Winter Fly Fishing Report: Clear Creek, Colorado Front Range

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. 

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Clear Creek in winter is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to put in the effort, the rewards are there. With low, icy flows and spooky trout, this small but mighty creek still holds some solid fishing opportunities—if you know where to look. The pocket water is mostly frozen over, but the deeper pools and slow-moving runs hold hungry fish looking for midges, Baetis, and the occasional stonefly nymph.

Fishing here in winter requires patience and stealth—the water is gin-clear, so if the trout see you before you see them, consider yourself out of luck. The best approach? Small flies, light tippet (6X), and a natural drift. If you’re willing to brave the cold and work for it, Clear Creek can still produce solid wild brown trout and even a few rainbows this time of year.

Conditions Summary

• Flow Rate: 20-40 CFS (low but fishable)
• Water Temperature: 32-36°F
• Clarity: Crystal clear
• Best Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 – Cold, technical, but rewarding for those who put in the effort)

River Flow Chart

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Clear Creek Hatch Chart

Top 3 Flies for the Week

• Dry Fly: Griffith’s Gnat (#20-22) – Best shot is on warmer afternoons in slower runs.
• Nymph: Zebra Midge (#20-24) – A must-have for deep winter drifts.
• Streamer: Mini Leech (#10-12) – Dead-drifted or lightly twitched for sluggish browns.

Tips for Fly Fishing Clear Creek in Winter

Seasonal Tip

With cold water and slow metabolism, fish are not moving far for food—get your nymphs down deep and keep drifts slow and natural.

Dry Fly

Only expect limited dry fly action on warmer days, and look for slow-moving water where midges might cluster.

Nymphing

A two-fly nymph rig with a small stonefly and a midge is your best bet. Keep flies in the strike zone and set the hook on any hesitation.

Streamer Fishing

Slow, deep streamer presentations can move fish, but don’t expect aggressive chases—a dead-drifted leech or small sculpin pattern works best.

Access Points

Tunnel 1 (Near Golden, CO)

• Description: One of the best winter access points, with deep runs and slow-moving water.
• Why Fish Here: Lower elevation means better winter conditions and easier wading access.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lawson/Dumont Area

• Description: More remote, with slower pools that hold winter fish.
• Why Fish Here: Less pressure, decent pocket water, and a chance at good nymphing conditions.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Idaho Springs Public Access

• Description: A mix of riffles and slow runs, with plenty of winter holding water.
• Why Fish Here: Easily accessible and close to town for a quick session.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights

• Artificial flies and lures only in some sections—check local regulations before fishing.
• Watch for private property markers—some sections of Clear Creek run through privately owned land, so stay within public easements.
• Winter Safety: Be aware of shelf ice, and avoid wading through icy sections—the current may look slow, but icy footing is a real hazard.
• Catch-and-release encouraged to maintain the wild brown trout population.

If you’re looking for a quick winter fishing fix close to Denver, Clear Creek is a solid option. It’s cold, challenging, and technical, but for those who love the puzzle of winter fly fishing, it’s worth every frozen fingertip.