Holy freaking moly winter is finally here, and with it the fishing on Rock Creek has begun to slow down. Water levels remain low for the season, and the bottom section is still quite skinny, but everything remains very fishable. Fish that will overwinter in Rock Creek have already pushed into the deeper runs and pools, where they’re conserving energy and feeding selectively.

The spawn is fully wrapped up for the year. While the occasional straggler may still be nosing around old redds, you should assume any stationary fish in very shallow water or side channels to be spawning and give them space.

With the cold weather, summer’s big bugs are long gone and insect activity is minimal. The Baetis/BWO hatches that carried us through fall have mostly tapered off, leaving midges as the primary winter surface activity. On the rare mild or overcast day, you may still catch a brief BWO trickle, but for the most part, dries will be limited to tiny midges (size 20+).

Nymphing remains the most reliable approach during winter. Smaller perdigons and soft hackles continue to imitate the BWO and midge life cycles well, and they shine when fish are holding deep and moving slowly. Indicator rigs with heavier patterns—Double Bead Stones, Pat’s Rubber Legs, TJ Hookers—help get your flies down quickly into those slower winter lies. Tightline nymphing, indicators, hopper-dropper (on warmer afternoons), and swinging soft hackles can all produce, provided you're getting your flies down and maintaining a clean drift.

Streamer fishing can still be effective, though the bite has slowed with colder water temps. Fish that are willing to chase generally prefer a slower, deeper presentation this time of year. Dark leech and sculpin patterns remain the go-to, especially on cloudy days. Heavier, low-and-slow offerings like wooly-headed sculpins, mini dungeons, skiddish smolts, and sparring partners are still capable of moving post-spawn fish holding in winter water.

As always, stop by the shop if you need flies, rigging help, or the latest on water conditions. Stay warm and fish smart out there.