Rock Creek, Montana
Located in Western Montana, Rock Creek is a blue ribbon trout stream. Flowing out of the Long John Mountains and through the Sapphire Mountain range, this tributary of the Clark Fork River is 50 miles in length. Here anglers fish for Cutthroats, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Mountain Whitefish. Bull Trout live in these waters. Protected, Bull Trout must be returned unharmed to the river if caught. Boasting more than 2000 fish per mile, Rock Creek is famous for its Salmonfly hatch in June. Anglers come from all points of the globe to fish the salmonfly hatch on Rock Creek.
But there is so many more reasons to visit Rock Creek! Hike numerous trails along the Creek such as Welcome Creek Trail, Grizzly Creek Trail, and Trail 10 to Babcock Mountain. Spend the day and hike over the Sapphire Mountains into the Bitterroot Valley via the Wahlquist Ridge Trail. Or hike Butte Cabin Creek, Cougar Creek or the Hogback.
Scenic beauty abounds. The road winds through the tight valley and often hugs the creek. Just a little more than one car wide, caution is advised and a strict adherence to the speed limit of 30 mph is recommended. The lower section of the road is often patrolled and tickets readily given out to violators. Wildlife, including baby big horn sheep, are often in the road around the 7-9 mile marker, extra caution in that are is advised. There are numerous turnouts on Rock Creek Road for taking photos, watching wildlife and allowing oncoming traffic to pass safely. Favorite spots include the 2 mile mark just after Valley of the Moon fishing access, cresting the hog backs between mile marker 29 and 31 and the horse pasture between mile marker 4 and 5.
Hunting for whitetail deer, mountain grouse and big horn sheep in the fall can be very good on Rock Creek. Elk can be found in the upper reaches from mile marker 35 on.
Rock Creek is the perfect place for a Montana fly fishing or hiking or outdoor adventure. In winter, snowshoe or cross country ski. There are numerous places to stay on Rock Creek.