Rock Creek

Rock Creek near Missoula is one of Montana's most beloved blue-ribbon trout streams, flowing 52 miles from the Pintler Mountains through the Lolo National Forest to join the Clark Fork River near Clinton. This freestone stream holds an estimated 2,000-2,200 trout per mile including rainbow, brown, cutthroat, brook, and bull trout, offering the rare chance at a "grand slam" in one day. Rock Creek is legendary for its salmonfly hatch in June, when massive stoneflies cloud the air and trout feed aggressively on the surface. The river flows primarily through National Forest land, providing exceptional access for wade anglers along 50 miles of stream. Float fishing is permitted December through June, with boats prohibited July through November to protect the fishery during low flows. The intimate size, diverse water types, and prolific insect life make Rock Creek ideal for dry fly fishing. While fishing pressure can be heavy during prime hatches, hiking away from obvious access points reveals less-fished water and willing trout.