Fly Fishing

Absolutely! While we offer everything an angler needs to enjoy our water, we under- stand how nice it is to have your trusted gear. All gear may be shipped in advance to The Ranch and will be waiting in your accommodation upon arrival. The Rod & Gun staff is also happy to assist you if you have questions about what to bring to The Ranch or if you are interested in purchasing gear from the Rod & Gun or certain manufacturers in advance of your trip.

There are six different species of trout living in Rock Creek including cutthroat, cut-bow, rainbow, brown, brook, bull and rocky mountain whitefish. The creek boasts one of the highest fish populations in the state.

Yes. Montana requires that our guests purchase their licenses to fish, in addition to a $10 conservation license and a $15 Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass. Our Rod & Gun staff will facilitate your purchase when you book your stay and plan your activities. Children age 11 and under do not require a license to fish. Non-Resident Montana Fishing License Fees are: 2-day for $50, 10-day for $81 and season licenses for $111.

Fly fishing is a wonderful family activity. The Ranch encourages children of all ages to try fly fishing. It is offered to young guests (ages 4-12) in our Flint’s Forest Rangers Kids Club, and our guides are happy to arrange a family outing with multiple ages.

Fishing from a boat on Rock Creek is not permitted after June 30 per U.S. Forest Service regulations. Our guides and guests often float, walk and wade on many other Montana rivers after June 30. Off-Ranch fishing float trips on rivers, such as the Bitterroot, Clark Fork and Blackfoot can be arranged through the Rod & Gun staff in advance and at an additional cost.

Guests are encouraged to pre-book fishing and scenic float trips to ensure that the dates that you prefer are available and arrangements can be made for you.

Spring | After a long dormant winter, the fish are eager and hungry. Elevated water levels from the snow melt and rising seasonal temperatures cause an eruption of new bug life. This emergence of bug activity creates hungry and active fish.

For The Expert: The most productive method this time of year is known as “nymphing,” a technique where anglers present flies underneath the water to mimic the early stages of a bug’s life. Streamer fishing is at its best during the spring. Salmonfly, skwala, mayfly, stonefly nymph and mayfly nymph species are all represented. Guide Picks: Olive stoneflies, pheasant tails, hare’s ears, San Juan worms, white and yellow streamers

Summer | Warm summer days, crystal clear, mountain-fed waters and big bugs make sight fishing a thrilling experience during this time of year. The summer hatch lasts well into the season when ants and grasshoppers make up the majority of the trout’s diet. Nymphing and streamer fishing can still prove productive, but neither is near as exciting as watching a large native trout smash the surface in pursuit of a juicy hopper pattern.

For The Expert: The dry fly purist will be in heaven on Rock Creek this time of year. The prolific salmonfly hatch comes to a close mid-June and the high summer season begins with the hatch of the golden stonefly. Guide Picks: Golden stoneflies, ants, hopper patterns, beetles, bees, drakes and mayflies

Fall | The weather cools off around mid-September. Fish are bulking up for the colder weather on the horizon, meaning big catches. Crisp warm days can be followed by occasional frosted nights. The leaves along Rock Creek ignite into brilliant golden colors. The lower water levels mean that big holes are easier to fish.

For The Expert: This is brown trout season. As brown trout start to spawn, they become very aggressive and streamer fishing for trophy trout is at its prime. Terrestrial fishing is still very productive. On days when other methods are slow, nymphing can provide persistent production. Guide Picks: Grasshopper and other terrestrial patterns, blue wing olives, may flies, pheasant tails and caddis flies