Seasonal Hatches
on Rock Creek
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Rock Creek has a solid March brown drake hatch in April.
During this hatch, due mainly to weather, fishing pressure is relatively
light. The March brown drake hatch tends to be of short duration each
day, lasting for only an hour or two. However, if an angler is able to
be on the water when the hatch comes off, they are likely to experience
excellent fishing. Suggested flies include the March Brown Drake, Sparkle
Dun and Pheasant Tail Nymph, sized 12-16.
Dry Fly Assortments
The Salmonfly Hatch The Salmonfly hatch occurs every spring and is without question the
wildest hatch on the river. Rock Creek becomes over-run with anglers
during the hatch; so don't come here with hopes of having the river to
yourself. Of course, the reason all these anglers are here is because
the hatch, when it comes off, is quite a spectacle.
The hatch typically begins in mid-May to early June, frequently during
the height of spring run-off. The hatch begins on the lower stretch of
Rock Creek, and usually makes its way up the river at a pace of three
to five miles a day. Nymph imitations are the fly of choice, particularly
on the lower stretch of river, which is frequently turbid. Top water
fly fishing can be done with fair success on the far upper stretch where
the river tends to flow clear even during spring run-off.
To catch the larger trout during the Salmonfly hatch, an anglers' goal
is to present a stonefly nymph imitation that imitates stone fly nymphs
crawling to shore. Use large nymphs (size 2 to 8), heavily weighted,
on a sink tip line with strong tippets. Short leaders may also be used,
and are suggested, when the river is turbid. While there are many nymph
imitations that may be used, a Montana Stone, Bitch Creek and a Kaufmanns
Stone all work well during the Salmonfly hatch.
The hatch can also be fished, with some success, on dry flies on the
far upper reaches of the river where the river runs clear. Elk Hair Salmon
Flies, Sofa Pillows and various large stimulator patterns can be used.
However, the Salmonfly hatch is primarily a nymph event. Top water fishing
will catch fish, but the fish will not be as big nor is the angler likely
to catch as many when compared to using large nymphs.
When fly fishing with nymphs during the Salmonfly hatch, one technique
that works well is to cast the nymph upstream and then crawl it along
the bottom towards the bank. Depending on river flows, this can be moderately
easy to down right difficult, but will consistently catch the larger
fish on Rock Creek. To do this successfully, the nymph needs to be "on
the bottom," so it is important to heavily weight nymph imitations,
particularly in fast water.
An angler does not have to fish the hatch itself to be able to take
full benefit of the Salmonfly hatch on Rock Creek. Fishing right before
and right after the hatch works as well, even sometimes better, than
fishing during the hatch. As an added benefit, many of crowds are gone
as well, reducing fishing pressure and allowing for a more relaxing day
of fishing.
Other Summer and Fall Hatches on Rock Creek
Following the Salmonfly hatch, Rock Creek has a solid Golden Stone hatch,
typically beginning in late June and lasting through July. Standard stonefly
patterns, such as the Montana Stone and the Golden Stone, sized 4-8,
work well.
During the height of summer, fishing top water with standard dry flies
begins to work well. Fishing on top with Elk Hair Caddis and Adams flies
may not pull in the largest fish, which are found in the deep pools.
However, during the caddis and mayfly hatches that occur during the summer,
fishing on top is a wonderful way to pull in lots of fish in the 14-inch
range. With the wide variety of water conditions, the Rock Creek provides
a wonderful place for a dry fly angler.
Terrestrial fishing is also solid during the summer. While terrestrials
are not as abundant as on rivers such as the Beaverhead, Bitterroot or
the Big Hole, terrestial imitations such as hoppers and ants can provide
for solid fishing during July and August. A helpful hint : always bring
plenty of hopper for a Montana fly fishing trip in July or August.
Fall provides excellent fly fishing for brown trout on the lower stretch
of Rock Creek. During the fall, brown trout move out of the Clark Fork
in large numbers and head upstream. Streamers should be used when fishing
for these browns, swimming them right along the bottom near the banks
and through the holes. The fishing pressure is not nearly as high during
the fall, so the fish tend to be somewhat less skittish and spooky. For
the angler who likes to chase large brown trout with streamers, Rock
Creek is an excellent destination during the fall. Next
Page : Floating Information
for Rock
Creek
Trout Fly Assortments
 | Cabelas 14-Piece Classic Trout Assortment : Fourteen of the best trout patterns including dry flies, nymphs, streamers and terrestrials. Includes: Elk Hair Caddis, Gold Bead Pheasant Tail Nymph, Hare's Ear Nymph, Gold Bead Prince Nymph, Adams, Lt. Cahill, Stimulator, Royal Coachman, Copper ...$15.99
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