Rock Creek is shaping up nicely as flows continue to drop and water clarity improves throughout the drainage. The creek is becoming very fishable, especially for anglers on foot, but it is also starting to get a little bony for floating in spots. Flows are on the decline, so expect more exposed rocks, tighter channels, and technical navigation if you are trying to float. Wading is becoming more approachable, but anglers should still move carefully and focus on softer holding water along banks, inside bends, pocket water, and slower seams.

Salmonflies are just about finished, with only a few leftovers hanging around in the upper creek. The main focus has shifted to Golden Stones, which should keep fish looking up along banks, pocket water, riffle edges, and softer seams. PMDs, Yellow Sallies, Green Drakes, and evening caddis are also active and should provide steady opportunities throughout the day.

Dry-dropper rigs are a great way to cover water right now. A Golden Stone, Chubby, or Water Walker on top with a smaller nymph underneath will fish well through banks, buckets, and pocket water. Nymphing will still be productive when the sun is high, while smaller dries can take fish during softer light or evening caddis activity.

The weather looks favorable, with warm, mostly sunny days ahead and only a slight rain chance today. If flows continue to drop and clarity holds, Rock Creek should stay productive. Focus on Golden Stones first, but be ready for PMDs, Yellow Sallies, caddis, and Green Drakes as summer conditions settle in.

Dry Flies

• Golden Stones #6-10
• Chubby Chernobyls #6-12
• Water Walkers #6-10
• Green Drakes #10-12
• Yellow Sallies #14-16
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-18
• X-Caddis #14-18
• PMDs #16-18
• Purple Haze #14-18
• Parachute Adams #14-18
• Salmonflies #4-6, mostly upper creek/leftovers

Nymphs

• Pat's Rubber Legs
• TJ Hooker
• Hot Spot Stoneflies
• Frenchies
• Split Case PMDs
• Jigged Hare's Ears
• Perdigons
• Pheasant Tails
• Caddis Pupa
• Green Drake Nymphs

Streamers

• Sparkle Minnows
• Mini Dungeons
• Sculpin patterns
• Sparring Partners
• Thin Mints
• Woolly Buggers
• Small olive or black streamers

The next stretch should continue to fish well as flows drop and the creek settles into a more summer-like pattern. Salmonflies are nearly done, but Golden Stones should keep fish looking up, and Green Drakes, Yellow Sallies, PMDs, and caddis will help fill in the gaps. Floating is getting skinny in places, so wade fishing may become the better option as the creek continues to drop. Anglers willing to cover water and target softer holding lies should find willing cutthroat, rainbows, and browns throughout Rock Creek.

Obstructions are as follows:

Lower Fire Ring - Elkhorn: Woody and Jammy! Be careful in that stretch! The corner is blocked by a fresh log!