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Welcome to Clear Creek, Colorado, where the trout are wily and the water is swift! This picturesque creek runs parallel to I-70 from Georgetown to Golden, offering easy access to some fantastic fly fishing spots.
Clear Creek is running steady and low, with flows near 70 cfs through Golden and into the lower canyon. The water is cold, the air crisp, and the brown trout are still active after the spawn wind-down. Ice hasn’t crept in yet, and the canyon stretch remains fishable all day under bright sun.
This week’s pattern: small bugs, slow drifts, and spooky fish that reward patience over flash.
“It’s not the easiest fishing in Colorado right now — it’s just the most honest.”
Listen to the Podcast
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: 70 cfs (ideal for late fall)
- Water Temperature: 39–43 °F
- Air Temperature: Highs in the 40s °F lows near 25 °F
- Clarity: Clear with light golden tint
- Crowds: Low midweek moderate on weekends
- Best Times to Fish: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Fly Fishing Type Scores:
- Dry Fly: ⭐⭐
- Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐
- Streamer: ⭐⭐
5 Day Weather Forecast
High-pressure system holding through the weekend with cool mornings, calm wind, and consistent sun. Expect clear water and stable flows — classic November tail-end conditions for the Front Range.
Current Hatch Chart for November
| Hatch Type | Bugs and Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges #20–24 | Active in soft seams and eddies throughout the day |
| Secondary | Blue Winged Olives #18–22 | Sporadic late-morning hatch windows |
| Tertiary | Caddis remnants #18–20 | Only on warm, wind-free afternoons |
Fish Clear 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.
Pro Rig of the Week
Guide setup: 9-foot 5x leader to a #20 RS2, 18 inches of 6x to a #22 Zebra Midge. Add a tiny split shot 6 inches above the lead fly and use a small yarn or white foam indicator. Fish tight to current breaks, focusing on transition seams behind boulders and undercut edges near the tunnels.
Pro Tip: Keep your indicator subtle and your drifts short. These fish live in skinny water — they’ll feel your presence before they see your fly.
Top 10 Flies for the Month
| Fly Pattern | Size | Color / Variation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parachute Adams | #18 | Grey | Reliable surface fly mid-day |
| Griffiths Gnat | #22 | Black | Clustered midges near tailouts |
| RS2 | #20 | Grey / Olive | Perfect for BWO emergers |
| WD-40 | #20 | Brown | Consistent subsurface pattern |
| Zebra Midge | #22 | Red / Black | Always effective under riffles |
| Pheasant Tail | #18 | Natural | All-purpose nymph |
| JuJu Baetis | #20 | Purple / Red | Productive in overcast light |
| Egg Pattern | #16 | Peach | Post-spawn attractor |
| Mini Leech | #12 | Black | For deeper canyon pockets |
| Sparkle Sculpin | #8 | Olive | Early-morning streamer option |
Tips Fly Fishing Clear Creek
- Seasonal Tip: Work from lower canyon up — higher gradient sections hold slightly warmer water mid-day.
- Presentation: High-stick short drifts. Avoid long false casts that blow shallow fish out.
- Gear: A 7 ½ to 8 ½ ft 3-weight or 4-weight keeps things light and accurate.
Access Points
- Clear Creek Canyon (FM Road 6) — long public runs and deep bends ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Downtown Golden Stretch — easy access with sight fishing ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Tunnel One to Two Section — less pressure and mixed water types ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Local Regulations and Landowner Notes
Flies and lures only. Catch-and-release recommended. Avoid crossing onto private pull-outs above Golden. Be cautious of narrow shoulder parking in the canyon.
FAQ on This Spot
Q: What are current flows and clarity like?
A: Flows are around 70 cfs — low, clear, and ideal for late-fall wading.
Q: When is the best time to fish this stretch?
A: Midday (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) when the canyon warms slightly.
Q: What flies are producing right now?
A: Midges and small BWO patterns: RS2s, WD-40s, and Zebra Midges.
Q: Can I wade or should I float?
A: Wade only — flows are perfect for careful pocket-water access.
Q: What species can I expect here?
A: Brown trout dominate, with the occasional rainbow mixed in.
Q: Any local shops or guides nearby?
A: Golden’s fly shops post daily updates and stock all current midge and BWO patterns.
Stop Here After the River
After a day chasing trout on Clear Creek, pull up a stool at New Terrain Brewing Company in Golden. With mountain views, a dog-friendly patio, and a lineup that ranges from crisp IPAs to creative small-batch experiments, it’s the perfect post-fishing hangout. Grab a Golden Haze IPA and one of their rotating food truck bites while you trade river stories and watch the sun drop behind North Table Mountain.
New Terrain Brewing Company
