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Clear Creek runs straight through the foothills corridor west of Denver, and winter turns it into a gritty, technical creek that rewards effort more than elegance. Flowing through Golden, this stretch offers cold, fast water, opportunistic trout, and far fewer anglers than the South Platte when temperatures drop. If you want true fly fishing near Denver without the tailwater crowds, Clear Creek fly fishing remains a realistic winter option.
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Updated: January 19, 2026
Clear Creek is running in a stable winter pattern. Flows are low but steady, water clarity is high, and trout are holding tight to structure where depth and reduced current give them shelter. Ice forms overnight in shaded canyon stretches and recedes slowly with midday sun. Feeding windows are short but repeatable, especially when wind stays down.
This is technical winter fishing. If you rush drifts, over-weight rigs, or fish mid-channel, Clear Creek will shut you down quickly.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
- Flow: Low and stable winter levels
- Water Temperature: Cold and consistent
- Air Temperature: Freezing mornings with brief midday warming
- Clarity: Clear to ultra-clear
- Crowds: Light overall, moderate near easy access points
- Best Window: Late morning through early afternoon
- Fishing Focus: Winter nymphing with midges and subtle mayfly imitations
Weather
Golden, Colorado Weather
Cold mornings dominate early, with brief midday warming driving limited feeding windows. Calm, sunny days fish best. Wind and cloud cover noticeably shorten activity.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- Mercury Midge 20 to 24
- Zebra Midge (black or red) 20 to 24
- RS2 (black or gray) 20 to 24
- WD-40 20 to 24
- Small Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
- Stonefly Nymph (black) 12 to 16
- Mini Leech (black) 12 to 14
Pro Rig of the Week: Clear Creek Pocket Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn or very small pinch-on alternative
- Lead Fly: Zebra Midge, size 20
- Dropper: Black Beauty, size 22
- Weight: Minimal, adjusted frequently
- Depth: Just off bottom, no ticking
This rig excels in short drifts through pockets and seams. If you are hanging bottom repeatedly, you are over-weighted.
Clear Creek Winter Strategy
Fish slower than you think you should. Shorten your drifts. Reset constantly. Trout here feed opportunistically, not aggressively, and they will not chase sloppy presentations.
Clear Creek is a confidence stream. When it clicks, it clicks fast. When it doesn’t, it teaches lessons quickly.
Clear Creek Hatch Chart for December
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 24 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 18 to 22 | Occasional movement on warmer afternoons |
| Stonefly nymphs | 14 to 18 | Effective as anchor flies in pocket water |
Download the Clear Creek Hatch Chart
Where the Fish Are Holding
Trout are stacked in predictable winter lies:
- Deep pocket water below fast riffles
- Soft inside bends with overhead cover
- Tailouts where current slows and depth increases
- Boulder seams that break flow without turbulence
Mid-creek runs and shallow riffles are largely unproductive right now.
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
Best Fly Fishing Near Denver (4 Easy-Access Rivers and Creeks That Fish Year-Round)
