Rock Creek is continuing to settle into its early-winter fishing pattern as water temperatures cool and flows gradually decline. The creek near Clinton is currently running around 281 cfs, down from approximately 314 cfs in Monday's report. The recent drop has brought the creek closer to the lower, clearer conditions typical of November, although there is still enough water to provide good holding areas around deeper pools, boulder pockets, and plunge pools.

The additional water from October's rain has largely worked its way through the drainage, and anglers should expect increasingly technical conditions as flows settle. Fish are becoming more concentrated in slower water where they can conserve energy, making a deliberate approach more productive than quickly covering every pocket.

Rock Creek remains wade fishing only. Fishing from boats or vessels is prohibited through November 30. Anglers should approach productive holding water cautiously and take care when crossing, particularly in deeper sections with strong current.

Thursday brings clouds and occasional showers to western Montana, while Friday looks cooler and mostly cloudy. Saturday should warm into the upper 50s around Missoula, followed by a slightly cooler but generally dry Sunday. Cold overnight temperatures will continue to influence trout behavior, so the most productive fishing should develop from late morning into the afternoon.

Fall Hatches

BWOs are still the primary hatch to watch on Rock Creek. Cloudy afternoons can encourage these small mayflies to emerge, particularly along softer current seams, slower pools, and tailouts. When trout are rising, small parachutes, Comparaduns, and emergers should be the first patterns to try.

Midges are becoming increasingly important as November progresses. Griffith's Gnats and small CDC midge emergers can be effective when trout are feeding on insects too small to identify easily.

The larger fall hatches are nearly finished. Mahogany Duns, Hecubas, and October Caddis are becoming increasingly uncommon, and anglers should not rely on them for consistent surface activity. Terrestrials such as beetles, ants, and hoppers have also largely disappeared from the fishing program.

Nymphing should remain the most dependable approach during the colder morning hours. Fish Frenchies, Pheasant Tails, Perdigons, BWO nymphs, and Zebra Midges through deeper pockets and soft seams. Getting the flies down to the correct depth is especially important as trout become less willing to chase.

Streamer fishing can still produce quality fish, particularly around plunge pools and undercut banks. Smaller sculpins, Thin Mints, Woolly Buggers, and compact olive or black patterns are good choices. Slow retrieves and short pauses may be more effective than aggressive stripping.

Weekend Outlook

Saturday's warmer weather should provide a pleasant opportunity for wade anglers, especially during the afternoon. Sunday looks a little cooler but should remain fishable. Nymphing will likely produce the most consistent action, with occasional BWO and midge activity in softer water.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• BWO Dries #18–22

• BWO Emergers #18–22

• Griffith's Gnats #18–22

• CDC Midge Emergers #18–22

• Parachute Adams #18–22

• Purple Haze #18–20

• October Caddis Adults #10–12

Nymphs

• Frenchies #14–18

• Pheasant Tails #16–20

• Perdigons #16–20

• BWO Nymphs #18–22

• Zebra Midges #18–22

• Jigged Hare's Ears #14–18

• Small Stonefly Nymphs

• October Caddis Pupa #10–12

Streamers

• Thin Mints

• Woolly Buggers

• Small Olive Sculpins

• Sparkle Minnows

• Mini Dungeons

• Sparring Partners

• Small Black Streamers