Fishing Report: Clear Creek in Colorado 9.15.24

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.

Mid-September Fishing Report: Clear Creek 

Current River Conditions

Right now, Clear Creek is flowing at varying rates between 60-162 cubic feet per second (cfs) thanks to the recent rainfall, which has caused some areas to have murky water. As you head upstream, you'll notice the water levels drop. Navigating around tubers near Golden can be a bit tricky due to the higher flows. With water temperatures in the low 60s, it's an excellent time for trout feeding, although visibility and conditions might present some challenges. The upper stretches near Georgetown and Idaho Springs feature faster, more confined waters, so cautious wading and a stealthy approach are necessary. On the other hand, the lower sections near Golden offer easier access to runs and riffles.

What's Biting?

Trout are showing a strong preference for both surface and subsurface flies, with a variety of hatches keeping things interesting:

• Dry Flies: The recent hatches have been dominated by Blue Wing Olives (BWOs), Pale Morning Duns (PMDs), and caddis. Flies like Griffith's Gnat, Hippy Stomper, Ms. Tickle Cripple, and Parachute PMD are great choices for targeting surface-feeding trout. The key is to focus on the softer water near the banks and seams where fish are more likely to rise.

• Nymphs: With the water slightly off-color, nymphs remain effective, especially in the deeper runs and pockets. Patterns like Bubble Back Emerger, Rock Worm, Panty Dropper PMD, and Flash Back Pheasant Tail work well. A two-fly nymph rig with a larger attractor pattern (like a Rock Worm) followed by a smaller dropper (like a BWO or PMD nymph) can cover multiple feeding zones.

• Streamers: For those willing to brave the deeper, muddier water, streamers like Thin Mint, Baby Gonga, and Dirty Hippie can entice larger trout lurking in deeper pools or around structures. Swing or strip these patterns through slower pools or near undercut banks to provoke aggressive strikes​

   

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 productive year-round, especially in colder months or during non-hatch periods. They are highly effective in Clear Creek’s slower runs and pools where trout feed just below the surface.

• Baetis Nymphs (BWO Nymphs)
  Patterns: Barr's BWO Emerger, JuJu Baetis, RS2
  Sizes: #18-22
  When to Use: Baetis nymphs are effective throughout the year, particularly in the spring and fall. Fish these patterns in deeper runs and riffles where baetis nymphs are more likely to be present.

• Caddis Pupa and Larva Patterns
  Patterns: Z-Wing Caddis, Green Rock Worm, LaFontaine's Sparkle Pupa
  Sizes: #14-18
  When to Use: Fish caddis patterns subsurface when adult caddis are not visible on the surface. This is particularly effective in faster water and pocket water where caddis larvae and pupae are drifting.

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.

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.

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.

For real-time data on river conditions, visit the Colorado Division of Water Resources.

Safety Tips

Given the current flows and temperatures, wading can be hazardous. Always inform someone of your plans and avoid crossing the river at unsafe points. Use proper gear, such as a wading staff and boots, to maintain stability in the water. The swift currents can be dangerous, so exercise extreme caution​ (Rise Beyond Fly Fishing)​.