Rock Creek is shaping up nicely as flows continue to drop and water clarity improves throughout the drainage. The creek is becoming very fishable, especially for anglers on foot, but it is also starting to get a little bony for floating in spots. Flows are on the decline, so expect more exposed rocks, tighter channels, and technical navigation if you are trying to float. Wading is becoming more approachable, but anglers should still move carefully and focus on softer holding water along banks, inside bends, pocket water, and slower seams.

The Salmonfly hatch is just about wrapped up, with the main focus now turning to Golden Stones. There may still be a few big bugs around in the upper sections, but Golden Stones are becoming the more consistent dry-fly option throughout the creek. Green Drakes, Yellow Sallies, PMDs, and evening caddis are also in the mix, giving anglers plenty of bug activity to work with. Cloudy afternoons can still bring good mayfly activity, especially with Green Drakes and PMDs.

Fishing has been best from late morning through early evening once temperatures warm and insect activity picks up. Dry-dropper rigs are a great way to cover water right now, especially with a Golden Stone or Chubby-style dry on top and a smaller nymph underneath. Focus on soft banks, protected pockets, side channels, riffle edges, and slower water near structure. Trout are starting to settle into more predictable summer lies as flows continue to fall.

Dry Flies

• Golden Stones #6-10
• Chubby Chernobyls #6-12
• Water Walkers #6-10
• Green Drakes #10-12
• Yellow Sallies #14-16
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-18
• X-Caddis #14-18
• PMDs #16-18
• Purple Haze #14-18
• Parachute Adams #14-18
• Salmonflies #4-6, mostly upper creek/leftovers

Nymphs

• Pat's Rubber Legs
• TJ Hooker
• Hot Spot Stoneflies
• Frenchies
• Split Case PMDs
• Jigged Hare's Ears
• Perdigons
• Pheasant Tails
• Caddis Pupa
• Green Drake Nymphs

Streamers

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

The next stretch should continue to fish well as flows drop and the creek settles into a more summer-like pattern. Salmonflies are nearly done, but Golden Stones should keep fish looking up, and Green Drakes, Yellow Sallies, PMDs, and caddis will help fill in the gaps. Floating is getting skinny in places, so wade fishing may become the better option as the creek continues to drop. Anglers willing to cover water and target softer holding lies should find willing cutthroat, rainbows, and browns throughout Rock Creek.

Obstructions are as follows:

Lower Fire Ring - Elkhorn: Woody and Jammy! Be careful in that stretch! The corner is blocked by a fresh log!