!! Rock Creek from confluence of East and West Fork to mouth of Stoney Creek on Hoot owl !!

!! No fishing from 2pm to midnight !!

Rock Creek is around 423 cfs near Clinton, down from the last report and in a low, clear wade-fishing range. The creek is still one of the better options compared with the warmer valley rivers, but stealth is becoming very important. Fish are easier to locate, but they are also easier to spook. Move slowly, stay low, and work likely water before stepping into it.

No floating is allowed on Rock Creek. Plan on wade fishing only. Rock Creek is also under hoot owl restrictions from the confluence of the East and West forks to the mouth of Stoney Creek, which means no fishing from 2:00 PM to midnight in that reach. Focus your effort early and stay aware of the restricted section.

The best water will be pocket water, boulder edges, riffle drops, soft banks, inside bends, shaded slots, undercut edges, and slower seams behind heavier current. As the creek drops, smaller dries and accurate casts will become more important than heavy attractor rigs.

The prolific late spring and early summer hatch window is over, and Rock Creek is now in a mid-to-late summer pattern. Terrestrials are becoming more important, especially hoppers, ants, and beetles along grassy banks and brushy edges. Late-stage PMD spinners, Tricos, caddis, Yellow Sallies, and the last of the drakes are the main bugs now.

PMD spinner action can be good early in the morning on soft edges, tailouts, slicks, and slower pockets. Tricos may also bring fish up in calmer water. Evening caddis fishing can be strong when the sun starts to set, but pay attention to hoot owl restrictions and water temperatures.

Weather near Clinton is hot and smoky this week, with highs in the 90s and breezy conditions possible by the weekend. Fish early, look for shade, and handle trout carefully.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• Hoppers #8-12
• Ants #12-16
• Beetles #12-16
• Chubby Chernobyls #8-14
• Water Walkers #8-12
• PMD Spinners #14-18
• Tricos #18-22
• Yellow Sallies #14-16
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-18
• X-Caddis #14-18
• Purple Haze #14-18
• Parachute Adams #14-18
• Stimulators #8-14

Nymphs

• Frenchies #14-18
• Split Case PMDs #14-18
• Perdigons #14-18
• Pheasant Tails #14-18
• Caddis Pupa #12-16
• Jigged Hare's Ears #14-16
• Hot Spot Stoneflies
• Small jig nymphs #14-18

Streamers

• Sparkle Minnows
• Mini Dungeons
• Sculpin patterns
• Sparring Partners
• Thin Mints
• Woolly Buggers
• Small olive streamers
• Small black streamers