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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 – August 22, 2025
Clear Creek just shrugged off a rain bump—flows have climbed to roughly 118–125 CFS, giving the water a slight stain that clears fast. This dynamic river is prime right now: dry flies, nymphs, and micro-streamers are all producing. The mid-day PMD and caddis hatch is heating up, and terrestrials are creeping into the mix. But watch the skies—scattered afternoon storms could turn things fast.
Listen to the Podcast
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: ~118–125 CFS (post-rain bump, trending lower)
- Water Temp: Mid-50s °F
- Air Temp: Upper 60s–mid 70s, with possible afternoon thunderstorms
- Clarity: Clearing—mostly clear now, perfect for sighting
- Best Times: 6:30–10 AM (hatches), evenings when clouds gather
- Crowds: Moderate near access points, lighter upstream
Clear Creek Hatch Chart
| Month | Midges | BWOs | PMDs | Stoneflies | Caddis | Yellow Sallies | Hoppers | Ants/Beetles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| July | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| August | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ (post-rain bumps) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ |
| Sept | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Key:
Midges are a constant. PMDs and caddis are active now; stoneflies made a surprising post-rain appearance. Terrestrials are catching fish in the afternoons.
Flies That Are Working
Dry Flies
- Caddis (Elk Hair or “Superman” style)
- Hopper patterns (Chubby Chernobyl, Big Sky Hopper)
- CDC Trico Spinners
- Attractor dries like Sparkle Duns or Griffith’s Gnats
Nymphs / Subsurface
- Frenchie, Juju Baetis, Graphic Caddis, Hare's Ear
- Tungsten or jig styles (Lightning Bug, Hare’s Ear Jig) for faster runs
Streamers
- Kreelex, Mini Jig Buggers, Chicago Overcoat—especially effective in morning light or post-storm clarity
Tactical Playbook
- Morning: Fish dries and attractors in soft seams and edges where fish rise early.
- Midday: Switch to tight-line nymphing or small streamers to provoke strikes.
- Evening or Post-Storm: Stonefly nymphs can trigger explosive subsurface eats.
- General: Stay mobile—cover water, move when it’s not working, and bookend your day to avoid afternoon storms.
Access Highlights
| Spot | Why Hit It Up | ⭐ Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Tunnel 1 Turnout | Quick access right off I-70 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Kermits Overlook | Classic canyon section, solid eats | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Mayhem Gulch | Shaded tight water, quiet vibe | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Big Rock Bend | Great for micro-streamer tactics | ⭐⭐⭐ |
FAQs – Fresh Take on Clear Creek
Q: Is Clear Creek still good after rain?
A: Yes—the slight stain actually helps fish feel safer. Clarity recovers fast, offering a great window for dry and subsurface action.
Q: Dry or nymph first?
A: Dry flies in the early window are sharp; switch smartly to nymphs or streamers midday.
Q: What patterns are still producing?
A: Hoppers, caddis, PMD attractors, and midges. Tab soft-hackled attractors for afternoons.
Q: What rod works best here?
A: A 4-weight with short length and precision casting is ideal—think tight canyon water, not lofting 80 feet.
Q: Crowds look manageable?
A: Early access? Smooth. Midday near Golden? Expect company. Hiking upstream gets you solitude.
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