!! Rock Creek from confluence of East and West Fork to mouth of Stoney Creek on Hoot owl !!

!! No fishing from 2pm to midnight !!

Rock Creek is in a low, clear, wade-fishing pattern. The Clinton gauge is around 342 cfs, down from the last report, and the creek is very approachable on foot. Lower water means fish are easier to locate, but they are also easier to spook. Move slowly, stay low, and fish likely water before stepping into it.

No floating is allowed on Rock Creek. Plan on wade fishing only. Rock Creek is also under hoot owl restrictions from the confluence of the East and West forks to the mouth of Stoney Creek, which means no fishing from 2:00 PM to midnight in that reach. Focus your effort early and stay aware of the restricted section.

The best water will be 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 low flows and warm afternoons mean anglers should still fish responsibly.

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, nocturnal stones, and the last of the drakes are the main 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, but pay attention to hoot owl restrictions and water temperatures.

Weather near Clinton is hazy and smoky, with a cooler start today before warmer weather builds through the week. Fish early, look for shade, and handle trout carefully.

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 #14-20
• 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