Rock Creek is around 292 cfs near Clinton, down from the last report but still on the high side of normal for this date. The creek is clear, cool, and in good wade-fishing shape. The rain and cooler weather over the weekend helped refresh the creek, and morning water temperatures are much better than they were during the hottest part of August.

Floating is no longer allowed on Rock Creek. Plan on wade fishing only. The creek is still low enough that stealth matters, but there is enough water to give fish some cover. 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.

Rock Creek is moving toward fall, but terrestrials are still worth fishing. Beetles, ants, and hoppers can still pull fish from grassy banks, brushy edges, and shaded undercuts. The cooler weather should also put BWOs on the radar, especially on gray, damp days. Anglers are already seeing October Caddis, and Mahogany Duns and Hecubas may become more important as September progresses.

The cooler weekend weather should help Rock Creek fish more consistently through the day. Clinton is forecast for pleasant temperatures, with a heavy thunderstorm chance Thursday afternoon, a few showers possible Saturday, and cool nights that should keep morning water temperatures in good shape.

Streamer fishing may be a good idea as we transition into fall, especially if clouds hang around or showers add 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