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The creek is cold, clear, and compact, with trout holding tight to structure in short winter lanes. Feeding windows are brief but predictable when sunlight reaches the canyon, and success comes from reading water quickly and moving efficiently. This is classic Boulder Creek winter fly fishing: small water, fast decisions, and technical pocket-by-pocket progress.
Updated: December 15, 2025
Boulder Creek has fully settled into winter mode from the canyon stretches above town through the lower corridor near Boulder. Low flows and clear water push trout into deeper pockets, plunge pools, and slow seams behind boulders. The fish are present, but they are not forgiving.
This week’s update for Boulder Creek fly fishing emphasizes efficiency and restraint. Midges dominate the menu, with occasional baetis nymphs showing on warmer afternoons. Cover water deliberately, avoid overworking any single pocket, and keep drifts short and controlled.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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Flow: Low winter baseflow typical for Boulder Creek
Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s
Air Temperature: High 30s to low 40s during the day, colder mornings
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Light in winter, occasional trail traffic near town
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Pocket water nymphing with small midges and tight drifts
Weather
Boulder Colorado Weather
Cold mornings give way to brief midday warmth when the sun reaches the canyon floor. Calm days offer the best fishing. Wind and cloud cover shorten feeding windows and make already technical pocket water harder to manage.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- Zebra Midge (black or red) 20 to 22
- Mercury Midge 20 to 22
- RS2 (black or gray) 20 to 22
- WD-40 20 to 22
- Small Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
- Juju Baetis 20 to 22
- Mini Leech (black) 12 to 14
Pro Rig of the Week: Boulder Creek Short-Pocket Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn or minimal air-lock
- Lead Fly: Small Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
- Dropper: Black Beauty or Zebra Midge 20 to 22
- Weight: One small split shot placed close to the flies
- Target Water: Plunge pools, pocket tails, and short soft seams behind boulders
Hatch Chart for December
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 20 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 20 to 22 | Occasional activity on warm afternoons |
| Winter stones | 16 to 18 | Rare but possible in sheltered pockets |
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
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.
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