Early-Season Fly Fishing Tips for Clear Creek, Colorado in March 2025

  • March 17, 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 river fly fishing report

 

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Clear Creek in March is the definition of early-season mountain fishing—it’s still cold, flows are low, and the trout are in winter survival mode. But don’t let that stop you. With midday sun warming the water, fish are starting to wake up from their winter slumber, feeding on midges and the occasional Baetis hatch.

Expect technical fishing, as these trout aren’t chasing much. Small nymphs, perfect drifts, and light tippet are your best bets. Streamer action? Slim, but if you work the deepest runs and slow pools, you might move a fish. Dry flies? Only if you get lucky with a surprise hatch. But hey, it’s Clear Creek—it’s always a good excuse for a quick, scenic trip up the canyon.


 

Conditions Summary

rise beyond fly fihsing company in denver colorado a guide rating for a stream. Good is 5 trout. This rating is for 2 trout. So challenging fishing conditions.

  • Flow Rate: 25-40 CFS (Low and clear)
  • Water Temperature: 35-40°F
  • Clarity: Crystal clear—stealth required
  • Best Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon
  • Star Rating: ⭐⭐ (2/5 – Cold and low flows make it tough, but possible)

River Flow Chart


Source: Colorado DWR River Station Reports


 

Clear Creek Hatch Chart

Month Primary Hatches Effective Patterns
February  Midges, Winter Stones Zebra Midge (#20-24), RS2 (#20-22), Pat’s Rubber Legs (#12-14)
March  Midges, Baetis (BWO) Black Beauty (#20-24), Blue Wing Olive (#18-22), Pheasant Tail (#16-20)
April  Baetis, Caddis, Midges Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), RS2 (#20-22), Pat’s Rubber Legs (#12-14)

Top Flies for the Week

 

 

 

Tips for Fly Fishing Clear Creek in March

Seasonal Tip

Focus on deep, slow water—trout are not aggressive yet, but they are feeding on small bugs.

Dry Fly

Limited activity, but watch for midges and Baetis on warmer afternoons.

Nymphing

Best bet right now—stick with small midges and Baetis nymphs in deep pools.

Streamer Fishing

Not great, but possible—try small leeches or Thin Mints with a slow retrieve.


 

Access Points

deckers colorado south platte river with Odells Lagerado and a custom made Rise Beyond Fly Rod 5wt

Golden to Idaho Springs

  • Description: Easy roadside access with a mix of pocket water and deep runs.
  • Why Fish Here: Good structure, but can be pressured.
  • Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Lawson/Dumont Area

  • Description: Less pressured and offers deeper pools.
  • Why Fish Here: More fish holding water, but requires more hiking.
  • Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Georgetown Area

  • Description: Colder water, fewer anglers, and bigger fish potential.
  • Why Fish Here: Harder to fish, but sometimes worth it.
  • Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights

  • Artificial flies and lures only in most areas.
  • Watch for private property—stick to public access points.
  • Flows are low—be mindful of spooking fish.

 

RIVER WHISPER | SPOT FINDER | NEW!

Where to fish today! Tired of fly shops feeding you outdated, half-baked reports just to push gear? Us too. That’s why River Whisper exists—to cut through the noise and give you real, up-to-date, no-BS fly fishing reports for Colorado.

 

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