Rock Creek is around 314 cfs near Clinton, which keeps it in a good fall wade-fishing range. That is slightly down from some of the bigger post-rain readings, but still enough water to give fish cover and keep the creek fishing well. Floating is no longer allowed on Rock Creek. Plan on wade fishing only.

The creek is clear enough that stealth still matters. 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. The weekend weather helped keep the creek cool and comfortable, and the next warm-up should not erase those benefits right away.

Clinton warms into the mid-70s and low 80s through Friday before cooler weather arrives Saturday and Sunday. That weekend cool-down should improve trout comfort, and if clouds or showers show up, Rock Creek could fish well through more of the day instead of just the best early and late windows.

The fall hatch transition is getting more obvious. Terrestrials are still worth fishing, especially beetles, ants, and hoppers along grassy banks, brushy edges, and shaded undercuts. BWOs should be on your radar now, especially during gray or damp periods. Anglers are already seeing October Caddis, and Mahogany Duns and Hecubas may become increasingly important as September progresses. Keep a mix of small dries and bigger fall attractors ready.

Streamer fishing can be a good idea as we transition into fall. If clouds return, rain adds a little color, 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