Rock Creek Fisherman's Mercantile

Rock Creek Fisherman's Mercantile We are a family-owned fly shop, country store and motel at Rock Creek near Missoula, Montana.

As of today, hoot owl restrictions have been lifted on many of our local rivers, including upper Rock Creek!  With these...
08/13/2026

As of today, hoot owl restrictions have been lifted on many of our local rivers, including upper Rock Creek! With these longer nights and a much needed blast of cooler weather, things should only improve as we move into September. Now if we can just get rid of the smoke…

With summer heat officially on and restrictions starting up on some of our local rivers, it's important to keep an eye o...
07/24/2026

With summer heat officially on and restrictions starting up on some of our local rivers, it's important to keep an eye on water temps when fishing this time of year. That means bringing a water thermometer, referencing the USGS website for current temps, or simply avoiding fishing during the warmest parts of the day (or altogether!).

A big thanks to Trout Unlimited for posting this handy temperature chart. This is a great general reference for what to do during specific water temps.

Although Rock Creek is not under any hoot owl restrictions thus far, the water temps have hit high 60s and even low 70s by the afternoon, so we are recommending people stick to fishing the mornings until these 90°+ days have passed. Let's keep our trout safe and healthy during these stressful conditions!

07/02/2026

On the last day of the float season on Rock Creek, I had the pleasure of fishing with rivers perry and Nicole Heavirland. There was hardly a boat or a fisherman out there, which was strange because it was a great day out. We caught a lot of beauties, but this big bow was the fish of the day.

Thanks to everyone who came into the shop to support our business this June, and get ready for a great summer of wade fishing on the creek!

06/06/2026

Never underestimate the power of Mother Nature and Father Time. All the rain we had last week bumped the water to over 2500 cfs. It's come down since then (currently 1330), but the high water dislodged the most dangerous obstacles here on Rock Creek.

Regardless of the improvements, stay vigilant out there, floaters! It's great fishing from the boat, but an experienced rower is key to a safe float fishing trip on Rock Creek!

05/31/2026

‼️FLOATERS BEWARE‼️

Nasty double log jam right at the Elkhorn takeout. We recommend that nobody floats this section until the logs are released.

Stop in shop for the latest river updates!

05/26/2026

Rock Creek Fisherman’s Mercantile is switching over to our summer hours! We’ll now be open daily from 7am–7pm to help you make the most of the longer days on the water. Flows are still high around 1200 cfs due to runoff, but conditions have been steadily improving as water levels stabilize and clarity improves. The best fishing has been in softer water along the banks, slower seams, back eddies, side channels, and near tributary mouths, where trout can escape the heavier current. Early mornings have been providing the clearest water and most consistent action.

As conditions continue improving over the next couple of weeks, we expect fishing to get more consistent across the system. Keep an eye out for Salmonflies, Stones, BWOs, and Green Drakes as hatch activity continues improp into summer. Subsurface fishing has continued to produce some of the most consistent action, with stonefly nymphs, San Juan Worms, Pat’s Rubber Legs, prince nymphs, and flashy perdigons all fishing well in the higher flows. As runoff continues to settle, expect hatch windows to become more consistent and fish to begin looking up more regularly throughout the day. Stop by the shop for updated flow reports, hatch info, fly recommendations, and everything you need before heading out on Rock Creek!

#406

05/23/2026

They’re here! Salmon flies spotted on lower Rock Creek today. Time to start fishing those big dries!

New blockage on the creek, once again inbetween Upper Fire Ring and the Microburst.  Looks like a river right portage fo...
05/20/2026

New blockage on the creek, once again inbetween Upper Fire Ring and the Microburst. Looks like a river right portage for the time being here. Thanks to and Rick for supplying videos and pictures.

Heads up!  There is a new obstacle at mile 27 on Rock Creek.  A tree that had fallen over the road into the river last y...
05/07/2026

Heads up! There is a new obstacle at mile 27 on Rock Creek. A tree that had fallen over the road into the river last year has moved with higher water and is blocking the main channel. This is part of what we call the “War Zone,” a series of log jams over the span of a river mile. Keep this in mind if you are putting in at Upper Fire Ring or higher. Thanks to Jon and Dori for the pics. Stay safe out there, floaters!

Address

73 Rock Creek Road
Clinton, MT
59825

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 7pm
Tuesday 7am - 7pm
Wednesday 7am - 7pm
Thursday 7am - 7pm
Friday 7am - 7pm
Saturday 7am - 7pm
Sunday 7am - 7pm

Telephone

+14068256440

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