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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 Fly Fishing Report – Updated August 22, 2025
What’s Happening on the Water
A recent rainstorm bumped flows over 110 CFS, leaving the water slightly stained but clearing quickly Reports say fishing remains excellent across subsurface, dry fly, and micro-streamer disciplines. Plus, the Golden Fly Shop says fish are rising to hoppers, caddis, and attractors, and single dry setups are working livestream — the creek is as good as it gets
Add to that multiple guides affirming Baetis hatches are key, and stealth—slow, deliberate—is essential.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST!
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: ~118–130 CFS (post-rain bump, trending lower) Water Temp: Mid‑50s°F
- Air Temp: Upper 60s–mid 70s; potential afternoon storms
- Clarity: Clearing to mostly clear
- Best Times: Pre-storm mornings (7–10 AM); evenings under cloud if storms crawl in
- Crowds: Moderate near access; lighter upstream trails
- Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️—dynamic water, high reward
- Weather Watch: Afternoon thunderstorms possible—scoop your rig and retreat early.
Hatch Chart – Clear Creek
| Month | Midges | BWOs | PMDs | Stoneflies | Caddis | Yellow Sallies | Hoppers | Ants/Beetles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | ✅ | — | ✅ | — | ✅ | — | — | — |
| July | ✅ | — | ✅ | — | ✅ | — | — | — |
| August | ✅ | — | ✅ | ✅ (post-rain) | — | — | ✅ | ✅ |
Pro Insight: The unexpected post-storm stonefly activity is a rare bonus—keep golden stones and nymphing heavy patterns in your box.
Flies to Try – Clear Creek Edition
Dry Flies:
- Caddis variants (Elk Hair, Superman)
- Hoppers (Chubby Chernobyl, Bigsky Hopper)
- CDC Trico Spinner
- Classic attractors (Sparkle Dun, Griffith’s Gnat)
Nymphs / Subsurface:
- Frenchie, Juju Baetis, graphic caddis, jigged variants (Lightning Bug, Hare’s Ear)
- High-tack tungsten or jig in Umpqua or bucktail styles
Streamers:
- Kreelex, Chicago Overcoat, Jig Buggers—effective in early morning or post-storm clears
Tactical Playbook
- Morning Money: Fish dries-heavy + palmered attractors over obvious current seams—fish are looking up.
- Midday Switch: After the hatch fade—tight-line nymphs or micro streamers over edges and boulders.
- Post-rain bonus: If a storm clears, stonefly nymphs can ignite subsurface eats.
- Cover water: Canyon creeks reward anglers who move—swap slots instead of recasting one hole.
Access Overview
| Spot | Why It Works | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Tunnel 1 Turnout | Near I-70, riffle/run broken water | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Kermits Overlook | Classic canyon access, high fishability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Mayhem Gulch | Shaded tight water—nerve-calming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Big Rock Bend | Cooler micro-streamer pulls | ⭐⭐⭐ |
FAQ – Clear Creek Fresh Take
Q: Is Clear still worth it after bumping flows?
A: Absolutely. A bit of stain wakes fish—but clarity recovers fast.
Q: Dry or nymph first?
A: Dry flies in AM; switch to tight nymph or streamers once dries fade and water warms.
Q: Do hoppers still work?
A: Yes—especially if you're paired down to soft-hackled attractors.
Q: Best weight rod for tight water?
A: 4 wt or short 5 wt—low drift lengths, technical rigs.
Q: Where are wild fish hiding?
A: Midstream boulders and riffle seams—move, focus, repeat.
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