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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.
October on Clear Creek feels like a reward for anyone who stuck it out all season. The water’s cold, the crowds are gone, and the browns are flashing in every seam. It’s small-fly season — where light rigs, quick reflexes, and a little luck make all the difference.
🎧 Listen to the Podcast
Conditions at a Glance
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- Flow: 52 CFS near Golden ⬇
- Water Temp: 48°F steady
- Air Temp: 38–68°F
- Clarity: Crystal clear
- Pressure: Low (especially upstream of Idaho Springs)
- Best Times: 10 AM–3 PM (midday bite with BWOs and midges)
- Dry Fly Score: ⭐⭐⭐
- Nymph Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Streamer Score: ⭐⭐
Low, clear, and cold — classic fall Clear Creek. Trout are active mid-day when sunlight warms the canyon, and a well-presented BWO emerger or midge will outfish anything flashy. Expect smaller fish to stay eager, with a few bruiser browns hiding tight to structure.
Hatch Chart – October
| Hatch | Size | When to Fish | How to Fish | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BWOs | #20–22 | 11 AM–3 PM (clouds) | Sparkle Dun, Barr’s Emerger, soft hackle swing | The prime fall hatch, consistent through mid-month |
| Midges | #22–24 | All day | Zebra Midge, Top Secret Midge, WD-40 | Reliable in slow runs and pools |
| Caddis (lingering) | #18 | Late afternoon | Elk Hair Caddis, LaFontaine Sparkle Pupa | Sporadic near riffles, worth a few casts |
📥 Download the Full Clear Creek Hatch Chart PDF (printable + mobile-friendly).
Top 3 Flies for the Month
- Dry Fly: Hi-Vis BWO Parachute #20–22, Elk Hair Caddis #18
- Nymph: RS2 #22, Black Zebra Midge #22–24, Pheasant Tail #18
- Streamer: Mini Leech #10–12, Sculpzilla #10 olive
Tips Fly Fishing on Clear Creek
- Focus mid-day when the sun hits the canyon and bugs start to move.
- Smaller flies, longer leaders — 6X tippet makes a big difference.
- Don’t overlook pocket water; fish hold tight to structure.
- Dries can work if you’re stealthy, but nymphing rules most of the day.
- Hike away from road pull-offs — even a quarter mile makes a difference.
Access Points
| Access Point | Description | Why Fish Here | Parking | Wading | Trail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Creek Canyon (Golden) | Lower access | Easy access, consistent small trout | Good | Easy | Easy |
| Idaho Springs | Mid-section | Colder water, fewer anglers | Good | Moderate | Easy |
| Lawson | Upstream canyon | Great pocket water, browns staging | Moderate | Easy | Moderate |
| Georgetown | Headwaters | Small water, spooky fish, beautiful scenery | Moderate | Easy | Easy |
Local Regulations & Landowner Notes
- State fishing license required.
- Most of the canyon is public, but check signage near private parcels.
- Catch-and-release recommended for all browns during the spawn.
FAQ on this Spot
- When does Clear Creek fish best in October?
Midday, once the canyon warms up. - What’s the best setup?
Double nymph rig — RS2 and Zebra Midge with light split shot. - Can you fish dries right now?
Yes, BWOs mid-day and the occasional caddis near riffles. - What’s the crowd level like?
Low — mostly locals and a few road pull-off anglers. - What tippet size should I use?
6X for dries and nymphs, 5X for small streamers. - Where’s the best fall section?
Lawson to Georgetown — colder water, fewer people, staging browns. - Do streamers work here?
Occasionally, especially in deep pocket water near rock ledges. - Is the creek still open to fishing year-round?
Yes — Clear Creek is open year-round, though ice can form above Idaho Springs.
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