If you were to
poll every fly fisherman you know and ask them to describe their
perfect trout stream, ninety-five percent of them would talk
about Rock Creek. It doesn't matter if you're a dry fly purist or a
confirmed bottom bouncer, Rock Creek has your ideal water. It
has long runs, magnificent pocket water and deep holes that harbor
giant Bull Trout. All this magnificent water is set in one of the
most stunningly beautiful canyons in the world. And, believe it or
not, except for the month of June when Salmon Flies are hatching,
the creek is almost deserted most of the time.
Rock Creek has
a fish population of about 2000 per mile. Until recently, it was
noted as a rainbow and cutthroat stream. However, in recent years
the brown trout population has increased to the point where they are
now the dominant species in the creek. It's encouraging, though, to
see the numbers of small rainbows increasing as they have done
during the last couple of years.
The season on Rock Creek
begins in March with the start of the March Brown and Skwala
stonefly hatches. If weather permits, this is the best fishing of
the entire year. These hatches can last until the end of April or
even early May. Mid to late May marks the beginning of the Salmonfly
and Golden Stone hatches. This is the only time when the creek gets
crowded. The hatch usually occurs during high water and Rock Creek
is open to floating during most its duration.
The end of
June marks the beginning of summer fishing. The creek supports good
hatches of caddis and Pale Morning Duns. Grasshoppers start in July
and continue into September. Baetis or Blue Winged Olives usually
start in mid August and the Giant Orange Caddis is not too far
behind. Both of these hatches usually extend into November. The
creek's final hatch of the year is the Mahogany Dun. it starts in
September and ends at the same time as the Baetis and caddis
hatches.
With its large fish population and
its abundant insect life, you'd expect Rock Creek to be heavily
fished. But in reality, Rock Creek is one of the most underfished
streams in Montana. There are several reasons for this. First is the
road. For most of its length, the creek is paralleled by a dirt road
that is legendary among Rock Creek aficionados for its roughness.
Also, there has been a lack of quality accommodations in the past
although that is less of a problem nowadays. Finally, there is
the rise in popularity of float fishing. Since Rock Creek can't be
floated after June 30, a lot of people stay away and float the other
streams. Because of all these things, the creek offers some of the
finest fly fishing in the country in a setting of unparalleled
beauty and solitude.
