Clear Creek Fly Fishing Report – October Conditions, Hatch Chart & Top Flies

  • October 7, 2025

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 near Golden Colorado

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

Clear_Creek_Confidential__6X_Tippet,_Golden_Hours,_and_the_Secr (1)
12:18

 


Conditions at a Glance

rise beyond fly fihsing company in denver colorado a guide rating for a stream. Good is 5 trout. This rating is for 3 trout. So good or semi challenging fishing conditions.

  • 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.

IDAHO SPRINGS WEATHER

 


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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.

 

Animas River (1600 x 900 px) (12)

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