.png?width=300&height=100&name=Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png "Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Co. logo featuring a cowboy riding a large trout, holding a fishing rod in one hand and a camera in the other, with stylized text in a rugged, outdoor-themed font")
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Boulder Creek is running low, clear, and ready for anglers who appreciate finesse. The stretch through town into the canyon near Boulder is quiet now. Mornings are crisp, afternoons mellow, and the trout are keyed in on midges and occasional BWOs.
If you’re up for a short hitter-session without high country logistics, this is your front-range fix.
“When the water’s quiet and the path is paved, the fish still feed — just expect them to be smarter.”
Listen to the Podcast
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: Recent USGS data near 5 cfs at North 75th St. USGS Water Data+2Snoflo Climate Research+2
- Water Temperature: In the upper 30s to low 40s °F (late‐season range) Rise Beyond Fly Fishing+1
- Air Temperature: Highs in the 50s °F, lows near 30s °F Rise Beyond Fly Fishing+1
- Clarity: Very clear throughout the canyon and town sections Rise Beyond Fly Fishing+1
- Crowds: Light on weekdays; moderate on weekends in easily accessible reaches
- Best Times to Fish: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — when the sun warms the creek slightly and fish move
- Fly Fishing Type Scores:
- Dry Fly: ⭐
- Nymphing: ⭐⭐
- Streamer: ⭐
5 Day Weather Forecast
Expect a stable pattern with light wind, sunny afternoons, and crisp mornings. The window from late morning into early afternoon is your sweet spot.
Current Hatch Chart for November
| Hatch Type | Bugs & Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges (#20-24) | Active nearly throughout the day |
| Secondary | Blue Winged Olives (#18-22) | Sporadic emergence late morning |
| Tertiary | Terrestrials (ants/beetles #12-16) | Occasional on sunny edges |
Pro Rig of the Week
Guide setup: 9-foot 5× leader to a #18 Tungsten Pheasant Tail, with ~16″ of 6× tippet to a #22 Zebra Midge. Use one small split shot ~8″ above the lead fly and a subtle yarn indicator. Focus on soft seams behind rocks in slower pools and runs.
Pro Tip: On Boulder Creek, your drift matters more than your fly. A perfect drift in clear water beats flashy patterns.
Top 10 Flies for the Month
- Parachute Adams #18 (General coverage dry)
- Griffiths Gnat #22 (Midge clusters)
- Elk Hair Caddis #16 (Warm afternoon risers)
- Zebra Midge #22 (Subsurface staple)
- RS2 #20 (Reliable nymph for BWOs)
- Pheasant Tail #18 (All‐purpose)
- JuJu Baetis #20 (Midday overcast pick)
- Micro Mayfly #20 (Dropper option)
- Mini Leech #12 (Shade / deeper water)
- Sparkle Sculpin #8 (Streamer for dusk or deep runs)
Tips Fly Fishing on Boulder Creek
- Seasonal Tip: With flows so low and clarity high, shadowing your drift and staying behind cover is essential.
- Presentation: High-stick your leader, keep drifts short and clean. Long false casting kills clarity.
- Where to Focus: Edges near structure, pool tails, and slower runs near trailheads are key.
- Gear Suggestion: 7½ to 8½ ft 3- or 4-weight rod works beautifully for this water size.
Fish Boulder Creek Like a Local- Book Canyon Fly Shop
The guides at Canyon Fly Shop know every pocket, seam, and hatch. Book your trip through GuideBank and fish with the folks who actually live it.
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Access Points
- Boulder Canyon Drive Mile Marker 38–41 deep runs and wild trout ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Eben G. Fine Park to Downtown Boulder easy access and urban action ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Fourmile Confluence Upstream quiet pocket water with fewer anglers ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Local Regulations and Landowner Notes
Flies and lures only within city limits. Catch and release recommended. Avoid walking through landscaped sections near bridges and respect private property boundaries through town.
FAQ on This Spot
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Q: What are current flows and clarity like?
A: Flow is extremely low (~5 cfs) but clarity is excellent. USGS Water DataQ: When is the best time to fish this stretch?
A: Late morning to early afternoon (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) when the water warms enough to trigger feeding.Q: What flies are producing right now?
A: Midges and small BWOs dominate. Key flies: Zebra Midge, RS2, Pheasant Tail.Q: Can I wade or should I stay on bank?
A: Wading is possible but very shallow — move slowly and focus near structure.Q: What species can I expect here?
A: Primarily wild browns and rainbows; hold might be tighter than high country streams.Q: Any local shops or guides nearby?
A: Yes, several shops in Boulder provide current conditions and fly‐stock updates.
Stop Here After the River
After fishing Boulder Creek head to Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery on Pearl Street. It’s as Boulder as it gets — lively, local, and loaded with post-river energy. Order the FYIPA and the Junk Burger stacked with green chile and bacon. The place hums with that mix of climbing chalk and river stories that only Boulder can pull off.
https://mountainsunpub.com
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