An absolute jewel among Montana’s trout streams, Rock Creek feels like a place that has never changed. The creek flows fast and clear over a granite substrate year round, in a classic Montana mountain stream setting. Rock Creek drains the back side of the Anaconda Wilderness and joins the Clark Fork headed to the Pacific. From sometime in mid-May through June every year, anglers float this stunning water on a special, limited permit authorized through the Lolo National Forest.

Rock Creek has prolific salmonfly and golden stonefly hatches back to back, and the native cutthroats and bull trout (along with wild rainbows and browns) are aggressive and plentiful. Launches are limited, and early booking is a great idea since arrangements must be made in advance with the Lolo National Forest.