Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Middle Fork Rock Creek - Philipsburg - Montana

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

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

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best 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!

Best 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.

Local Fish

  • 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 River

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?

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Recent Articles

Hip Waders vs. Chest Waders: The Pros & Cons
Gear ReviewsFly Fishing

Hip Waders vs. Chest Waders: The Pros & Cons

April 20, 2024

Hip Waders or Chest Waders? Choosing the right gear for fly fishing can make all the difference in…

Read More
Tying a Pheasant Tail Nymph: Step-by-Step Fly Tying Instructions
Fly TyingFly Fishing

Tying a Pheasant Tail Nymph: Step-by-Step Fly Tying Instructions

April 18, 2024

Welcome to fly tying: How to tie a Pheasant Tail Nymph! If you’re new here or a seasoned…

Read More

Fly Tying Articles

Tying a Pheasant Tail Nymph: Step-by-Step Fly Tying Instructions

April 18, 2024