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Clear Creek is the most accessible true mountain stream near Denver, and winter turns it into a compact, technical fishery that rewards efficiency. Cold, clear water pushes trout tight to structure, and success comes from reading pocket water quickly and moving often. This is classic Clear Creek winter fly fishing: short drifts, fast decisions, and honest feedback.
Updated: December 17, 2025
The Clear Creek corridor from Golden through the canyon is locked into winter mode. Flows are low, water clarity is high, and trout are holding in plunge pools, pocket tails, and slow seams behind boulders. Feeding windows are short but predictable when sunlight reaches the canyon floor.
This week’s Clear Creek fly fishing report emphasizes coverage and control. Midges dominate the food supply, with occasional baetis nymphs active during mild afternoons. Clear Creek does not reward camping one spot. Move, read water, and fish the best pockets efficiently.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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Flow: Low winter baseflow
Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s
Air Temperature: High 30s to low 40s during the day
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Light in winter with occasional trail traffic
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Winter pocket-water nymphing with short controlled drifts
Weather
Idaho Springs Colorado Weather
Cold mornings give way to brief midday warming when the sun reaches the canyon. Calm days fish best. Wind funnels through the canyon and can shorten feeding windows quickly.
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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
- Mini Leech (black) 12 to 14
Pro Rig of the Week: Clear Creek Pocket Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn or minimal pinch-on indicator
- 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
Clear Creek Hatch Chart for December
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 20 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 20 to 22 | Occasional activity on mild afternoons |
Download the Clear Creek Hatch Chart
Access Points
Golden – Clear Creek Trail
Easiest access, consistent pocket water, and ideal winter depth control practice.
⭐ 4.6
Black Rock Area
Deep canyon pockets, excellent winter structure, and low pressure.
⭐ 4.5
Lawson
Classic Clear Creek runs with mixed depth and slower winter lanes.
⭐ 4.4
Idaho Springs – Upstream Pullouts
Cold but stable flows; great for short sessions and testing small patterns.
⭐ 4.4
Kermit’s to Downstream Pullouts
Variable flows but solid winter holding seams in mid-depth water.
⭐ 4.3
Local Regulations & Notes
- Watch for ice shelves forming along shaded canyon walls
- Stay off redds in shallow gravel near Golden
- Parking can be limited on weekend afternoons
- Water depth changes quickly around boulders; adjust weight often
- Fish wintering in deep pockets require soft, quiet approaches
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
FAQ
Is Clear Creek Good for Fly Fishing in Winter?
Yes. Clear Creek offers consistent winter trout fishing near Denver, especially for anglers comfortable fishing pocket water and moving often.
How Close Is Clear Creek to Denver?
Clear Creek runs directly through Golden, approximately 15 miles west of downtown Denver, making it one of the closest mountain fly fishing options on the Front Range.
Q: Is Clear Creek worth fishing in December?
A: Yes, but you must fish slow winter pockets with tiny midge nymphs.
Q: Are dries possible?
A: Rare, but midge clusters can appear on warm, still afternoons in Golden.
Q: What section fishes best in winter?
A: Mid-canyon pockets between Lawson and Black Rock offer the most stable winter structure.
Q: What tippet do I need?
A: 5X for anchors, 6X for tiny midges.
Q: Does water clarity matter here?
A: Absolutely; Clear Creek's trout get spooky in low clear flows.
Q: How long should I fish it?
A: Focus tight: two to three hours during the midday warming window.
Companion Article for December
