Rock Creek is looking like an excellent option for anglers interested in technical fall wade fishing. The most recent available flow reference near Clinton is approximately 259 cfs, up slightly from the 230–235 cfs readings in the previous report. That is not a major increase, but the modest improvement in water volume can make some pockets and deeper holding areas more productive.

The creek remains low and exceptionally clear, making stealth a priority. Fish can be easily spooked at these flows, so anglers should approach cautiously, make accurate casts, and avoid unnecessary movement through productive water.

Floating is not allowed for fishing on Rock Creek during the current seasonal restriction. Plan on wade fishing only. Focus on boulder pockets, plunge pools, riffle drops, shaded banks, undercut edges, and deeper seams.

The rain and snow that came through western Montana last weekend dropped water temperatures and brought a definite fall feeling to Rock Creek. Recent reports showed water temperatures near 46–48°F, which can make trout less active during the coldest morning hours. Expect fishing to improve as the day warms, particularly from late morning through the afternoon.

Saturday should bring milder temperatures and gusty winds as a dry cold front crosses the region. Sunday looks cooler, with relatively pleasant conditions for October. Protected sections of the creek may fish especially well if the stronger winds make open water difficult.

Fall Hatches

Rock Creek is firmly in its fall hatch cycle, although terrestrials are not completely finished. Beetles, ants, and occasional small hoppers can still attract trout during warmer afternoons, particularly along grassy banks, overhanging vegetation, and shaded undercuts.

BWOs should be a major focus when clouds or cooler conditions develop. Watch carefully for fish feeding on small mayflies in softer seams and the slower portions of riffles. Mahogany Duns and Hecubas are also worth carrying, especially during the afternoon.

Anglers are already seeing October Caddis, and larger dry-fly imitations can remain productive in choppy pocket water. Fishing an October Caddis dry with a small nymph underneath can be an excellent searching tactic when there is little visible surface activity.

Streamer fishing deserves some attention this weekend as well. Cooler fall water can encourage larger fish to chase, particularly around plunge pools and undercut banks. Smaller olive, black, and natural-colored streamers are usually preferable to oversized patterns at Rock Creek's current flows.

Weekend Outlook

Saturday's wind may complicate delicate dry-fly presentations, so concentrate on protected pockets and deeper pools. Sunday's cooler conditions may favor nymphs and small streamers early, with possible dry-fly activity later in the day.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• BWO Dries #18–22

• BWO Emergers #18–22

• Mahogany Duns #14–16

• Hecubas #10–12

• October Caddis Adults #8–12

• Purple Haze #16–20

• Parachute Adams #16–22

• Stimulators #10–14

• Beetles #12–16

• Ants #14–18

• Small Hoppers #10–12

Nymphs

• Frenchies #14–18

• Pheasant Tails #16–20

• Perdigons #16–20

• BWO Nymphs #18–22

• October Caddis Pupa #8–12

• Jigged Hare's Ears #14–18

• Zebra Midges #18–22

• Small Stonefly Nymphs

Streamers

• Thin Mints

• Woolly Buggers

• Small Sculpin Patterns

• Sparkle Minnows

• Mini Dungeons

• Sparring Partners

• Olive and Black Streamers