Rock Creek continues to offer good late-fall wade-fishing opportunities, although colder temperatures are changing where trout hold and how aggressively they feed. The creek near Clinton is currently running around 314 cfs, down from approximately 348 cfs in last Wednesday's report. Despite the decrease, Rock Creek is still carrying more water than it did during much of early October, providing good depth around boulder pockets, plunge pools, and deeper holding water.

The rain and mountain snow that moved through western Montana over the weekend have reinforced the creek's transition into early-winter conditions. Trout are beginning to move away from faster pocket water and into deeper, slower areas where they can conserve energy.

Rock Creek remains wade fishing only. Fishing from boats or vessels is prohibited through November 30. Anglers should approach productive holding water carefully and remain cautious when crossing, especially in sections where last week's higher flows changed familiar wading routes.

Monday should be cool but relatively pleasant, with temperatures climbing into the low 50s. Tuesday and Wednesday will bring colder mornings and partly sunny conditions, followed by another chance of showers Thursday. These conditions should keep water temperatures cold and favor fishing later in the day.

Look for trout in deeper pools, soft seams, boulder pockets, slower riffle transitions, and sheltered areas with good cover.

Fall Hatches

BWOs are the primary hatch to watch on Rock Creek. Cloudy afternoons can encourage these small mayflies to emerge, particularly in slower pools and soft current seams. Trout may feed selectively during these shorter hatch windows, making small parachutes, Comparaduns, and emergers especially useful.

Midges are becoming increasingly important and will continue to play a larger role as November progresses. Small Griffith's Gnats and midge emergers are worth carrying, especially when fish are rising but refusing larger mayfly patterns.

Mahogany Duns and Hecubas are mostly finished for the season. October Caddis are also fading rapidly, although an occasional larger adult or pupa may still attract trout in broken water.

Terrestrials are no longer a reliable part of the program. Beetles, ants, and hoppers have largely given way to smaller late-season insects.

Nymphing should be the most dependable approach during colder morning hours. Fish Frenchies, Pheasant Tails, Perdigons, BWO nymphs, and Zebra Midges through deeper pockets and slower runs. Adjusting depth and slowing presentations can be more important than changing fly patterns.

Streamer fishing remains a good option, particularly around plunge pools, boulder pockets, and undercut banks. Smaller sculpins, Thin Mints, Woolly Buggers, and compact olive or black streamers should be effective when fished slowly through deeper water.

Outlook for the Week

Expect cold mornings and better activity during the afternoon. Thursday's possible showers may encourage BWO activity, while the relatively dry weekend should offer comfortable conditions for anglers willing to slow down and fish deeper water.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• BWO Dries #18–22

• BWO Emergers #18–22

• Griffith's Gnats #18–22

• CDC Midge Emergers #18–22

• Parachute Adams #18–22

• Purple Haze #18–20

• October Caddis Adults #8–12

Nymphs

• Frenchies #14–18

• Pheasant Tails #16–20

• Perdigons #16–20

• BWO Nymphs #18–22

• Zebra Midges #18–22

• Jigged Hare's Ears #14–18

• Small Stonefly Nymphs

• October Caddis Pupa #8–12

Streamers

• • • Thin Mints

    • Woolly Buggers

    • Small Olive Sculpins

    • Sparkle Minnows

    • Mini Dungeons

    • Sparring Partners

    • Small Black Streamers