High water has surged through the creek following the recent rains, leaving conditions turbid and muddy. However, flows over the last week have dropped substantally clearing up the water a bit.

Wading becomes hazardous around 1,000 CFS, and current flows are just above that mark. We strongly recommend holding off on fishing or being extreamly causious while wading Rock Creek until flows return to safer levels.

Fortunately, the tributaries are open providing access to clearer, higher elevation streams. Expect to see some excellent hatches, including Stoneflies, Caddis, and Grey Drakes. Sunny afternoons are warming up the shallows, setting the stage for potentially fantastic dry fly action.

If the dry fly bite is slow, nymphing will be your most reliable strategy. A double nymph rig—pairing a stonefly with a worm pattern—should be effective.

Streamer fishing is also a strong option in these high flows. The murky water, especially on cloudy days, pushes larger fish into the shallows and along the banks to feed. Target undercut banks, large boulders, and riffle edges. Big, dark-profiled streamers swung or stripped through soft water will give you the best shot at hooking up.