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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 6, 2025
Flows are skinny. The trout are not.
Clear Creek is holding around 48–52 CFS and is fishing well for those willing to go small, stealthy, and early. Expect rising fish before 9 a.m., especially near soft seams, and solid action on terrestrials once the sun hits the canyon. This is high-country creek fishing at its finest—tight water, technical eats, and zero forgiveness for sloppy drifts.
With Tricos, PMDs, ants, and beetles all in the mix, the dry-dropper game is at its seasonal peak. Nymphing still produces, but lighter rigs and subtle flies work best. Hoppers? Fun to try, but don’t expect fireworks—Clear Creek is a precision game right now.
If you’ve got 3 hours, a 3-weight, and a sense of humor, Clear Creek is one of the best weekday escapes near Denver right now.
🎧 Listen to the Podcast
Clear Creek Fly Fishing Report – Pocket Water, Terrestrials, and Sneaky Trout
Hear our take on how to fish Clear Creek this week, including fly selection, gear tips, and what not to do if you don’t want to blow up a pool.
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Conditions Summary
- Flow Rate: 52 CFS
- Water Temp: 58°F at 10:00 AM
- Air Temp: 65–80°F
- Clarity: Clear
- Best Times: 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM
- Crowds: Moderate weekdays, heavy weekends
- Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Clear Creek Hatch Chart
| Month | Midges | BWO | PMD | Caddis | Tricos | Ants/Beetles | Hoppers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| June | ✅✅✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| July | ✅✅✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ |
| August | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ |
Flies to Try – Clear Creek
Nymphs:
TDJ Sunken Trico 20–22 | Frenchie 18 | Hare’s Ear 14–16 | UV Midge (black) 20–22 | Juju Baetis 20–22 gray | Sparkle Wing RS2 20–24
Dry Flies:
Parachute Adams 18–22 | CDC Trico Spinner 22 | Amy’s Ant 14 | Black Beetle 16 | Elk Hair Caddis 16 | Sparkle Dun PMD 18–20
Streamers:
Mini Bugger (black or olive) 10–12 | Thin Mint 10 | Slump Buster olive 8–10
Pro Tip: Use 5X or 6X tippet, long leaders (12ft+), and stay low. These fish are wild and will ghost fast if you don’t bring the ninja game.
Tips for Fishing Clear Creek
- Seasonal Tip: Get there early. The first two hours after sunrise fish best.
- Dry Fly: Use attractors near banks and soft seams—watch for subtle sips.
- Nymphing: Tight-line rigs outperform bobbers. Add a micro split shot if the drift's too fast.
- Streamer Fishing: Stick to soft hackle streamers or buggers—don’t go full meat mode here.
Access Points
| Spot Name | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Tunnel 1 Turnout | Easy in, lots of pressure, fish the riffles hard | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Kermits Overlook | Classic canyon water, good dry-dropper stretch | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Mayhem Gulch | Shaded pocket water, ideal for tight-line nymphing | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Big Rock Bend | Streamer-friendly corner with undercut structure | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Local Regulations
- Barbless hooks encouraged
- Catch & release strongly recommended
- Respect roadside pull-offs and private property signs
FAQs – Clear Creek Fly Fishing
Q: Is Clear Creek good for beginners?
A: Yes—especially the flatter sections west of Golden. Just avoid mid-day crowds.
Q: Can I fish hoppers here?
A: You can, but ants and beetles produce better right now.
Q: What rod is best for Clear Creek?
A: 3–4 weight, short to medium length, with a light line. Think accuracy, not power.
Q: Is there good water above Tunnel 1?
A: Yes. Hike up and you'll find solitude and less-pressured fish.
Q: Can I tight-line this creek?
A: Absolutely. It’s made for euro-style nymphing in boulder runs and seams.
Q: What time of day is best?
A: First light to 11 AM. After that, the sun + traffic slow things down.
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