Rock Creek is holding in a good fall wade-fishing range, with recent reports around the low-to-mid 300 cfs range near Clinton. That is a little lower than the biggest post-rain bump, but still enough water to give fish cover and keep the creek fishing well. The water is clear, so stealth and careful presentations remain important.

Floating is no longer allowed on Rock Creek. Plan on wade fishing only. Work slowly and fish likely holding water before stepping into it. The best spots will be pocket water, boulder edges, riffle drops, plunge pools, shaded banks, undercut edges, soft seams, and small current breaks behind heavier water. The creek should fish well where trout have depth, cover, and a steady food lane.

Rock Creek is entering a very good fall transition window. Terrestrials are still worth fishing, especially beetles, ants, and hoppers along grassy banks, brushy edges, and shaded undercuts. BWOs should be on your radar during cloudy, damp, or cooler periods. Anglers are already seeing October Caddis, and Mahogany Duns and Hecubas may become increasingly important as September gives way to October. Larger fall dries can be especially useful in broken pocket water and choppy runs.

The weekend forecast should help Rock Creek. Clinton cools from the mid-70s Friday to around 60 Saturday and the upper 50s Sunday, with cold nights in the upper 30s and low 40s. That should keep water temperatures comfortable and may let fish feed more confidently outside the earliest morning window.

Streamer fishing can be a good idea as the creek moves toward 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