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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 skinny but fishable. Think technical small-fly fishing in pocket water with spooky browns. Morning trico clouds are still in play, and terrestrials along the banks can coax some fun eats. Don’t expect easy fishing—it’s 2-star water right now, and success comes to those who move, cover water, and fish light rigs.
At-a-Glance Conditions
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Rating: (tough, low flows, small windows of action)
Flow (CFS): 34.6 near Empire | 88.4 near Golden
Water Temp: Mid–50s to mid–60s °F
Air Temp: Highs mid–60s to mid–70s °F
Clarity: Clear
Best Times: 7:30–11 AM | Evenings
Fishing Pressure: Medium (lighter weekdays, weekends near Golden busy)
Top Flies: Trico Spinner #22 | Two-Bit Hooker #16 | Black Bugger #10
🎧 Listen to the Podcast
Our on-the-ground look at Clear Creek this week: why flows are skinny, how to fish tricos without pulling your hair out, and what setups actually work in tight canyon water.
Weather Snapshot
Cool mornings, with afternoon clouds/rain chances, and highs in the 65–75°F range.
Skinny Hatch Chart (Current + 2 Months)
| Month | Midges | BWOs | PMDs | Tricos | Caddis | Terrestrials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| August | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| September | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | — | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Flies for Clear Creek
- Dry Setup: Trico Spinner #22, 12–14’ leader, 6X.
- Nymph Setup: Two-Bit Hooker #16 + RS2 #20, 18” dropper, 5X fluoro.
- Streamer Setup: Black Bugger #10 or Mini Leech, stripped slow through pockets.
- Pro Rig (Guide’s Pick): Hopper-dropper with Amy’s Ant #14 + RS2 #20 dropper.
Access Points
| Spot | Why Fish Here | Parking | Wading | Crowds | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Canyon Section | Easy access, weekend crowds, classic riffle-run | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Lawson Stretch | Pocket water, tight-line heaven | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Empire | Cooler water, fewer anglers, small-fly technical | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ |
FAQ – Fly Fishing Clear Creek
When’s the best time to fish Clear Creek in September?
Mornings for tricos and terrestrials in the evenings. Midday is slower.
What flies are producing?
Trico spinners, RS2s, Two-Bit Hookers, and small buggers in shady seams.
Is Golden crowded?
Yes on weekends. Canyon sections upstream toward Lawson are quieter.
What’s the biggest challenge right now?
Low flows—fish are spooky. Long leaders, 6X, and stealthy wading required.
Any special regs?
Standard state regs apply. Barbless hooks recommended.
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