Rock Creek has bumped up from the last report and is sitting around 303 cfs near Clinton. That is still low and clear, but the added water is welcome. The creek remains a wade-fishing game, and fish will still be spooky in the skinny water. Move slowly, stay low, and fish likely holding water before stepping into it.

No floating is allowed on Rock Creek. Plan on wade fishing only. No more floating on Rock Creek. Focus on pocket water, boulder edges, riffle drops, shaded banks, undercut edges, soft seams, plunge pools, and small current breaks behind heavier water. The best water will be anywhere fish can find cover, oxygen, and an easy feeding lane.

The late spring and early summer hatch window is finished, and Rock Creek is now solidly in a mid-to-late summer pattern. Terrestrials are still important, especially hoppers, ants, and beetles along grassy banks, brushy edges, and shaded undercuts. Late-stage PMD spinners can still matter in the morning, especially on soft edges, slicks, and slower pockets. Caddis remain a good option late in the day around riffles, foam lines, pocket edges, and softer banks.

Rock Creek should benefit from the incoming weekend weather. Clinton is forecast for cool conditions, with highs in the upper 60s Saturday and Sunday, then upper 50s Monday, plus showers and thundershowers possible. Cooler nights should help morning water temperatures and make the creek feel more comfortable than it did during the hotter August stretch.

Streamer fishing may be a good idea this weekend, especially if the clouds hang in or rain adds a little color. Smaller sculpins, Woolly Buggers, Thin Mints, and compact olive or black streamers can be good choices 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
• PMD Spinners #14-18
• Tricos #18-22
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-18
• X-Caddis #14-18
• Purple Haze #14-20
• Parachute Adams #14-20
• Stimulators #8-14
• Small attractors #12-16

Nymphs

• Frenchies #14-18
• Split Case PMDs #14-18
• Perdigons #14-20
• Pheasant Tails #14-20
• Caddis Pupa #12-18
• 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