CFS: 453
Water Temp: 58-69°F
Dries: Purple Haze, Red/Royal Patterns, Stimulators
Nymphs: Prince Nymphs, Purple Prince, Pheasant Tail
FISHING REPORT
This summer, we have been embroiled in unusually hot weather, with temperatures consistently in the low-to-mid 90s. Occasionally, we are also hitting 100°F. Because of this, Rock Creek’s water temps have been very high in the afternoons and evenings, topping at 69°F. Although that’s not quite to the level hoot owl water restrictions, it still puts a stress on the trout in the late afternoons and early evenings. A few of the fishermen coming in have been reporting dead fish floating in the water at various spots of the creek, so I urge people to not fish during the hot parts of the day to minimize fish kill and give the trout a break. When in doubt, bring a water thermometer with you, and follow these guidelines on when to avoid fishing:
When the water IS cold, the fishing has been quite good, both on dries and nymphs. Purple is the usual dominant color, but red attractors like red humpies and royal wulffs are good alternatives if the fish have seen too many hazes. Caddis and PMDs are also appearing on the ends of each day; fish their patterns in the size 14-16 range either early morning or late evening. We’ve also had a lot of production on small stonefly and stimulator patterns, the darker the better. Using nymphs, I’d recommend purple princes (or regular prince nymphs) along with pheasant tails. The combination of a big dry with a small pheasant tail has been effective as well.
FIRE REPORT
I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention that we have a 150-acre fire up Brewster Creek road. It’s fortunately not effecting Rock Creek Road or the river (apart from helicopters scooping up buckets of water on the lower creek), but it’s something to keep in mind if you are headed up this way. For more information on this fire, please check out the InciWeb page at ,https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7629/
All in all, the fishing has been good despite the hot weather and the ever threatening presence of fires. Just try to fish as early as possible and avoid the Brewster Creek area for the time being, and you’ll have a fun day on Rock Creek! More soon as things change.