6/23/2026: Rock Creek Fishing Report

Summary

Western Montana has dropped into a strong early-summer pattern. Flows are receding across the region, clarity is good, and the salmonfly hatch is winding down into a golden stone, PMD, Green Drake, yellow sally, and caddis show. Dry-dropper is the all-around search rig; single dries when fish are clearly up. Region-wide best window is roughly 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and that matters this week: highs push toward 90°F Tuesday through Thursday, so start early and carry a thermometer. Cooler weather with a thunderstorm chance returns Friday and Saturday.

At a glance: In stellar shape, slightly off color, ~59°F midday, ~768 CFS near Clinton | GH 5/5 | Missoulian Angler 5/5 | Best window 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m

In stellar shape. Flows have dropped into an optimal range (about 768 CFS near Clinton) and the Golden Stone hatch is firing. Slightly off-color, mid-day water temperatures around 59°F. Wade fishing is becoming the better option; floating is getting skinny and technical with exposed rocks and wood.

Hazard: Rock Creek has multiple new floating obstructions: a downed tree near Mile Marker 27, a new one between Upper Fire Ring and the Microburst, and a fresh log blocking the corner in the Lower Fire Ring to Elkhorn stretch. Float cautiously.

Best techniques

Dry-dropper has been most consistent: a Chubby Chernobyl, golden Juicy Stone, Henry's Fork Golden, Clark Fork Stone, Dancin' Ricky, or Fool's Gold up top over a TJ Hooker, Sili-Leg Stone, Pat's Rubber Legs, or Prince Nymph. When fish eat the dry, cut the dropper and fish a single golden-stone dry like Plan B. For the Green Drake windows reach for a Hatchback Drake, Flash Cripple, or Carnage Drake. Strip or swing a streamer through the softer water.

Hatches

Salmonflies are about done (a few leftovers up high). Golden Stones are in full swing, with Green Drakes, PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and caddis in the mix. The best Green Drake fishing comes on a cloudy, drizzly day.

The Fly Box

Nymphs: Pat's Rubber Legs, Explosion Stone, Sili-Leg Stone, TJ Hooker, Jig PT, Hare's Ear, Shuck It, Duracell, Prince Nymph, Frenchie, Split Case PMD, Perdigons

Dries: Chubby Chernobyl, Juicy Stone, Henry's Fork Golden, Clark Fork Stone, Dancin' Ricky, Fool's Gold, Plan B, Water Walker, Hatchback Drake, Carnage Drake, MFC Hot Spot Para-Wulff, On Point Para Wulff, Rio's Film Critic, Flash Cripple, Purple Haze, Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis

Streamers: Sparkle Minnows, Bighorn Bugger, Rusty Trombone, Mini Dungeons, Sparring Partners, Thin Mint, Woolly Buggers

Outlook. Flows should keep dropping. Get out soon if you want to float; otherwise stand by for outstanding wade fishing as the creek settles into its summer pattern.

Sources and Thanks

Shop	Report date	Coverage
Blackfoot River Outfitters	June 19, 2026	All four rivers
Kingfisher Fly Shop	June 22, 2026	All four rivers
Grizzly Hackle	June 13, 2026	All four rivers
The Missoulian Angler	June 12, 2026	All four rivers
Lightweight Fly Shop	June 21, 2026	All four rivers