Rock Creek is low, cold, and technical, but still very fishable for careful wade anglers. The lower creek near Clinton was last verified around 230 to 235 cfs, down from the mid-260s range in the last report. That drop makes the creek clearer and more demanding. There is still enough water in the deeper pockets, plunge pools, and shaded seams, but fish are easier to spook now.

Floating is no longer allowed on Rock Creek. Plan on wade fishing only. Move slowly, stay low, and fish good holding water before stepping into it. The best targets are pocket water, boulder edges, riffle drops, plunge pools, undercut banks, shaded seams, and small current breaks behind heavier water. Light tippet, smaller flies, and careful drifts will make a difference.

The weekend weather brought the biggest shift of the fall so far. Rain and snow moved through the Missoula area, and Rock Creek water temperatures were reported around 48 degrees. That is a good temperature for trout, but cold mornings may start slowly. Let the creek warm a little before expecting the best dry-fly fishing.

The fall hatch transition is fully here. Terrestrials are fading, but there is still a chance to pick up fish on beetles, ants, or a small hopper during a warmer afternoon along grassy banks and brushy edges. BWOs should be the main hatch to watch during cloudy or damp windows. Anglers are already seeing October Caddis, and Mahogany Duns and Hecubas may still be important in the coming weeks. On Rock Creek, larger fall dries can work in broken pocket water, while small BWO and mayfly patterns will matter in soft seams and calmer edges.

Streamer fishing can be a smart choice now, especially after the snow and rain. Small streamers are usually better than oversized patterns at these flows. Try small sculpins, Woolly Buggers, Thin Mints, Sparkle Minnows, and compact olive or black streamers through plunge pools, boulder pockets, and undercut banks.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• BWO Dries #18-22

• Mahogany Duns #14-16

• October Caddis Adults #8-12

• Hecubas #10-12

• Parachute Adams #16-22

• Purple Haze #16-20

• Elk Hair Caddis #14-18

• X-Caddis #14-18

• 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

• Caddis Pupa #14-18

• Jigged Hare’s Ears #14-18

• Hot Spot Stoneflies

• Small jig nymphs #16-20

Streamers

• Thin Mints

• Woolly Buggers

• Sparkle Minnows

• Small sculpin patterns

• Mini Dungeons

• Sparring Partners

• Small olive streamers

• Small black streamers