Sweet Grass Creek
Near Big Timber, Montana
Sweet Grass Creek drains the rugged Crazy Mountains near Big Timber, flowing through ranch country with stunning mountain views. The creek holds brown trout and rainbow trout averaging 12-14 inches, with larger fish in deeper shadowed pools. Upper reaches near Sweet Grass Falls and mountain lakes hold rainbow and golden trout for anglers willing to hike or ride horseback. The creek fishes best from early July through September when dry flies and terrestrials draw aggressive strikes. Much of the creek flows through private ranch land, with public access limited to a few bridge crossings. Several guest ranches in the area offer fishing access as part of their packages. The clear rushing water, cottonwood-lined bottoms, and dramatic Crazy Mountain backdrop make this quintessential Montana small-stream water. Wade fishing is excellent in accessible sections where the creek offers long riffles, deep bends, and grassy undercut banks.