Salmon Flies are movnig on up the creek! Moving on up! Anglers are reporting success on the upper Fire Ring sections! I havent' seen many but the occasional straggler on the first 5 or so miles. Be careful when wading up there at these flows. One slip on a slippery rock and that creek may decide it wants you 500 feet down river.

Rock Creek is starting to shape up in a much better direction. Flows have dropped roughly 1000 cfs over the last few days and are continuing to trend down, which is exactly what we want to see this time of year. There is still plenty of water in the creek, and wading should still be done carefully, but the river is becoming more manageable each day. With bright sun overhead and improving stability in the flows, fishing is looking up heading into the next week.

The Salmonfly hatch is progressing, with the best bug activity moving into the higher sections of the creek. Anglers looking for dry-fly opportunities should start focusing more attention upstream, especially in slower banks, soft edges, and protected pockets where fish can comfortably slide up to eat. The lower creek may still produce, but the strongest Salmonfly activity is beginning to shift higher.

With the sun shining bright, expect fish to be a little more cautious in the middle of the day. Early and late windows should offer the best chances for more aggressive fish, especially on top. During the brightest hours, nymphing will likely remain the most consistent way to find trout. Stonefly nymphs, Pat’s Rubber Legs, jig-style attractors, caddis pupa, PMD nymphs, and smaller mayfly patterns are all good choices. Focus on the softer seams, inside bends, bank cushions, and pocket water rather than the fastest push.

Dry-dropper rigs are becoming a better option as the creek continues to drop. A larger foam stonefly, Chubby-style dry, or Salmonfly pattern with a stonefly nymph, caddis pupa, or jig nymph underneath is a good way to cover water. Fish the banks carefully before stepping in, because plenty of fish will still be holding tight to the edges.

Streamer fishing can also be productive, especially early, late, or anywhere the water has a little shade or color. Olive, black, brown, and lightly flashy patterns are all worth fishing through slower buckets, undercut banks, and structure. Keep the fly moving naturally, but do not rip it too fast through the heavier water.

Overall, Rock Creek is improving. Dropping flows, active Salmonflies in the upper stretches, and a better weather window all point toward stronger fishing in the coming days. It is not fully easy yet, but the trend is good. Stay careful while wading, keep an eye on the gauges, and be ready for the creek to fish better as it continues to settle.

Obstructions are as follows:

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

Everything ellse has cleared up in this last push! As of 6/3/26 from Rock Creek Mercantile