Rock Creek is still carrying the benefits of the cooler, wetter weather, though it is beginning to settle back down. The latest USGS reading available had Rock Creek near Clinton at 342 cfs, down from the bigger post-rain bump but still better than the lowest late-August flows. The creek is clear, cool, and very much in a wade-fishing mode.

Floating is no longer allowed on Rock Creek. Plan on wade fishing only. The added water helps fish feel less exposed, but stealth still matters. Move slowly, stay low, and fish good 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.

Rock Creek is moving toward fall, but terrestrials are still worth fishing. Beetles, ants, and hoppers can still pull fish from grassy banks, brushy edges, and shaded undercuts. The cooler weather should also put BWOs on the radar, especially on gray, damp days. Anglers are already seeing October Caddis, and Mahogany Duns and Hecubas may become more important as September progresses.

The weekend’s rain and cooler temperatures helped Rock Creek by refreshing flows and improving water temperatures. Clinton stays cool today, then warms modestly through midweek, with another thunderstorm chance Thursday and pleasant weather heading into the weekend. Those conditions should support a steadier bite than the hot, low-water days of August.

Streamer fishing may be a good idea as we transition into fall, especially if clouds hang around or showers add a little stain. 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