Fish Creek
Fly fishing in Montana · Intermediate · Best seasons: Summer, Fall
Target Species
Cutthroat Trout, Bull Trout
About This Water
Near Alberton with wild cutthroat and bull trout. Remote backcountry fishing experience.
Fishing Recommendations
As an expert guide who has spent years navigating the freestones of Western Montana, I can tell you that Fish Creek is one of the crown jewels of the Missoula area. Located about 40 miles west of Missoula, this tributary of the Clark Fork River offers a quintessential mountain stream experience: crystal-clear water, rugged scenery, and native trout that are as beautiful as they are aggressive.
Here is your comprehensive guide to fly fishing Fish Creek.
🎣 Location Overview
Fish Creek is a high-gradient, freestone stream that flows through the Fish Creek State Park and Wildlife Management Area. It is prized by anglers for its Westslope Cutthroat Trout heritage and its role as a critical spawning tributary for the endangered Bull Trout.
The water here is exceptionally clear, often referred to as "gin-clear," which means stealth is just as important as your casting technique. The creek is characterized by classic "pocket water"—a series of plunges, deep pools, bubbly riffles, and heavy timber structure. Because much of the surrounding land is public, it offers miles of walk-and-wade access that feels far more remote than it actually is.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
Westslope Cutthroat Trout
These are the stars of the show. They are opportunistic feeders and are famous for their willingness to rise to a dry fly.
- Behavior: They hold in soft seams, behind large boulders, and in the "tail-outs" of deep pools.
- Feeding: They aren't particularly picky but are easily spooked. In the summer, they look upward for terrestrials and aquatic insects.
Bull Trout
Fish Creek is a stronghold for these migratory giants.
- Behavior: They are apex predators. They hold in the deepest, darkest holes and under submerged logs.
- Feeding: They feed primarily on other fish. While you may hook one incidentally while nymphing, they are most often moved by large, articulated streamers.
- Note: Bull Trout are federally protected. If you hook one, keep it in the water, handle it with extreme care, and release it immediately.
📅 Best Times to Fish
Summer (July – August)
This is the "Golden Era" on Fish Creek. Once the spring runoff subsides (usually by late June or early July), the water clears and the dry fly action begins.
- Prime Window: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM when the sun hits the water and triggers insect activity.
- Conditions: Look for "Hoot Owl" restrictions (fishing closures after 2 PM) during heatwaves in August, though Fish Creek’s canopy and elevation often keep it cooler than the main Clark Fork.
Fall (September – October)
Fall is arguably the most beautiful time to be on the creek. The larch trees turn gold, and the bigger fish become more active before winter.
- Prime Window: Mid-day (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM) as the water warms slightly.
- Conditions: Look for Blue Winged Olive (BWO) hatches on overcast, drizzly days.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
The "Dry-Dropper" rig is the king of Fish Creek.
Top Fly Patterns
- Dries:
- Chubby Chernobyl (Gold, Purple, or Royal) - Sizes 8-12.
- Purple Haze - Sizes 14-18 (The Montana "cheat code").
- Royal Stimulator - Sizes 12-14.
- Morrish Hopper (Late Summer) - Size 10.
- Nymphs:
- Pat’s Rubber Legs (Tan/Brown) - Sizes 8-12.
- Bead Head Pheasant Tail - Sizes 14-18.
- Perdigons (various colors) - Great for fast, deep pockets.
- Streamers:
- Olive or Black Sparkle Minnow - For aggressive Cutthroats and the occasional Bull Trout.
Techniques
- Pocket Water Nymphing: Short, accurate casts into the "buckets" behind rocks. Use a heavy nymph to get down fast in the short runs.
- The "Twitch": When fishing a large dry fly like a Chubby, give it a tiny skate or twitch. Cutthroats often react to the movement.
- Stealth Approach: Fish upstream. The water is so clear that if you stand at the head of a pool, the fish will see you and stop feeding.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The "Fork" Strategy: Fish Creek has a North and South Fork. The North Fork is smaller and tighter; the main stem below the confluence offers larger pools and bigger fish.
- Look for Wood: Fish Creek is full of fallen logs. These are the primary holding spots for the largest Cutthroats. Don't be afraid to lose a fly to get your cast right against the timber.
- The "Purple" Factor: For reasons known only to the fish, Westslope Cutthroats in this drainage have a strange obsession with the color purple. Always have a Purple Haze or a Purple Chubby in your box.
- Cover Ground: Don't spend an hour in one hole. These fish are aggressive; if they are there and hungry, they will usually hit within the first five good casts. Move quickly until you find a concentration of fish.
⚠️ Important Information
- Access: Fish Creek Road (NF-343) parallels much of the creek. There are numerous pull-outs. Avoid private property near the mouth where it joins the Clark Fork.
- Regulations:
- Catch and Release only for Cutthroat Trout in most sections (Check current MT FWP Central District regulations).
- Bull Trout: It is illegal to intentionally target Bull Trout in Fish Creek. If you catch one while fishing for other species, it must be released immediately without being removed from the water.
- Wildlife & Safety: This is Bear Country. Both Black Bears and Grizzlies frequent the Fish Creek WMA. Carry bear spray, keep it accessible, and know how to use it.
- Wading: The rocks here can be "greasy" with algae. Felt soles or studs are highly recommended.
Fish Creek is a place of solitude and wild beauty. Respect the resource, pinch your barbs, and enjoy some of the best dry fly fishing Montana has to offer.
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skwala Stonefly Skwala americana | stonefly | March, April | Afternoon | #8-12 | Skwala Stone #10-12, Pat's Rubber Leg #8-12, Bullet Head Skwala #12 |
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis | mayfly | April, May, September, October | Late Morning/Afternoon | #18-22 | Parachute Adams #18-22, RS2 #20, Pheasant Tail #18-20 |
| Salmonfly Pteronarcys californica | stonefly | June, July | All Day | #4-8 | Rogue River Stone #4-6, Cat Puke #6, Girdle Bug #6-8 |
| Golden Stonefly Hesperoperla pacifica | stonefly | July | Morning/Evening | #8-12 | Chubby Chernobyl #8-12, Golden Stone Nymph #10-12, Norm Wood Special #10 |
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella excrucians | mayfly | June, July | Late Morning | #16-18 | PMD Sparkle Dun #16-18, Quigley Cripple #16, Military Mayfly #16-18 |
| Spotted Sedge Hydropsyche | caddis | July, August | Evening | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, LaFontaine's Deep Sparkle Pupa #14-16, X-Caddis #16 |
| Spruce Moth Choristoneura occidentalis | terrestrial | August | Morning/Afternoon | #12-14 | Spruce Moth Dry #12-14, Fluttering Spruce Moth #14 |
| Western Grasshopper Melanoplus | terrestrial | August, September | Midday | #8-14 | Morrish Hopper #10-12, Tan Panty Dropper Hopper #12 |