Rock Creek is around 423 cfs near Clinton, down from the last report and in a very approachable wade-fishing range. The creek is lower and clearer now, so stealth and clean presentations matter. Fish are easier to locate, but they are also easier to spook. Move slowly, stay low, and work likely water before stepping into it.

No floating is allowed on Rock Creek. Plan on wade fishing only. Focus on pocket water, boulder edges, riffle drops, soft banks, inside bends, shaded slots, undercut edges, and slower seams behind heavier current. Rock Creek is still cooler than the bigger valley rivers, but warm weather means mornings and shaded water will be the safest and most productive options.

The prolific late-spring and early-summer hatch window is over, and Rock Creek is now in a mid-to-late summer pattern. Terrestrials are becoming more important, especially hoppers, ants, and beetles along grassy banks and brushy edges. Late-stage PMD spinners, Tricos, caddis, Yellow Sallies, and the last of the drakes are the main bugs now.

PMD spinner dry-fly action can be good early in the morning on soft edges, tailouts, slicks, and slower pockets. Tricos may also bring fish up in calmer water. When fish are feeding on spinners or Tricos, smaller flies and careful drifts will outfish large attractors.

Evening caddis fishing should be strong when the sun starts to set. Look around riffles, pocket edges, foam lines, and soft banks. Dry-droppers are still useful for covering water, but be ready to switch to single smaller dries once fish start rising. Weather near Clinton is hot and smoky this week, with isolated storm chances. Fish early and late, and look for shaded water during the heat.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• Hoppers #8-12
• Ants #12-16
• Beetles #12-16
• Chubby Chernobyls #8-14
• Water Walkers #8-12
• PMD Spinners #14-18
• Tricos #18-22
• Yellow Sallies #14-16
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-18
• X-Caddis #14-18
• Purple Haze #14-18
• Parachute Adams #14-18
• Stimulators #8-14

Nymphs

• Frenchies #14-18
• Split Case PMDs #14-18
• Perdigons #14-18
• Pheasant Tails #14-18
• Caddis Pupa #12-16
• Jigged Hare's Ears #14-16
• Hot Spot Stoneflies
• Small jig nymphs #14-18

Streamers

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