Rock Creek Montana – There are hundreds of creeks that share the name but there is really only one that is commonly referred to and it’s the drainage that feeds the Clark Fork River near Missoula. 60 miles of dirt road follow the creek, giving it character through a remote area.
Flows And Weather
Rapids and Float Notes
May and June are the floating months up here. You cannot fish from a boat once July hits. The river is usually too low at this point anyways. The river does not have major rapids but it runs extremely fast and has some serious hazards. Floaters should be experienced and check for info on the latest log jams and dangers. Most of the floating takes place on the upper half, above the Dalles. A few official launch sites exist along with a ton of informal ones.
Forks – Just below the Skalkaho Bridge you will find a pullout. Does not have a ramp and you have to slide the boat over a wood railing and down to the river. You are immediately running through the upscale Ranch at Rock Creek Guest Ranch. The upper section can have a few tricky channels as well.
Gilles Bridge – The launch is a gap in the fence just below the highway bridge on river left.
Concrete Bridge – About 7 miles down. You can cover this in 2 hours during high flows while backrowing. The takeout is river left, upstream from the bridge.
Syria – There are several launches in this area with nicknames.
Red Bridge – Just like it sounds. A red bridge where you can drop a boat or pull one out.
White Bridge – Also like it sounds.
Below the Dalles – If you run the Dalles, the takeout comes up quick on river right. It’s literally right off the road and is not marked.
Rock Creek Montana Shuttle Services
Beware that the creek has little to no cell service. Plan your float and book a shuttle in advance.
Blackfoot River Rentals – Darla Hand – 406-244-0404
River Specific Fishing Regulations
Exceptions to Standard Regulations: Rock Creek
From the confluence of the East and West forks, near Phillipsburg, to mouth
- Extended season for whitefish and lake trout from December 1 through the third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only.
- Combined Trout: 3 brown trout daily and in possession. Catch-and-release for rainbow trout and cutthroat trout.
- Artificial lures only, except anglers 14 years of age and younger may use bait during the general season.
- Closed to fishing from boats July 1 through November 30.
