Great Hike & Fly Fishing on Rock Creek Near Missoula, Montana

 

Jeff Ditsworth, Owner of Pescador on the Fly & His Daughter Juliet on Rock Creek, Near Missoula

 

There are so many great places to explore in the state of Montana.  One that I’ve always wanted to check out is Rock Creek right outside of Missoula, Montana.  Around 25 miles from town Rock Creek flows into The Clark Fork, which runs right through Missoula.  Today, I was joined by my daughter Juliet and her boyfriend Adam.  Juliet attends The University of Montana and is always up to explore a new place.  We set out mid morning to check this place out.

 

Great Brown Trout from Rock Creek

 

I brought one of our four section 6 weight El Jefe combos along for the adventure.  We parked the rental car a couple miles up the road, and I rigged up El Jefe with a two fly nymph set up and an indicator.  The top fly was a bead head pheasant tail, and the bottom fly was a brown Perdigon fly with a little orange thread.  

 

Rock Creek, Montana

 

We found a nice little run where the water got slow and deep, and I began working the water.  It didn't take very long and we were hooked up with a nice brown trout.  This water is fast and shallow, making it a bit difficult to make my way across the water with our trout.  I really need to add some studs to the bottom of my boots to reduce the slipping.  I know Juliet and Adam had a good laugh as I struggled to not fall down in the river.  

 

Fish On! Rock Creek, Montana

 

After a couple of hook ups, we decided to head closer to where Rock Creek flows into The Clark Fork.  We found a parking lot with a trail head that clearly went to the river, and began our hike.  We had a small amount of time to make sure we could get Adam back to work on time.  We were a bit surprised to find that the hike was well over a mile to get to the water, but when we found the river, there was a huge pool that was running nice and slow.  I adjusted our indicator from around three feet to over six feet so the fly would get deeper.  

 

Rock Creek, Montana

 

Around four or five casts, it was on.  Our indicator paused, I raised the rod, and the fight began.  It was a gorgeous rainbow, that we were super happy to land.  After a couple quick photos, back in the water it went.  

 

Rainbow Trout, Rock Creek, Montana

 

It’s not everyday I get to fish with Juliet, and we made the most of our hour on the water with some great trout.  Having a little success on a new river is very rewarding.  

Until next time, tight lines my friend!

Jeff

 

Fish On! Rock Creek, Montana