Fishing Report: Clear Creek Near Idaho Springs Colorado

Welcome to Clear Creek, Colorado, where the trout are wily, the water is swift, and the tubers are… well, hopefully wrapping up their season soon! This picturesque creek runs parallel to I-70 from Georgetown to Golden, offering easy access to some fantastic fly fishing spots. Whether you're looking to fish the clear, cold waters below Georgetown or explore the pocket water and plunge pools further down, Clear Creek has something for every angler willing to take on its unique challenges.

October Fishing Report: Clear Creek 

Current River Conditions

As of the end of September 2024, Clear Creek is flowing at around 72-90 CFS, depending on the section, with mid-50°F water temperatures. The clarity is near crystal clear, especially in the upper canyon, making it perfect for sight fishing. With fall settling in, conditions are ideal for daily fishing, though low-light hours are especially productive. Wind can pick up in the afternoons, so plan your casts accordingly. Anglers should exercise caution when wading as some sections can be swift, particularly in the canyon areas.

source: Colorado Divison of Resources Station Flow Report

Hatches & Recommended Flies

Nymphs

• Midge Patterns

  • Patterns: Zebra Midge (Black, Red), Mercury Midge, Top Secret Midge
  • Sizes: #18-24
  • When to Use: Midges are key in colder months and on non-hatch days. They work especially well in slower pools and runs where trout are feeding just below the surface. Use these in the early morning or late afternoon when water temps are lower and trout are more active near the bottom.

  Baetis Nymphs (BWO Nymphs)

  • Patterns: Barr’s BWO Emerger, JuJu Baetis, RS2
  • Sizes: #18-22
  • When to Use: Baetis nymphs are particularly effective during the fall season. Fish them during mid-morning through afternoon in the deeper runs and riffles where trout will feed as the BWOs start to emerge.

  Caddis Pupa and Larva Patterns

  • Patterns: Z-Wing Caddis, Green Rock Worm, LaFontaine’s Sparkle Pupa
  • Sizes: #14-18
  • When to Use: When adult caddisflies aren’t visible, their pupae and larvae are still drifting below the surface. Use these subsurface in faster-moving pocket water, particularly in mid- to late afternoon.

Dry Flies

• Blue Wing Olive (BWO) Patterns
  Patterns: Parachute Adams, Sparkle Dun, Foam Wing Emerger
  Sizes: #18-22
  When to Use: BWOs are a staple on Clear Creek, especially on cloudy days or in the late morning to early afternoon. They are effective when trout rise, particularly in the slower pools and seams.

• Pale Morning Dun (PMD) Patterns
  Patterns: Parachute PMD, Rusty Spinner, PMD Sparkle Dun
  Sizes: #16-20
  When to Use: PMDs hatch in the warmer parts of the day, usually in late morning to early afternoon. These flies are great for targeting trout sipping on the surface during active hatches in the slower-moving sections of the creek.

• Caddisfly Patterns
  Patterns: Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard Caddis
  Sizes: #14-18
  When to Use: Caddisflies are active from late spring through early fall, especially in the evenings. Fishing a caddis dry in the late afternoon or early evening can be very effective when trout are rising to caddis hatches.

Streamers

• Woolly Bugger
  Patterns: Olive, Black, Brown
  Sizes: #8-12
  When to Use: Streamers like Woolly Buggers are effective for targeting larger, more aggressive trout in deeper pools and around structure. Fish them early in the morning or late in the evening for the best results.

• Mini Sculpin Patterns
  Patterns: Sculpzilla, Baby Gonga
  Sizes: #6-10
  When to Use: These patterns imitate small baitfish or sculpins and are effective in deeper, faster-moving water where larger trout might be hunting.

Access Points

• Golden: Convenient access with multiple entry points and parking near Clear Creek History Park.
• Clear Creek Canyon: Offers more challenging fishing with less pressure, ideal for anglers looking to escape the crowds.
• Idaho Springs: A great spot for those looking to combine fishing with a visit to the historic town.
  
  

Fishing Tactics

Nymphing Techniques

Nymphing is often the most productive technique on Clear Creek, especially in deeper runs and faster riffles where trout are holding and feeding. Given the creek's clear water and variable flow, getting your nymphs down to the fish is essential.

• High-Sticking Nymphing: This technique is very effective for Clear Creek's pocket water and faster runs. Use a short, tight line with minimal slack to maintain direct contact with your nymphs. This method lets you detect subtle strikes and keep your flies in the strike zone longer. High-sticking works particularly well in the upper stretches of Clear Creek, where the water is faster and more turbulent.

• Two-Fly Nymph Rig: A two-fly nymph rig is an excellent choice for covering different depths and food sources. Start with a larger attractor pattern, such as a Pat’s Rubber Legs or Rock Worm, as your point fly, and then add a smaller, more imitative pattern like a Zebra Midge, RS2, or Flash Back Pheasant Tail as a dropper. This setup lets you cover multiple water columns, targeting both bottom-feeding and mid-column trout​

• Adjust Depth and Weight Frequently: Depending on the flow and depth of the water, you’ll need to adjust the depth and weight of your nymph rig frequently. Use enough split shot to get your flies down quickly in the deeper runs and pools, and ensure you’re achieving a drag-free drift to avoid spooking fish. Strike indicators can help detect subtle bites in the faster water.

Dry Fly and Dry-Dropper Fishing

Dry fly fishing on Clear Creek can be highly effective, particularly during hatch periods or when trout are rising to take insects off the surface. Given the creek's clear water, presentation is key.

• Dry-Dropper Rigs: This versatile setup lets you fish a dry fly on the surface with a nymph or emerger pattern suspended below. Use a buoyant dry fly like a Hippy Stomper or Amy’s Ant as the indicator fly, with a small nymph or emerger (such as a Bubble Back Emerger or Panty Dropper PMD) tied beneath. This combination is particularly effective in pocket water and around structure, where trout might be holding just below the surface or actively feeding on top​(

• Target Specific Spots: Focus on the softer water near the banks, seams, and eddies where fish are more likely to rise to the surface. Present your dry flies with a delicate, drag-free drift, especially when targeting rising trout during hatches of BWOs, PMDs, or caddis. Fish these patterns in slower pools and riffles where trout are more likely to feed on the surface.

Streamer Fishing

Streamer fishing can be very effective on Clear Creek, particularly for targeting larger, more aggressive trout. This technique works best in deeper pools and around structure, such as fallen trees or undercut banks.

• Swinging and Stripping Streamers: Use streamers like Woolly Buggers, Thin Mints, or Baby Gonga to imitate baitfish, crayfish, or other larger prey. Swing or strip these flies through deep pools and along the edges of faster currents. Vary your retrieve speed—short, quick strips can mimic a fleeing baitfish, while slower, steady pulls can imitate a wounded fish.

• Focus on Low-Light Conditions: Streamer fishing is often most productive during low-light conditions, such as early morning or late evening. It can also be effective during overcast days or when the water is slightly off-color due to rain, making trout less cautious and more likely to chase larger prey​

Sight Fishing and Stealth Tactics

Clear Creek's transparency demands a stealthy approach, especially when sight fishing for trout holding in shallower runs or near the banks.

• Polarized Sunglasses: Use polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and help spot fish in deeper pools or holding in pocket water. This visibility allows you to target specific fish with precise casts.

• Long Leaders and Light Tippet: Use long leaders (9-12 feet) and light tippets (5x-6x) to reduce visibility and avoid spooking fish. Approach the water carefully and keep a low profile to avoid alerting the trout to your presence.

• Read the Water: Look for subtle signs of fish activity, such as bubbles, surface disturbances, or slight changes in water color that indicate seams or feeding lanes. Fish these areas thoroughly before moving on.

Adapting to Changing Conditions

Clear Creek can experience rapid changes in conditions, especially with sudden weather changes that can affect flow and clarity.

• Stay Flexible: Be prepared to switch tactics throughout the day based on fish behavior and current conditions. If dry flies aren’t working, switch to nymphing or streamers. Keep a variety of flies and adjust your presentation as needed.

• Time Your Outing: Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times to fish Clear Creek, as trout are more active and feeding. During the middle of the day, focus on deeper pools or shaded areas where fish might be holding.