Rock Creek remains a good option for anglers looking for technical late-fall wade fishing. The creek near Clinton is currently running around 270 cfs, essentially unchanged from Monday's report. The stable flows have kept conditions relatively predictable, although the creek is becoming increasingly technical as colder weather moves into western Montana.

At these levels, trout are concentrating in deeper pools, boulder pockets, plunge pools, and slower seams. The fast, shallow pocket water that was productive during the warmer months is becoming less dependable. Anglers should focus on areas that provide depth, cover, and slower current, allowing trout to feed without expending unnecessary energy.

Rock Creek remains wade fishing only. Fishing from boats or vessels is prohibited through November 30. Anglers should continue approaching productive holding water carefully, particularly in clear sections where fish can easily be spooked.

The forecast looks relatively comfortable for November, although another round of unsettled weather is approaching. Friday should bring partly cloudy skies and afternoon temperatures in the mid-40s. Saturday looks cloudier with scattered showers, while Sunday should be drier with temperatures approaching the upper 40s.

These cooler conditions should keep water temperatures low, making the afternoon the most productive time to fish. There is little reason to rush out at sunrise when trout are more likely to be holding deep and feeding slowly.

Fall Hatches

BWOs remain the primary mayflies to watch on Rock Creek. Saturday's clouds and scattered showers could produce a short afternoon hatch, particularly along slower pools, tailouts, and softer current seams.

Midges are becoming increasingly important as November progresses. Small Griffith's Gnats, CDC midge emergers, and tiny parachute patterns can be useful when trout begin feeding selectively near the surface.

The larger fall hatches are largely finished. Mahogany Duns, Hecubas, and October Caddis have become uncommon, while terrestrials such as beetles, ants, and hoppers are no longer dependable options.

Nymphing remains the most consistent approach. Frenchies, Pheasant Tails, Perdigons, BWO nymphs, and Zebra Midges are all effective patterns for fishing deeper pockets and slower seams. Getting these flies into the correct depth is especially important as fish become less willing to chase.

Streamer fishing is still worthwhile, particularly around plunge pools, undercut banks, and deeper boulder pockets. Small olive or black sculpins, Thin Mints, and Woolly Buggers are excellent choices. Fish them slowly with occasional pauses rather than relying on aggressive retrieves.

Weekend Outlook

Saturday's cloudy weather may provide an opportunity for BWOs and streamers, particularly during the afternoon. Sunday should be drier and comfortable for wade anglers. Nymphing will likely remain the most dependable technique, with the strongest fishing developing after the cold morning hours.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• BWO Dries #18–22

• BWO Emergers #18–22

• Griffith's Gnats #18–22

• CDC Midge Emergers #18–24

• Parachute Adams #18–22

• Purple Haze #18–20

• October Caddis Adults #10–12

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 #10–12

Streamers

• Thin Mints

• Woolly Buggers

• Small Olive Sculpins

• Sparkle Minnows

• Mini Dungeons

• Sparring Partners

• Small Black Streamers