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River guide · Montana

Fly Fishing the Rock Creek

Tucked into the Absaroka-Beartooth foothills south of Red Lodge, Rock Creek is a narrow, bouldered freestone stream that runs cold and clear through Custer-Gallatin National Forest. It punches above its size with a legendary salmonfly hatch and a diverse slate of wild trout: cutthroat, brown, rainbow, brook, and bull trout all share the water.

  • 11 shops nearby
  • freestone
  • Late June–October (after spring runoff)
  • Montana
  • 6 key hatches
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The best time to fly fish the Rock Creek is Late June–October (after spring runoff). Key hatches include Skwala Stonefly, Salmonfly, Golden Stonefly, Pale Morning Dun. 11 fly shops near the Rock Creek can outfit your trip.

Fly shops near the Rock Creek

Shops and guides that fish the Rock Creek. See all 93 Montana shops →

Fly Fishing Only AdventuresFly Shop of the BighornsRock Creek AnglersMt Flyfishing Connection LLCMissoula Fly Fishing OutfittersWestern Montana FlyfishingThe Missoulian Angler Fly ShopGrizzly Hackle Fly ShopBlackfoot River OutfittersMissoula on the Fly | Missoula, Montana - Guided Fly Fishing Trips
10 fly shops shown

Species on this water

BassBonefishCarpPanfishPikeRedfishSalmonSaltwaterSteelheadTarponTrout

Nearby towns

Red LodgeSheridanSaddlestring

Rivers nearby

Stillwater RiverBoulder RiverBighorn RiverYellowstone River
Hatches & seasons

When & what to fish on the Rock Creek

River typefreestone
Best seasonLate June–October (after spring runoff)
AccessHighway 212 parallels Rock Creek from Red Lodge into the Custer-Gallatin National Forest, with multiple named fishing access sites (Parkside Campground, Water Birch, Bull Springs, Beaver Lodge, Horse Thief Station) and ample pull-outs along the canyon. Below Red Lodge, private land limits access.
Key hatches
  • Skwala Stonefly (March–April)
  • Salmonfly (mid-June, 2 weeks)
  • Golden Stonefly (late June–July)
  • Pale Morning Dun (July)
  • Caddis (summer evenings)
  • Blue-winged Olive / Baetis (Sept–Oct)
From The Fly Bench

Tie the flies that work on the Rock Creek

Step-by-step tying recipes & videos for these patterns.

Browse all 880+ patterns at The Fly Bench
Gear up

Gear up on the Rock Creek

Everything you need before the next trip — rods, lines, leaders, and fly-tying materials.

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The flies that work on the Rock Creek

Find the most effective patterns for where you're fishing — and learn to tie them yourself, step by step.

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Updated June 2026