Rock Creek
MarginalMontana
Current Conditions
The Rock Creek is running at 1,250 CFS — marginal conditions. Expect off-color water. Stick to the edges and fish streamers or heavy nymph rigs.
Last updated: May 20, 2026, 12:45 PM from USGS gauge 12334510 (Rock Creek near Clinton)
7-Day Flow Trend
Flow thresholds: Optimal 200–500 CFS | Fishable to 1000 CFS | Marginal to 1500 CFS
Water Temperature
Water temperature is cool — ideal for trout activity. Fish will be feeding actively throughout the day.
About the Rock Creek
Rock Creek is a gorgeous freestone tributary of the Clark Fork near Missoula. Known for its prolific hatches and wild trout, it's a classic small-stream wading destination with excellent dry fly fishing.
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Salmon Fly Chubby Chernobyl #6 | ||||||||||||
Caddis Elk Hair Caddis #14 | ||||||||||||
Blue-Winged Olive BWO Parachute #18 | ||||||||||||
Green Drake Green Drake Dun #10 |
Active Hatches — May
Patterns: Elk Hair Caddis #14
Patterns: BWO Parachute #18
River Sections
Upper Rock Creek
wade access1,250 CFS
Remote mountain stream with small wild trout. Excellent wading in a wilderness setting.
Guides on the Rock Creek(11)
These fishing guides list the Rock Creek as one of their home waters.
American River Fly Fishing
Sacramento, California
Fish Missoula
Missoula, Montana
Missoula Fly Fishing Outfitters
Missoula, Montana
Sheerwater Guide Service
Missoula, Montana
Falcon’s Ledge
Altamont, Utah
The Ranch at Rock Creek
Philipsburg, Montana
Rock Creek Fishing Lodge
Clinton, Montana
The Meadows on Rock Creek
Philipsburg, Montana
The Complete Fly Fisher
Wise River, Montana
The Lodge at Forest Grove
Superior, Montana
Falcon's Ledge
Altamont, Utah
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to fish the Rock Creek?+
The Rock Creek fishes well from spring through fall. Peak dry fly season is typically June through September. The salmon fly hatch in late June/early July is one of the year's most exciting events. Fall brings excellent streamer fishing and fewer crowds.
What flies work on the Rock Creek in May?+
In May, the Rock Creek sees Caddis, Blue-Winged Olive activity. Top patterns include Elk Hair Caddis #14, BWO Parachute #18. Always carry a selection of nymphs as well.
How many fishing guides operate on the Rock Creek?+
Avonture lists 11 fishing guides who operate on the Rock Creek. These guides offer local knowledge of hatches, access points, and current conditions that can significantly improve your experience.
What is the current flow on the Rock Creek?+
The Rock Creek's flow data is updated every 30 minutes from USGS gauge stations (waterdata.usgs.gov). Check the top of this page for current CFS readings, fishability status, and a 7-day flow trend chart. Optimal fishing flows are 200–500 CFS.
What fish species are in the Rock Creek?+
The Rock Creek primarily holds wild brown trout and rainbow trout. Cutthroat trout may also be present in some sections. Fish sizes vary by section, with tailwater reaches typically holding larger fish.
Quick Conditions
Fishability Thresholds