this report before heading out is always a good idea.

This Rock Creek fly fishing report is updated regularly by our guides and staff to reflect current conditions, hatches, and techniques that are producing fish. Whether you're planning a wade trip or a float, this report will help you know what to expect on the water.

Last Updated: September 16, 2026

How's the Fishing?: 4/5

Rock Creek is flowing right around 500 cfs and starting to produce some larger fish. While the tricos are not as important on Rock Creek as they are on the Bitterroot or Clark Fork, there are plenty of other bugs that have the fish looking up.

October caddis and Hecuba are starting to show and these two bugs have been our best option for dries. Both these bugs will get fish to come up through heavier water than you might expect. Runs around two-feet deep with 2 to 3 inch rollers have been producing big fish on dries. Skating the caddis and running cripples for the Hecuba have been most effective. Look for risers on Olives and Mahoganies.

If you like to throw nymphs, Rock Creek in the fall is a great choice. Smaller dark stonefly nymphs trailed by a p-tail jig should have indicators going under on inside seems and slower runs.

The streamer fishing has been good with smaller patterns like Chicago overcoats and Kreelix have been keeping streamer rods bent.