Middle Fork Rock Creek - Philipsburg - Montana
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Middle Fork Rock Creek – Philipsburg - Water Flow Chart
Middle Fork Rock Creek – Philipsburg - Weather report & radar
Middle Fork Rock Creek – Philipsburg - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Zebra Midge |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat |
| March | Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Zebra Midge |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 18-20 | BWO Parachute | |
| April | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | BWO Comparadun |
| March Browns | Afternoon | 12-14 | March Brown Parachute | |
| May | Caddis | All Day | 12-16 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Spruce Moths | Morning | 12-14 | Spruce Moth | |
| June | Spruce Moths | Morning | 12-14 | Spruce Moth |
| Pale Morning Duns | Morning to Mid Afternoon | 16-18 | Parachute PMD | |
| July | Pale Morning Duns | Morning to Mid Afternoon | 16-18 | Comparadun PMD |
| Grasshoppers | All Day | 8-12 | Dave’s Hopper | |
| August | Grasshoppers | All Day | 8-12 | Chubby Chernobyl |
| Terrestrials | All Day | 10-16 | Ants, Beatles | |
| September | Terrestrials | All Day | 10-16 | Ants, Beatles |
| Mahogany Duns | Afternoon | 16-18 | Mahogany Dun | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | BWO Comparadun |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Zebra Midge |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Beadhead Midge |
Middle Fork Rock Creek – Philipsburg Access Points
The Middle Fork Rock Creek located near Philipsburg offers exceptional fly fishing opportunities. Some of the best access spots are:
- Lower Rock Creek Access: This is located towards the junction of the Creek and the main highway. The water tends to slow down here, making it an ideal spot for beginners to master their technique.
- Highway 38 Access: This is halfway up the Creek and boasts a variety of water types. It’s also a hotspot for rainbows and cutthroats.
- Skalkaho Highway Access: Located on the upper Middle Fork section, this spot is perfect for experienced fly fishers. The waters here can be challenging, but the reward is catching some of the largest trout in the area.
Remember to check local fishing rules and regulations before accessing these spots to ensure a smooth fly fishing experience.
Middle Fork Rock Creek – Philipsburg Fishing Spots
The Middle Fork Rock Creek around Philipsburg provides fly fishing enthusiasts with numerous exceptional spots:
- Granite Ghost Town State Park: This location near Philipsburg offers anglers a chance to fish for trout amidst historical remnants from the silver mining era.
- Georgetown lake: Less than 20 miles from Philipsburg, this lake feeds the creek and hosts large populations of rainbow and brook trout.
- Rock Creek Confluence: The spot where Middle Fork merges with East Fork Rock Creek is a hotspot for large brown and rainbow trout.
- Lower Middle Fork: Below this point, the creek becomes slower and wider, ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed fly fishing experience.
- Community Ponds: These are stocked with trout by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for the enjoyment of both locals and visitors.
Gear up your waders and get ready for an unforgettable fly fishing adventure around Middle Fork Rock Creek in Philipsburg!
Middle Fork Rock Creek – Philipsburg Local Fish Species
- Westslope Cutthroat Trout: The state fish of Montana, the Westslope Cutthroat Trout, is a popular target for fly fishers on the Middle Fork Rock Creek. It is a native species and can reach up to 17 inches in length.
- Rainbow Trout: This species is easy to spot with its namesake colorful stripe. Rainbow Trout can grow large in the creek, with some reaching up to 24 inches.
- Brown Trout: Known for their size and strength, Brown Trout in this area can weigh up to 9 pounds. They are a popular catch because of their beautiful color and challenging fight.
- Brook Trout: While smaller than some other species, Brook Trout are plentiful in the Middle Fork Rock Creek. These fish have a beautiful marbled pattern and take dry flies readily.
- Mountain Whitefish: These fish thrive in cold, clean water like that found in the Middle Fork Rock Creek. Mountain Whitefish grow up to 20 inches long and are very abundant.
- Arctic Grayling: Known for their dorsal fin, Arctic Grayling are a less common but exciting catch. They grow about 15 inches long and love to snap at dry flies.
- Bull Trout: Named for their large head and jaw, Bull Trout like to eat smaller fish, making them a fun catch for fly fishers. However, this species is catch and release only in Montana.
- Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout: Although not as common as the Westslope, the Yellowstone Cutthroat is a prized catch because of its beautiful coloration and size, which can exceed 20 inches.
About the Middle Fork Rock Creek – Philipsburg
Nestled in the heart of picturesque Montana, the Middle Fork Rock Creek in Philipsburg has an enchanting history. As early as the 1860s, settlers relentlessly scoured this bountiful creek for sinewy veins of silver and gold. This was a pivotal part of the town’s boom during the ‘Gold Rush’ era.
- This tumultuous search gave rise to vibrant settlements and Philipsburg emerged as a bustling hub brimming with miners and merchants.
- The banks of the Middle Fork Rock Creek witnessed the ebb and flow of Philipsburg’s fortune. Yet, even when the mining industry declined, the creek remained a source of life and livelihood for residents.
- Today’s Philipsburg is a thriving tourist destination renowned for its stunning landscapes and recreational opportunities including fishing and hiking. And at the heart of it all, the Middle Fork Rock Creek continues to flow, an enduring symbol of Philipsburg’s resilient past.
Doesn’t history become all the more fascinating when it’s intertwined with natural beauty?
Community Contributions
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