Rock Creek is low, clear, and in a true late-summer wade-fishing pattern. The Clinton gauge is around 250 cfs, down from the last report’s 265 cfs reading, with the latest water temperature in the mid-50s. That makes Rock Creek one of the cooler local options, but low flows mean fish are spooky and presentation matters. Move slowly, stay low, and fish good water before stepping into it.

No floating is allowed on Rock Creek. Plan on wade fishing only. No more floating on Rock Creek. No stretches of this river are under hoot owl restrictions, but anglers should still fish responsibly during warm afternoons, especially on the lower creek.

The most productive water will be pocket water, boulder edges, riffle drops, shaded banks, inside bends, undercut edges, soft seams, and small current breaks behind heavier water. As the creek continues to drop, trout become easier to locate but much easier to spook. Smaller dries, longer leaders, lighter tippet, and clean drifts will usually beat oversized attractor rigs in the clearer water.

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, brushy edges, and undercut banks. Late-stage PMD spinners, Tricos, and caddis are the main aquatic bugs now. PMD spinner 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. Evening caddis fishing can be strong when the sun starts to set, especially around riffles, pocket edges, foam lines, and soft banks.

Clinton will be warm today and Tuesday, then cooler Wednesday through Friday, with highs dropping into the upper 60s. The cooler weather and overnight lows in the 40s should help Rock Creek’s morning water temperatures and make the fishing more comfortable.

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
• Spruce Moths #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