Rock Creek is in a very good fall-transition window. Current local reporting has the creek around the low-to-mid 300 cfs range near Clinton, with recent reports listing it around 342 cfs and in prime wade-fishing shape. That is up from the lowest late-August water and still enough to give fish cover, but the creek remains clear enough that stealth matters.

Floating is no longer allowed on Rock Creek. Plan on wade fishing only. 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 still a technical creek, but the recent rain and cooler weather have made it feel healthier and more comfortable for trout.

The weekend rain helped Rock Creek by refreshing flows and keeping water temperatures in better shape. The next few days around Clinton will be warmer and mostly dry, with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s through Thursday. Cooler weather returns Friday and Saturday, which should improve trout comfort and may make fish more willing to feed through the middle of the day.

Rock Creek is moving toward fall, but terrestrials are not done. Beetles, ants, and hoppers can still bring fish up along grassy banks, brushy edges, and shaded undercuts. BWOs should be on your radar now, especially during gray, damp periods. Anglers are already seeing October Caddis, and Mahogany Duns and Hecubas may become increasingly important as September progresses.

Streamer fishing can be a good idea as we transition into fall. If clouds return, rain adds a little stain, or fish are not looking up, 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