Brackett Creek

Brackett Creek flows from the Bridger Mountains through ranching country northeast of Bozeman before joining the Shields River. This small freestone stream offers good fishing for brown and rainbow trout in a less-pressured setting than the famous rivers closer to town. The creek winds through private agricultural land with limited public access at road crossings, requiring anglers to stay within the high-water mark. Fish average 10-14 inches with occasional larger browns in deeper pools. The stream fishes best from late spring through fall, with hopper fishing being particularly effective along grassy banks in August. Brackett Creek represents the type of small-stream opportunity that rewards anglers willing to explore beyond the well-known waters. The Bridger Mountains backdrop provides beautiful scenery, and the lighter fishing pressure means more willing fish for those who make the effort to find access points.