Valley of the Moonon Rock Creek
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Robust October Caddis hatches are a primary food source
- 01Robust October Caddis hatches are a primary food source, with active adult caddis on the water.
- 02Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) emergences are becoming more prevalent, providing selective dry fly opportunities.
- 03Terrestrial patterns, especially hoppers and ants, remain effective on warmer fall afternoons, particularly along shaded banks.
- 04Subsurface nymphing with Hare's Ear and Midge patterns is productive for trout feeding on active nymphs and pupae.
- 05Larger trout are responding to stripped Olive Woolly Buggers, mimicking baitfish and leeches in cooler waters.
What to tie on at Valley of the Moon
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Tungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
Explicitly mentioned in recent angler reports as effective for heavier nymph rigs in high flows.
Buy at AmazonKeller's Heneberry Hopper-Tan
Terrestrial activity, particularly hoppers, is consistently effective on Rock Creek, with this pattern being a top dry fly choice. Regional reports also confirm strong hopper activity.
Chubby Chernobyl
Dry-dropper fishing is consistent on Rock Creek, with anglers successfully using this large attractor dry, as well as finding aggressive Westslope Cutthroat taking large foam dries regionally.
Double Bead Stone
Explicitly mentioned in recent angler reports as effective for heavier nymph rigs in high flows.
Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun
BWOs are consistently hatching, especially in the afternoons, and this low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults.
Buy at AmazonWater Walker
Explicitly mentioned in recent angler reports as a productive dry fly for Rock Creek, similar to other large foam dries effective regionally for aggressive Westslope Cutthroat.
Flashback Hare's Ear Nymph
Recommended as an effective subsurface dropper on Rock Creek, mimicking various active aquatic insects. This is a consistent all-around nymph for trout.
Woolly Bugger
With current water color, streamers are effective for moving aggressive fish, imitating leeches and baitfish in colder spring water.
Buy at AmazonTJ Hooker
Explicitly mentioned in recent angler reports as part of effective heavier nymph rigs. While listed as a dry in the database, local reports indicate its effectiveness as a nymph in current conditions.
Montana season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.