Billings Montana Fly Fishing

It’s almost an understatement to say that Billings is at the heart of some of the most diverse fishing opportunities Montana has to offer. Travel an hour-and-a-half southeast and you’re fly fishing for big trout on one of the premier blue-ribbon rivers in the West – the Bighorn River. Venture just a half-hour east of town and wet a line for catfish, sauger, walleye and smallmouth bass on the Yellowstone River.

Need a change of scenery? Drive an hour south to the Beartooth Mountains and hike into crystal clear alpine lakes atop a 9,000-foot high plateau. Keep driving another hour and you’re in Yellowstone National Park tossing a fly to native cutthroat trout. If your inner angler is still not satisfied, drive the four hours northeast to Fort Peck Reservoir for a guided fishing trip, which has more shoreline than the coast of California, and cast a lure that has an equal chance of hooking a trophy northern pike, walleye or smallmouth bass all from the same water.

There are even chinook salmon and lake trout finning in the reservoir’s depths for those looking for some deep-water trolling. Now that your appetite is ready, here are some details.

If you only have a couple of hours and want to chase trout, drive a half hour west out of Billings to the Buffalo Jump fishing access site. By hiking upstream a ways to avoid the crowd, anglers have the opportunity to tie into a rainbow or brown trout. Spinners work great – like a 1/8- to 1/4-ounce Panther Martin Teardrop in gold and black, or the classic Blue Fox Vibrax spinner of the same size in bronze. Work it just below the riffles and along the deep banks.

The Yellowstone River near Billings, Montana.

Fly anglers can try stripping streamers or dead-drifting Yuk Bugs, the Grinch, Bitch Creek Nymphs or Girdle Bugs. Ant and beetle imitations are good choices for dry flies, or if the timing is right you could float a hopper pattern. For a dropper, try a beadhead Hare’s Ear, Copper John or Prince Nymph in sizes 12 to 14.

For warm-water species, travel a half-hour east to the small town of Huntley. Just west of town is the Huntley Diversion Dam on the Yellowstone River, a spot where catfish and smallmouth bass are known to stack up, along with the occasional sauger. GuideTime offers bait and advice on the best places to go. Or travel farther east to the Bundy Bridge fishing access, right next door to Pompey’s Pillar National Monument. That’s where Capt. William Clark signed his name in the sandstone formation. There’s more information in the visitor center about the explorer’s amazing journey.

Without a doubt the main attraction or trout anglers visiting Billings is the Bighorn River, which is essentially a huge spring creek. Emerging just below Yellowtail Dam about 90 miles southeast of Billings, the river between Three Mile and Bighorn fishing access sites contains more than 4,500 fish measuring 8 inches and larger per mile. These fish have a PhD in detecting line drag and the wrong patterns, but find the right combo and you’ll hook into strong rainbows and browns that will put a pleasing purr in your reel.

GuideTime has Montana licensed fly fishing guides which anglers drive through on the way to Fort Smith. Float trips for two anglers start at around $600 but can offer the detailed advice it might take days to the water on your own. Anglers often catch fish right at the boat launches. Fly patterns that mimic the native sowbugs and scuds are a staple, as is the San Juan Worm. By the second to third week of July anglers can typically count on grasshoppers for some dry fly action, depending on the weather.

Anglers who like intimate freestone streams can travel west 45 minutes along Interstate 90 to the Columbus exit and make their way across the Yellowstone to reach the Stillwater River. This tributary to the Yellowstone is a much smaller, less technical stream more typical of the Rocky Mountains. With less finicky fish, fly anglers can toss traditional caddis (Elk Hair Caddis) and mayfly (Adams) patterns followed by nymphs like the Copper John. Farther upstream the river gets more wadable and offers fantastic views of the Beartooth Mountains. GuideTime in Columbus can offer local advice and float trips.

Not far from the Stillwater River anglers can travel to Emerald and West Rosebud lakes to be fully enveloped by the Beartooth Mountains. This is a great place to launch a float tube or canoe, or simply sit on the bank and bobber fish. More adventurous anglers can trek up the trail to Mystic Lake, a 6-mile roundtrip hike on a well-maintained trail. Cast spinners from the bank to catch trout, or continue upstream to other mountain lakes to take in more jawdropping Alps-like scenery.

Trying to condense all of the great fishing opportunities available close to Billings is no easy task, so pick a species, pick a place and do some homework. You won’t be disappointed with the great variety the area has to offer.

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Bighorn River Fly Fishing

Fly fishing the Bighorn River is the classic Montana tailwater fly fishing experience. In many ways, the Bighorn River in Montana is trout fantasy land and not much needs to be said about it that already hasn’t. The fish per mile counts are high, hatches are thick, average trout size is solid, and the fishing is as consistent as it gets. The river flows out of the Afterbay below Yellowtail reservoir and through the Crow Indian Reservation. The first 13 miles of this river from the afterbay down to the Bighorn fishing access is possibly the most famous stretch of trout fishing water in the west.

Our Montana fly fishing guides know the Bighorn River and its subtleties well. We offer drift boat float trips and generally wade fish throughout the day. The Bighorn River caters to seasoned and beginner anglers alike. Our guided fly fishing trips on the Bighorn River require a minimum 2 day trip and bookings in advance. The river is remote in the sense it is a long drive from anywhere. Lodging is available in Fort Smith, Montana and is the home base for Bighorn fly fishing.

Bighorn River fly fishing trip near Red Lodge, Montana with GuideTime.

The ever cold, always clear, and nutrient rich waters of the Bighorn River are the perfect habitat for trout. Trout per mile numbers are some of the highest in the state. The aquatic life in this river in both density and diversity is unrivaled. The never-ending stream of sowbugs, scuds, annelids, caddisflies, mayflies, midges, and a host of other aquatic insects mean the countless rainbow and brown trout are always well fed.

Dry fly fishing to pods of rising fish is without a doubt the main attraction, but nymphing and streamer fly fishing all come with a day’s fly fishing on the Bighorn River. The big hatches of BWOs start in April followed by caddis, PMDs, tricos, and terrestrials through the summer. By October the BWO hatches fire off again and the streamer fly fishing can be excellent as well. Occasional spillovers of emerald shiners from the Afterbay often create some of the best streamer fly fishing conditions to be found anywhere.

Fly fishing trip on the Bighorn River near Red Lodge Montana with GuideTime.

What the Bighorn River lacks in length it more than makes up for in quality and character. The upper river truly is a trout fisherman’s paradise and the classic Montana tailwater fly fishing experience. It is all any trout angler really needs.

For the best results, we recommend hiring a Bighorn River fly fishing guide service with local knowledge and expertise.

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Yellowstone River Fly Fishing

If you're looking for an amazing fly fishing destination, the Yellowstone River is definitely a place to check out. This large fishery flows out of Yellowstone National Park and offers over 100 miles of great trout fishing. Our knowledgeable local fishing guides can take you on float trips from the park boundary all the way to town Columbus. The scenery here is absolutely breathtaking - perfect for photographs or filming - and there are plenty of big wild trout waiting to be caught.

In addition, many anglers also enjoy exploring other nearby fisheries such as Livingston spring creeks, Gallatin River, Madison River or even wilderness backcountry streams and alpine lakes. We have several excellent lodging partners close by so that your trip can include world-class fly fishing lodges, hotels & vacation rentals if desired!

The Yellowstone River is the longest river in Montana and one of the longest free-flowing rivers in North America. It flows through parts of Yellowstone National Park, before merging with the Missouri River.

The Yellowstone River begins at the beautiful and scenic Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park. It flows north, passing through a scenic canyon before it enters Yankee Jim Canyon. From there, the river continues to flow northeast until it spills out into the Paradise Valley. This is an amazing place to visit for a Montana fly fishing trip.

The Livingston River leaves Paradise Valley in Livingston and then turns to the east, meandering its way through plains and foothills located north of the Absaroka Mountains. The view of distant mountains, cottonwood trees, and high plains can be seen on a float trip Between Livingston and Big Timber. Beyond Columbus, the mountains start to fade in the distance as you see rolling prairies and forests alongside the Yellowstone River.

The Access to the Yellowstone River is great. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has a lot of fishing access points scattered along the river. The water levels in summer usually drop easily so you can walk on exposed gravel banks. Since there are no regulations on how much water flows through the Yellowstone River, it also has an area that lies below high-water mark which makes for easy shore side access.

Fly fishing walk and wade trip on the Yellowstone River near Billings Montana with GuideTime.

For anglers and floaters looking for a peaceful float on the Yellowstone River, consider fishing or floating below Livingston (between Gardiner and Livingston), Big Timber, or Columbus. the pressure on the river decreases significantly downstream from these locations.

The quality of the fishing on the Yellowstone River is excellent. This is not by accident, as it has been internationally recognized for its great trout fishing. Cutthroat, rainbow, large whitefish and brown trout can all be found in abundance upriver while downriver (below Billings) it becomes predominantly a warm-water fishery with huge walleye.

Fishing from a boat on The Yellowstone River is generally more effective than fishing from shore. The river is wide and flows quickly in its upper section, while parts of it are surprisingly deep. This combination limits how easily wade anglers can cross to reach productive spots, as opposed to just walking along the banks.

Although there is a lot of pressure on fly fishing in the Yellowstone, it's not completely overrun by anglers and floaters. This is because the length of the Yellowstone River - as well as its many access points - helps spread people around. Quality trout fishing can be found for more than 300 miles on the Yellowstone River, providing plenty.

The Yellowstone River in Montana is a great place to fly fish for trout. Besides the large brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout that live there, it also has many different types of habitat perfect for dry flies and nymphs/streamers. Most anglers don't struggle with fly fishing, but rather finding the right spot to start. Since the Yellowstone River is long, it's better to focus on a specific stretch of it instead of driving back and forth hundreds of miles.

Don't be shy about letting the landscape influence your fishing, as it's a part of the experience on any Montana fly fishing trip. After all, the scenery in Yellowstone River. This is a section of the Yellowstone River that flows between Gardiner and Yankee Jim Canyon, located downstream from the Carbella Access Site. The stretch is popular for fishing for cutthroat trout.

The best fishing happens in May when run-off from the spring occurs. This makes the Yellowstone River muddy, so using small nymphs like Hare's Ear and Pheasant Tail is a good option. Additionally, large streamers and stoneflies work well when fished deep in the river

Salmon flies and golden stones typically hatch every year in late May, but the event frequently coincides with spring runoff. This makes fishing dry flies difficult as the water is muddy and murky. To fish for nymphs in late spring and early summer, anglers should use the technique of "nymph fishing." The nymph should be large (4-8 inches), and float near or on the slower sections of the Yellowstone River.

The Yellowstone River usually clears up in late June or early July during normal water years, which coincides with the emergence of caddisflies. There are also a lot of whitefish on this stretch of the river, so using larger flies is beneficial. Compared to other rivers in Montana, these hatches happen more sparsely on the Yellowstone River during summertime.

Beginning in late July, fishing for large hoppers on the banks is excellent. Additionally, anglers can use streamers like the Marabou Muddler around rocks and deep holes during this time. This section of the Yellowstone River has the most fishing pressure, offering trout anglers excellent opportunities for a good catch as well as scenic views of nearby mountains. This section of the Yellowstone River is home to a variety of trout species. The size and diversity allows for fly fishing opportunities, which provides flexibility for anglers.

As in the upper section, the Yellowstone River is typically swollen and muddy due to spring run-off from mid May to early July, limiting top water fishing. However, for those times when the river runs clear due to either cold weather or a limited snow pack, excellent dry fly fishing happens using standard Caddis flies, such as the Elk Hair Caddis. When going after rainbow trout, locate the edges of slow and fast current, floating the fly right along the seam. Brown trout can also be taken by floating the fly right along the rivers edge and around obstructions in the river, such as rocks and downed trees.

Conditions are most likely to be favorable for fly fishing the Yellowstone River in early summer, but this stretch may become murky and muddy. Use large nymphs or attractors that can be fished deep in slower current. Dark colors will help you. In the later part of summer, this stretch of river is a great place to catch trout. As the Yellowstone river flows through Paradise Valley, it runs alongside fields full of grass and hay. This is ideal territory for casting large hoppers in sizes 2-10 and letting them plop into the water right next to the banks. If you're tired of fishing.

Flies can be fished with at the mouths of feeder creeks that flow into Yellowstone River. Because these rivers are often narrow and have fast or slow current, a dry fly is floated along the seams of currents to find trout holding in those areas. When fishing from a boat on the river, look for areas with turbulent water where top-water action will also be present due to spring runoff.

When you reach Livingston, look for channels and braids in the river. These features often hold large fish, as anglers tend to ignore them. Additionally, because most fishing is done on the main channel or near it, these areas will be less crowded than side channels or braids that don't have a current. Try looking for deep channels with a decent flow - these are places where trout may not have had enough food over winter due to frozen water or low water levels in previous summers.

Livingston is a lower pressure spot where the Yellowstone River flows through "true high plains" country. the Absaroka Mountains can be seen in the distance to the south, as well as other mountain ranges throughout Montana. Although the landscape east of Livingston is mostly devoid of trees, there are a few cottonwood trees near the river. This prairie area isn't flat like many people might think; in fact, it has rolling hills that can be quite large. So don't let your fear stop you from fishing this part of the Yellowstone River.

Although fly fishing opportunities along the Yellowstone River seem to be reduced due to its fast current and mountainous origin, anglers should not disregard this opportunity because trout populations can exist in places where many would dismiss it at first sight. Cool temperatures allow healthy rainbow and brown trout populations to thrive near their source. Additionally, the larger fish in this section of the Yellowstone River are more likely to be caught than those further upstream. This is due to less fishing pressure and smaller fish near Livingston, Montana.

The Yellowstone River in this section is broad and deep. It has a moderate current, so wading isn't an issue most of the time. Except during low water years, when it can be slower near Livingston, fishing spots are usually accessible by boat. Fly fishing in the Yellowstone can be done in a number of ways depending on the season.

In the early season, caddis hatches are excellent. However, due to spring run-off and the river being muddy, fishing during this time is often difficult. When the river becomes clear though, an angler should make sure they have flies for all occasions - nymphs (for midges), emergers (fish rising to bait on top surface of water), and topwater flies (such as a Elk Hair Caddis). Fly fishing during this hatch requires using specific types of fly depending on what trout are feeding on.

For the angler looking to hook a large brown or rainbow trout, fishing them down deep in the holes with heavy leaders and sink-tip fly lines is perhaps the best method. A quick look at the country where the Yellowstone River flows will provide a good indication of how to fish during summer months. Fish hoppers near the banks, looking for any obstructions or undercut areas.

A fourth fishing strategy is to fish small hatches along this stretch of the river. Both caddis and mayfly hatches occur here, which provides good opportunities for fly fishermen to catch rainbows with smaller flies. Anglers aren't likely to take a large trout using this method, but it's still an excellent way to land decent sized rainbow trout.

The least heavily used stretch of the Yellowstone River is located here. The river is wide and slow, with many deep pools. This area also has good access to fishing spots as well as scenery that includes views of The Absaroka Mountains in the distance. The best fly fishing is found on the upper half of this stretch. Trout are plentiful in good size, but quality drops closer to Billings.

Fishing this stretch is not much different than the stretch between Livingston and Big Timber. Use streamers and large nymphs to catch the larger fish that are found in the deep holes. And use the ever-popular hopper right along the banks.

Fly fishing trip on the Yellowstone River near Billings Montana with GuideTime.

The Yellowstone River begins in the Absaroka Mountains of Yellowstone National Park. It flows into beautiful and massive Yellowstone Lake before continuing through Yellowstone Park, over the huge and impressive Yellowstone Falls. Below the falls, the river enters steep canyons and continues to flow wildly before

Floating is not allowed in Yellowstone Park, so people float beginning in Gardiner. The river has few major rapids For most of its length, with the exception occurring soon after it leaves the park near Gardiner.

Yankee Jim Canyon is a section of the Yellowstone River that has several rapids. It's best for experienced floaters who are in whitewater capable boats, such as drift boats, inflatable fishing rafts, and expedition level inflatable kayaks. The severity of the rapids changes depending on river levels - during high water they can be more severe.

Below the Carbella Access Site, the Yellowstone River flows through the very scenic Paradise Valley with no whitewater but plenty of riffles. Floating pressure is moderate to heavy between Carbella and Livingston as this stretch of river has the most fishing pressure. Several outfitters also provide recreational floating services, too. The Access to the Yellowstone River is great between Gardiner and Livingston. Public land surrounds much of the river, making it easy to find fishing spots.

Despite no major rapids in between Livingston and Columbus, there are many areas where the water is turbulent and waves can be small or large. When the river levels are low to moderate, paddlers should avoid this section of the river as it has strong ripples and waves that might capsize a canoe if hit from an angle. Downstream from Columbus, there are three fast rapids.

Following these rapids, the Yellowstone River flows through prairie land and eventually leaves the mountains behind. Although the river passes by them, you can still see scenic scenery because of how far away the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains are to

Downstream from Billings, Montana there are several diversion dams that require portaging. One is located in Forsyt, North Dakota. These dams are spaced apart along the length of the Yellowstone River in Montana but occur more.

We recommend hiring a licensed Montana fly fishing guide service for the best results.

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Boulder River Fly Fishing

The Boulder River offers excellent fly fishing for those who are looking to fish in a moderate-pressure environment. It's located away from other popular rivers, which helps keep the population of anglers low and allows the river to remain relatively untouched.

The Boulder River has both easy and difficult sections. On the easier parts, rainbows and cutthroat trout can be found in large numbers; they will take almost any fly or lure presented reasonably. Spin fishermen can also find success using small spinners on some of the deeper holes near the river's source.

The difficulty of fishing on this stretch is because the river narrows frequently and has heavily forested banks. There are slippery boulders everywhere, even in good shoes, as well as a fast current. This makes it difficult to fish from the bank most of the time due to how dense the vegetation is.

Boulder River fly fishing trip near Billings Montana with GuideTime.

The key to fishing in this stretch of the river is patience, as there are often longer stretches of slow water or areas where wading is not safe. It's worth it to walk a short distance away from these places in order to find more peaceful waters. Our guides can also be helpful on these sections, especially if you don't have one or feel like buying one. For those who want something extra sturdy for crossing treacherous looking terrain, a large and heavy stick will suffice just fine. Below Natural Bridge State Monument, the size of fish increases greatly. Rainbow trout and brown trout are most common, with some reaching up to

To catch fish in the lower section of the Boulder River, you need to be able to reach them. This is not easy as there are no access points below Natural Bridge State Monument and only a few along the banks away from these points. If you want to find good fishing grounds, then walk close to where the river meets land so that landowners do not have any complaints about your presence.

The lower stretch of the river is good for fly fishers using dry flies and streamers. Fishing in many deep holes and along undercut banks is a great way to catch large brown trout on the Boulder River. For the dry fly angler, there are excellent caddisfly hatches throughout summer on this river. This low fishing pressure makes standard dry fly patterns

It's a great time to fish for brown and rainbow trout in the Boulder River, as it flows through ranch country with lots of hay fields. Just use a large hopper on your river fishing trip and you'll be sure to catch plenty of these delicious fish! Fly fishing waders are helpful in avoiding broken legs and ankles by following these guidelines.

The Boulder River has two types of floats - one for those who love whitewater and another for anglers. Above the Natural Bridge State Monument, the river is narrow and full of rapids. However, below this point it's a lot more bouncy with no big waves - perfect for fly fishing.

Float the upper section of the Boulder River only if you are experienced using a kayak or raft, and avoid doing so during summer months when water is shallow. The best time to float this stretch of river is in late June or July, after high water begins to subside but before low water conditions set in. If fishing is your intent, be sure to bring along your gear unless you plan on stopping at various spots along the way. Current speeds make fly-fishing from a boat difficult.

There are some slower stretches of water in between these two campsites, but for the most part this section is full of rapids that range from Class II to IV. A rafter or kayaker will encounter unending rapid waterways here, with different levels of difficulty throughout.

Fly fishing trip on the Boulder River near Billings, Montana with GuideTime.

The Boulder River has a strong current past this campground, and it's easy to miss even if you're looking for it. So be sure to get out here before taking the plunge into Natural Bridge State Monument (which doesn't have an official entry point near the waterfall).

Remember, you will not be able to take any food with you when visiting Natural Bridge. The Boulder River is deep down in a gorge and the waterfall sees to it that it flows away before reaching the rock-lined gorge. Fly fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the Boulder River below Natural Bridge by floating downriver from a bridge ten miles downstream. Additionally, there is public access available three miles further downstream at a site along the river itself.

Although there are no major rapids on the lower Boulder River, be aware of irrigation lines and fences as they can occasionally cross the river in different places. For the best results, we recommend hiring a licensed Montana fishing guide service with local knowledge and up to date information on conditions.

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Stillwater River Fly Fishing

The Stillwater River begins high in the mountains of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area. The river flows for more than twenty miles through the wilderness area before leaving the mountains and spilling out into the rolling prairie and canyons that lie outside the wilderness area. The Stillwater River begins its journey in the wilderness and flows for 45 miles before it meets up with the Yellowstone River near Columbus, Montana.

The Stillwater River is a beautiful and wild river that's perfect for fishing or floating. The Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains provide an amazing setting for any trip, as does the moderate fishing pressure on the Stillwater River. However, most anglers go to more popular nearby rivers such as Yellowstone Rive due to its high popularity among out of state fishers.

Fly fishing trip on the Stillwater River near Billings, Montana with GuideTime.

Access to the Stillwater River is excellent, as it begins in wilderness area. However, once the river leaves this protected area and enters good land, access becomes more widespread due to numerous designated fishing sites along its length.

The Stillwater River has a light fishing population down to the town of Nye. Fly fishing on this section involves targeting pockets of water with strong current, like rocks and whitewater. The fast current will hold up trout populations wherever they can find shelter.

There is no need to worry about what type of fly you are using on the Stillwater River; any dry fly will work just fine. The fish here tend to be small, between 8-10 inches in size. They can be found mostly in the wilderness section of the river, but there are also some golden trout present. The stretch below Nye is home to both decent numbers of brown trout and bigger ones. Rainbow, cutthroat.

When fishing for brown trout, use the same techniques as standard brown trout. Use large streamers to fish around pools and along submerged obstructions, and also near undercut banks. Large nymphs like a Hare's Ear can be fished in these areas too. For rainbow and cutthroat trout, fly patterns work just as well upstream or downstream of this section of the Stillwater River; average size is 12 inches.

July-September is a great time to fly fish the Stillwater River, as both rainbow and brown trout can be caught this way. Additionally, anglers should bring plenty of caddis flies in imitation of hatches that occur below Nye.

It is important to note that the Stillwater River is very rocky. A good pair of wading boots will be helpful. The rocks in the river are slippery, loose and plentiful. This makes for tricky fishing as you can easily lose your footing on the slick stones and find yourself swimming with fast current. On top of this, there are surprises such as holes which trout love to frequent due to their tasty food sources (elevated levels of nutrients).

Floating on the Stillwater River is not for the faint of heart. The wilderness section can be very dangerous, depending on current conditions. There are extensive stretches of Class V or greater whitewater that cannot be accessed by boat because there are no roads in this area.

Fly fishing trip on the Stillwater River near Billings Montana with GuideTime fishing guide.

Below the town of Nye, the Stillwater River has extensive rapids down to its confluence with the North Fork. Above Nye, it is frequently quite narrow and shallow in late summer; it is also very rocky. Below Nye River, the current is slow and there are still some dangerous rapids. But it can be navigated by skilled floaters in hard shell boats or inflatable kayaks, canoes or smaller inflatable raft. Rocks are often found on the Stillwater River throughout the summer. In low water flows, they can be found scattered throughout the river.

Fishing in late summer on the Stillwater River presents several problems for parties traveling in large rafts. The water is shallow and there are many rocks floating around, especially near Castle Rock and Moraine Fishing Access Sites. This makes it difficult for larger rafts to avoid them, which is why a hard shell kayak, small inflatable raft or inflatable kayak would be. Aside from the diversion dam, there are no other obstacles until you reach the Yellowstone River.

For the best fly fishing results on the Stillwater River, we recommend hiring a licensed Montana fly fishing guide service.

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Rock Creek Fly Fishing

Just to avoid confusion, the Rock Creek located in southern Montana is not the same Rock Creek as is found in the western part of the state (and which is far more popular among anglers and has much better fishing). The two rivers may share the same name, but are entirely different in landscape and fishing. More information about Rock Creek in Southwest Montana. This Rock Creek begins high in the mountains of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and flows for more than 55 miles to the confluence with the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River. It flows through a very diverse landscape. Huge mountains and thick forests dominate the upper 15 miles of the river.

Rock Creek then leaves the mountains behind at the town of Red Lodge, Montana, and enters a beautiful rolling, prairie landscape that lasts until the rivers end. Throughout its prairie section, Rock Creek has thick cottonwood trees and brush lining its banks and has rocks everywhere. It also splits into a number of channels, most of which run dry later in the summer.

The water in Rock Creek is crystal clear except during spring run-off. It is also quite cool, reflecting the rivers origin high in the mountains and the fact that its primary tributaries consist of high alpine creeks and streams. The mountain section of Rock Creek, above Red Lodge, is home to lots of small cutthroat and brook trout. They are easy to catch on virtually any dry fly with a half way decent presentation. The fish are small but feisty and are fun to catch.

Fly Fishing trip on Rock Creek near Billings, Montana with a GuideTime licensed fishing guide.

And of course the scenic backdrop is just incredible. Fishing pressure is very light on the upper section of Rock Creek. While the vehicle traffic can be incredible at times on the roads that loosely follow Rock Creek, virtually all of it consists of vehicles going up and over Beartooth Pass on their way to/from Yellowstone National Park, which lies about 80 miles away.

Downstream from Red Lodge, decent fly fishing for both rainbow and brown trout can be found, with the best brown trout fishing found in the lower half. This section of Rock Creek is an excellent place for a dry fly fisherman who lacks a boat to float other major Montana rivers. Once spring run-off ends, the river is fairly narrow (but just wide enough to allow for easy casting) in this section, and the extensive gravel provides easy shoreline walking once spring run-off ends and the river levels drop. Except in the holes, the river is also fairly shallow, providing ample places for the wade angler to cross the river.

Dry flies work just as well on this section of Rock Creek as they do further upstream. Fishing pressure is quite light, and the rainbow trout rise readily to a fairly well presented dry fly imitation. PMD imitations and the Parachute Adams are excellent dry flies for this river.

When chasing after the larger brown trout on Rock Creek, streamers are effective, especially in the fall when the fish move out of their protective cover. Fish the streamers around the many downfalls that are found in the river, in holes and around the undercut banks that are found. Access to Rock Creek above Red Lodge is easy. Just upstream from Red Lodge the Rock Creek passes through public lands, with roads of one variety or another closely following it. To gain access, just park anywhere and take a short walk through the woods.

Below Red Lodge, access to Rock Creek is limited as it flows through private lands. Happily, several good fishing access sites exist, and several bridge crossings provide additional access points. It should be noted that the mountain section of Rock Creek can be “over-run” with recreational campers on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer. Hordes of people, generally from nearby Billings, head to the mountains on the weekends. In other words, don’t expect pristine solitude on the weekends.

Walk and wade fly fishing trip on Rock Creek near Billings, Montana with GuideTime.

Float fishing the Rock Creek is not recommended. The river has to many twists and turns, downfall and is too narrow to allow productive float fishing. Anyone float fishing will spend most of their time maneuvering their boat around corners and obstructions instead of fishing. Later in the summer, Rock Creek generally becomes unfloatable in some sections due to low water. Rock Creek, like its counterpart to the west, is best wade fished.

Just be aware of significant downfall and other obstructions. The river also splits into many channels, some of which have significant obstructions or are very shallow. Selecting the right channel is crucial to floating this little river. Fall, assuming rain adds some flows to the river, also provides a fine time for floating, all the more so since the colors of the trees and brush along the river make for a beautiful setting.

For the best fly fishing results on Rock Creek, we recommend hiring a licensed Montana fly fishing guide service with local knowledge.