Rock Creek is settling back into a clear, cool, wade-fishing pattern after the September rain. Recent reporting has the creek around 292 cfs near Clinton, down from the larger post-rain bump but still in decent shape for this point in the month. The creek is not big, but it is cool, fishable, and healthier than it was during the lowest late-summer stretch.

Floating is no longer allowed on Rock Creek. Plan on wade fishing only. The creek is still clear enough that stealth matters, so move slowly, stay low, and fish likely holding water before stepping into it. Focus on pocket water, boulder edges, riffle drops, plunge pools, shaded banks, undercut edges, soft seams, and small current breaks behind heavier water.

The weekend rain and cooler weather helped Rock Creek by refreshing flows and keeping water temperatures in good shape. Those cooler conditions should allow fish to feed more comfortably through the day, especially when clouds hang around or showers move through.

Rock Creek is shifting toward fall, but terrestrials are not done. Beetles, ants, and hoppers can still pull fish from grassy banks, brushy edges, and shaded undercuts. BWOs should be on your radar now, especially during gray, damp windows. Anglers are already seeing October Caddis, and Mahogany Duns and Hecubas may become increasingly important as September progresses.

Streamer fishing is a good idea as we transition into fall. If clouds stick around or rain adds a little stain, small sculpins, Woolly Buggers, Thin Mints, and compact olive or black streamers can be effective through plunge pools, boulder pockets, and undercut banks.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• Hoppers #8-12
• Ants #12-18
• Beetles #12-16
• Chubby Chernobyls #8-14
• Water Walkers #8-12
• BWO Dries #18-22
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-18
• X-Caddis #14-18
• October Caddis Adults #8-12
• Mahogany Duns #14-16
• Hecubas #10-12
• Purple Haze #14-20
• Parachute Adams #14-20
• Stimulators #8-14

Nymphs

• Frenchies #14-18
• Pheasant Tails #14-20
• Perdigons #14-20
• BWO Nymphs #18-22
• Caddis Pupa #12-18
• October Caddis Pupa #8-12
• Jigged Hare’s Ears #14-18
• Hot Spot Stoneflies
• Small jig nymphs #16-20

Streamers

• Sparkle Minnows
• Mini Dungeons
• Sculpin patterns
• Sparring Partners
• Thin Mints
• Woolly Buggers
• Small olive streamers
• Small black streamers