6/16/2026: Rock Creek Fishing Report
Summary
Western Montana has shifted from runoff survival into real early-summer fishing. Flows are dropping across the region, clarity is improving by the day, and the Salmonfly hatch is the headline story, joined now by Golden Stones building everywhere, plus Green Drakes, PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and caddis filling in the dry-fly windows. Big-bug dry-dropper fishing is the dominant game on all four rivers. Rock Creek and the Blackfoot are the standout dry-fly options; the Bitterroot is the safest all-around bet; the Clark Fork is improving and rewards careful water selection. Warm afternoons are in the forecast, so fish the late-morning-through-early-afternoon window and watch water temperatures.
At a glance: Dropping into stable shape, slightly off color, ~55°F midday, ~927 CFS near Clinton | GH 5/5 | Missoulian Angler 5/5 | Best window 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m
Rock Creek is dropping into beautiful, stable shape and the fishing is great, one of the best dry-fly options in the region. The Salmonfly hatch is just about wrapped up with leftovers in the upper sections; the main focus has turned to Golden Stones, which are in full swing on the lower and middle creek. Green Drakes, Yellow Sallies, PMDs, and evening caddis round out the menu, with the best Green Drake fishing on cloudy, drizzly days. Focus on log jams, soft pocket water, willow edges, and deeper banks. Hazard: the creek is still high with downed trees and fresh log jams (Mile Marker 27; between Upper Fire Ring and the Microburst; the Lower Fire Ring-to-Elkhorn corner). Wading is getting more realistic but floating is getting skinny; float cautiously.
Best techniques
Dry-dropper is the most consistent approach: a Juicy Stone (Salmonfly or Golden), Henry's Fork, Chubby Chernobyl, Clark Fork Stone, Dancin' Ricky, or Fool's Gold in #8-12 up top with a TJ Hooker, Sili Leg Stone, Pat's RL, Jig PTs, Hares Ears, Shuck-its, Duracells, or a big Prince Nymph underneath. For Green Drakes fish Hatchback Drakes, Flash Cripples, and Carnage Drakes. If fish commit to the dry, cut the dropper and fish a single Goldenstone or Salmonfly. Strip or swing a Sparkle Minnow, Bighorn Bugger, or Rusty Trombone.
Hatches
Salmonflies (upper creek leftovers), Golden Stones, Green Drakes, Yellow Sallies, PMDs, and caddis.
The Fly Box
Nymphs: Frenchies, Split Case PMDs, Explosion Stone
Dries: Golden Plan B, MFC Hot Spot Para-Wulff, Jake's Green Drake, Water Walkers, Purple Haze, Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis, Parachute Adams
Streamers: Mini Dungeons, Sparring Partners, Thin Mints, Woolly Buggers
Outlook. Temps in the 60s to 70s, perfect for dry-fly fishing, continuing into the 70s with lots of sunshine next week. Flows should keep dropping; get out soon if you want to float, and stand by for excellent wade-fishing conditions as the creek settles. This is some of the best fishing of the year on Rock Creek.
Sources and Thanks
| Shop | Report date | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Blackfoot River Outfitters | June 12, 2026 | Rock Creek |
| Kingfisher Fly Shop | June 15, 2026 | Rock Creek |
| Grizzly Hackle | June 13, 2026 | Rock Creek |
| The Missoulian Angler | June 12, 2026 | Rock Creek |
| Lightweight Fly Shop | June 14, 2026 | Rock Creek |
