CFS: 201
Water Temp: 39 – 44°F
Dries: March Brown, Skwala, Parachute Adams, Purple Haze
Nymphs: Dark Pat’s RL, Copper John, San Juan
There has been a noticeable change in the air temperature here on the lower end of the creek. The snowy, frigid days were suddenly replaced by what feels more like actual spring. Fly fishing Rock Creek in April is one of my favorite times to get out on the water, which I was able to do yesterday afternoon. I saw fish rising in the early afternoon and a nice mayfly hatch later in the day. Alas, I was accompanied by my dogs, who are obsessed with swimming, so I didn’t have much luck:
With warm weather forecast all this week, the water temp will bump a few degrees and the bug and fish movement should improve significantly. We’ve had a good March Brown hatch here recently, which I consider the most underrated dry fly on Rock Creek. Skwalas get all the glory on the rivers around here, but when the March Brown mayfly is out, fish will eagerly sip on these guys (and their subsurface equivalents).
Late morning and into the afternoon will be the best time to get out. To date, I haven’t heard of anyone making the entire trip up Rock Creek Road, but I’d recommend having 4-wheel drive if you are heading up to the Hogbacks. Weekends are crowded up here, but I’ve seen very little traffic on the weekdays, so that would be the best time to fish the creek without much pressure.
I am in the process of getting some of our “hot flies”up and on the website, as well as some other goodies. I’ll give you all a heads up when it’s ready. We’re hoping things will get back to normal in time for salmon fly season, but at this point, it’s anyone’s guess. If you do head out this week, practice good social distancing, and stay safe out there, friends! More soon.