Best Fly Fishing Near Denver This Week (July 14) – 5 Spots You Shouldn’t Miss

Denver's summer heat is cranking, but the high-country creeks and tailwaters are holding strong for those willing to start early, fish smart, and take a short hike. Hopper-dropper season is on, PMDs are still going strong, and the best bite is happening before lunch.

This week’s top spots favor cold water, early shade, and fast access. From tailwater classics like Deckers to high-gradient creeks like Bear and Clear Creek, the front range rivers are producing for anglers who match the hatch and beat the heat.

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Best Fly Fishing Near Denver This Week – July 14: Smart Starts and Pocket Water Gold

Conditions Summary

• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 – Great early action, technical mid-day, strong bug activity)
• Weather Pattern: High 80s to low 90s in Denver, upper 50s at dawn in the hills
• Water Temps: 50–65°F in most fishable waters before noon
• Clarity: Mostly clear with summer stain in freestones
• Wind: Calm mornings, breezy by 1 PM
• Fishing Pressure: Light mid-week, heavy near parking lots on weekends
• Best Times to Fish: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Top Front Range Picks This Week

1. South Platte at Deckers

Flows are steady around 125 CFS with excellent mid-morning PMD hatches. Hopper-dropper rigs with a Chubby and a Baetis emerger are producing. Early dry fly eats near the banks.

• Best Tactic: Long 5x leader, upstream casts, light mends
• Pressure: High on weekends, fish Monday–Wednesday if you can

2. Bear Creek (Morrison to Lair o’ the Bear)

Still the sleeper MVP. Flows are solid, and fish are eager. Fish 7:00–10:00 AM with a parachute dry and tiny dropper. Expect lots of 6–10" fish — and the odd wild surprise.

• Best Tactic: Tight-line nymphing in fast seams or slow-drift ants
• Fly of the Week: Black Ant (#16), Perdigon dropper (#18)

3. Clear Creek (Upstream of Tunnel 1)

Freestone pocket water magic. Hopper-dropper rigs and double dries are both pulling in fish. The canyon provides shade until late morning, and the fish are hugging seams and shelves.

• Best Tactic: Dry-dropper with short casts and high-stick drifts
• Warning: Avoid downstream of Golden by noon — it gets too warm

4. Cheesman Canyon

Flows are stable and clarity is excellent. This is techy water but worth the hike. Long leaders, small flies, and stealth are mandatory. Midges early, PMDs mid-morning.

• Best Tactic: 6x tippet, two-fly rig, and nerves of steel
• Fly of the Week: Cheesman Emerger (#22), Zebra Midge (#20–24)

5. Cache la Poudre (Near Picnic Rock)

Caddis and Yellow Sallies are in full swing. Fish are holding in mid-depth riffles and tailouts. Early dry fly bite is excellent. Look for shade and moving water.

• Best Tactic: Skate a caddis over soft edges, or tight-line nymph in boulders
• Streamer Bite: Active in low light near rocks and foam

Hot Weather Tip of the Week

Trout feeding windows shrink as heat rises. Carry a thermometer, and if water temps hit 67°F or more, call it. You’ll catch more and hurt fewer fish by quitting early and fishing again tomorrow.

Top 3 Flies for This Week

• Dry Fly: Chubby Chernobyl (#14) – Great visibility and float for hopper-dropper
• Nymph: JuJu PMD (#18–20) – Best mid-morning pattern across all waters
• Wildcard: Black Foam Ant (#16) – Deadly in shaded banks and micro-eddies

FAQ – Fly Fishing Near Denver This Week

Q: Where can I catch trout closest to Denver right now?
A: Bear Creek and Clear Creek are both less than 30 minutes away and fishing great in the morning.

Q: Is the South Platte too crowded?
A: Weekends, yes. But midweek at Deckers or Cheesman is doable if you get out early.

Q: What gear should I bring?
A: 4–5 wt rod, 5x–6x tippet, floatant, thermometer, and good boots — these creeks are rocky.

Q: What time should I fish?
A: First light to about 11 AM. After that, either hike higher or grab lunch.

Q: Are there any hatches worth matching?
A: PMDs, caddis, and Yellow Sallies are all hatching right now — and they’re working.