Rock Creek continues to offer good opportunities for anglers looking for technical fall wade fishing. Recent flow readings near Clinton have been around 265 cfs, relatively steady compared with the previous report and slightly higher than the lower flows recorded earlier this month. The additional water is helpful, but the creek remains clear enough that stealth and careful presentations are essential.

Rock Creek is currently restricted to wade fishing. Fishing from boats or other vessels is not allowed during the seasonal restriction, which continues through November 30. Anglers should concentrate on accessible pocket water, deeper pools, boulder edges, plunge pools, and slower seams.

The colder fall weather has pushed trout away from some of the fast summer holding water. Fish are increasingly likely to occupy deeper pockets and softer areas where they can conserve energy. Cold mornings can make fishing sluggish, so late morning through afternoon remains the best time to be on the water.

Wednesday should provide pleasant conditions, with mild afternoon temperatures and relatively clear skies. Thursday brings increasing clouds and showers, followed by much colder weather and rain Friday. Additional mountain snow is also possible as this system moves through western Montana.

These conditions could make Rock Creek particularly interesting for anglers interested in fall mayflies and streamer fishing.

Fall Hatches

BWOs should be the primary hatch to watch as the cooler, cloudier weather arrives. Look for trout rising in softer seams, tailouts, and slower pools during the afternoon. Small parachutes, Comparaduns, and emergers should be effective when fish are feeding selectively.

Mahogany Duns are another insect worth carrying, particularly in sizes 14–16. Hecubas may still make an appearance in suitable riffle water, although their activity is becoming less consistent as the season progresses.

Anglers are already seeing October Caddis, and larger orange-bodied dry flies can still produce in broken pocket water and along deeper banks. October Caddis pupa patterns are also useful when fish aren't taking adults.

Terrestrials are fading rapidly, but there is still a chance to find trout willing to eat beetles, ants, and occasional small hoppers during warmer afternoon periods.

Nymphing will likely produce the most consistent fishing, especially before hatches develop. Try Frenchies, Pheasant Tails, Perdigons, BWO nymphs, and Zebra Midges through deeper pools and softer runs.

Streamer fishing is becoming more appealing as we move deeper into fall. Small sculpins, Thin Mints, Woolly Buggers, and compact olive or black patterns can move larger trout around plunge pools, undercut banks, and boulder pockets. Slower retrieves may be more effective as water temperatures continue dropping.

Outlook for the Weekend

Thursday and Friday's colder, wetter weather should improve the chances of BWO activity and streamer fishing. Saturday should be cooler and more settled, but anglers should watch flows and water clarity after the rain. Expect the best fishing 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

• 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