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Boulder Creek is a classic Front Range small stream that continues to produce through winter when conditions line up. Cold, clear water and pressured fish make this a technical fishery, but its proximity to Denver and Boulder keeps it relevant for anglers working with limited time.
Updated: January 13, 2026
Boulder Creek near Boulder and the canyon upstream is holding a stable winter pattern. Flows are low, water clarity is excellent, and trout are holding close to structure and softer seams just off the main current. Feeding activity is present but subtle, with short windows centered on midday warmth.
This Boulder Creek fly fishing report favors patience and efficiency. Expect fewer chances per run, but consistent results if depth and drift are controlled.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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- Flow: Low winter Front Range flows
- Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s
- Air Temperature: Upper teens to mid 40s depending on elevation
- Clarity: Clear
- Crowds: Moderate near town, lighter in canyon sections
- Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Fishing Type Focus: Seam fishing and controlled nymph drifts
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Weather
Boulder Colorado Weather
Cold mornings with gradual warming through midday. Sunny, calm days provide the best fishing conditions. Winter flows remain consistent with minimal snowmelt influenc
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- Zebra Midge black or red 20 to 24
- RS2 gray or olive 18 to 22
- Small Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
- Prince Nymph 16 to 18
- Mini Leech black 10 to 12
Pro Rig of the Week: Boulder Creek Short-Pocket Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn or tiny pinch-on indicator (keep it minimal)
- Lead Fly: Black Beauty #22 to #24
- Dropper: Zebra Midge #20 to #24 or Top Secret Midge #24
- Weight: One small split shot 8 to 12 inches above the lead fly (add or remove until you tick bottom occasionally)
- Tippet: 5X to the lead, 6X to the dropper when water is glassy
- Target Water: Soft edges, tailouts below small drops, and pockets behind boulders where current slows
Hatch Chart for December
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 20 to 26 | Primary winter food source; consistent all month |
| Baetis nymphs | 20 to 24 | Sporadic; best on warmer, cloudier days |
| Scuds | 14 to 18 | Secondary option in slower, weedy edges |
| Winter stoneflies | 14 to 18 | Occasional near banks and woody structure |
Access Points
Boulder Canyon Pull-Offs and Pocket Water ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Short drifts, lots of structure, and better winter holding water than the flatter urban stretches.
Downtown Boulder Walk-and-Wade Sections ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Accessible, but more foot traffic and fewer classic winter buckets. Best for quick sessions with small flies.
East Boulder Creek (when clear and wadable) ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Can produce, but tends to be more exposed and wind-sensitive. Pick protected bends.
Protected Bends and Structure Zones ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Anywhere you can find slower edges, deeper slots, and cover from wind will fish best right now.
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
Is Boulder Creek Good for Fly Fishing in Winter?
Yes. Boulder Creek offers consistent winter trout fishing close to Boulder, especially for anglers comfortable fishing pocket water and moving often.
How Does Boulder Creek Compare to Clear Creek?
Boulder Creek is slightly larger and more forgiving, while Clear Creek is tighter and more technical. Both reward short drifts and efficient movement in winter.
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
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.
