Boulder Creek Fly Fishing Report December 2025 | Current Flows, Winter Hatches, Access Points

Boulder Creek is low, clear, and cold this week with short but rewarding midday midge activity in town and higher in the canyon.

Updated: December 9, 2025

Boulder Creek remains very low, ultra-clear, and technical heading into early December. Compared to last week, flows have slipped slightly downward and clarity has tightened up even more, making trout exceptionally skittish. Expect fish to winter in deeper bowls and slower mid-channel seams, with the best feeding happening only when sunlight hits the water.

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Conditions Summary

• Flow: ~4–6 CFS; slightly down week over week
• Water Temperature: Mid 30s in canyon, upper 30s near town
• Air Temperature: High 20s to upper 40s depending on elevation
• Clarity: Very clear; sight-fishing possible but requires stealth
• Crowds: Light except near downtown stretches on warm weekends
• Best Window: 11 A.M. to 2 P.M.; micro-warming drives all feeding
• Fishing Type Focus: Nymphing, because trout are glued to deeper bowls and eat almost exclusively small, dark midges this time of year

Weather

Expect freeze–thaw cycles with icy banks and shaded canyon water that stays cold all day. A warm hour of sunlight can completely change the bite.

Top Flies in Your Box This Week

1. Black Beauty 20–24
2. Manhattan Midge 22–24
3. Mercury Midge 20–22
4. Zebra Midge 20–22
5. WD-40 20–22
6. RS2 (black/gray) 20–22
7. Flashback PT 18–20
8. Rainbow Warrior 20–22
9. Small Squirmy (pink/red) 16–18
10. Mini Leech (black) 12–14

Pro Rig of the Week: Boulder Creek Stealth Rig

• Indicator: Small yarn or dry-dropper style for no splash
• Lead Fly: Flashback PT 18–20
• Dropper: Manhattan Midge 22–24
• Weight: Use minimal shot; shallow runs require micro-weight adjustments
• Target Water: Deep bowls, soft edges in town, slow canyon pockets

Boulder Creek Hatch Chart for December

Access Points

Eben G. Fine Park
Town section with deeper winter water and soft edges perfect for tiny midges.
⭐ 4.6

Boulder Canyon Pullouts (near Realization Point area)
Classic canyon pocket water; extremely clear and technical in winter.
⭐ 4.5

Fourmile Canyon Confluence
Offers mixing flows and slightly deeper structure.
⭐ 4.4

KOA / East of 28th Street
Wider river and slower winter water; better for beginners.
⭐ 4.3

Betasso Access Corridor
Cold and slow but stable winter holding water in deeper pockets.
⭐ 4.3

Local Regulations & Notes

• Winter flows are extremely low; avoid spooking fish with heavy wading
• Watch for ice shelves along shaded bends
• Downtown sections see higher foot traffic; fish early or midday
• Be cautious of spawning redds in shallow gravel
• Barbless hooks strongly recommended

FAQ

Q: Is Boulder Creek worth fishing in December?
A: Yes, especially the deeper town sections, but it’s a very technical small-stream winter fishery.

Q: Can I fish dries?
A: Only on the warmest afternoons when midge clusters appear.

Q: What section fishes best in winter?
A: Town stretches from Eben G. Fine to 28th Street.

Q: What tippet should I use?
A: 6X is mandatory for tiny midges in clear water.

Q: Is the canyon better than town?
A: The canyon is colder and more technical; fish town for more consistent winter action.

Q: What time should I fish?
A: Midday when temperatures rise a few degrees.

Companion Article for December

Colorado Winter Trout Fishing Strategy & Behavior Guide

Stop Here After the River

Avery Brewing Co. – Gunbarrel

Not the busiest brewery in Boulder, but one of the most consistently excellent. Spacious taproom, warm seating, and perfect after-fish energy.
What to order: White Rascal or the Ellie’s Brown Ale. Pair it with the green chile queso fries for the full winter-warmup treatment.