Rock Creek has experienced one of the biggest changes of any river around Missoula following Friday's rain. The creek near Clinton was recently running around 384 cfs, up significantly from approximately 265 cfs in the previous report. That additional water has changed the character of the creek, providing more depth, stronger current, and better holding areas for trout.

After weeks of low, clear, technical conditions, the added flow should make certain stretches more forgiving. Fish now have more cover around boulders, undercut banks, plunge pools, and deeper riffles. However, anglers should pay close attention to water clarity, especially if additional precipitation moves through the drainage.

Rock Creek remains wade fishing only. Fishing from boats or vessels is prohibited through November 30. The increased flows also mean anglers should be careful when crossing the creek, as familiar wading routes may be deeper and faster than they were last week.

Friday's rain helped refresh the creek, and cooler weather is expected to continue through the coming week. Monday should bring temperatures near 50 degrees, with rain returning overnight and Tuesday. Another colder system may bring rain and snow later in the week.

The best fishing should remain late morning through afternoon, as water temperatures gradually warm from their cold overnight lows.

Fall Hatches

BWOs are becoming the most important dry-fly hatch on Rock Creek. Cloudy, damp weather can encourage these small mayflies to emerge, particularly along softer seams, slower pools, and tailouts.

Mahogany Duns remain worth carrying, while Hecubas may still make occasional appearances as the late-fall hatch season winds down.

Anglers are still seeing October Caddis, and larger orange-bodied dries can remain productive in broken water. October Caddis pupa are also worth fishing through deeper runs.

Terrestrials are nearly finished for the season, although beetles, ants, and occasional small hoppers may still produce during the warmest afternoon periods.

Nymphing should remain a dependable approach. Try Frenchies, Perdigons, Pheasant Tails, BWO nymphs, and small stonefly patterns through deeper pockets and current seams.

Streamer fishing is particularly interesting following the flow increase. The creek now offers more depth and better streamer water than it did last week. Small sculpins, Thin Mints, Woolly Buggers, and darker streamers can produce along boulder edges, deeper banks, and plunge pools.

Outlook for the Week

The increased water and approaching rain should create favorable conditions for nymphing and streamer fishing. BWOs may become active during cloudy afternoons, although anglers should monitor changing clarity and wading conditions as additional precipitation arrives.

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

• Parachute Adams #16–22

• Purple Haze #16–20

• Griffith's Gnats #18–22

• Stimulators #10–14

• Beetles #12–16

• Ants #14–18

Nymphs

• Frenchies #14–18

• Pheasant Tails #16–20

• Perdigons #16–20

• BWO Nymphs #18–22

• October Caddis Pupa #8–12

• Zebra Midges #18–22

• Jigged Hare's Ears #14–18

• Small Stonefly Nymphs

Streamers

• Thin Mints

• Woolly Buggers

• Small Olive Sculpins

• Sparkle Minnows

• Mini Dungeons

• Sparring Partners

• Small Black Streamers