Clear Creek Fly Fishing Report: Idaho Springs to Golden

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.

Clear Creek Fishing Report – November 2024

Conditions on Clear Creek are a fall angler’s dream, with cool, clear waters and plenty of active trout just waiting for the right presentation. The creek’s flow is perfect for wading, and the fall colors along the banks make it an unbeatable experience. Late mornings bring a solid BWO hatch, while the creek stays active throughout the day, with trout rising in pockets and riffles. Whether you’re a fan of nymphing or streamers, Clear Creek is primed for action this October.

The trout here are a bit picky but not impossible, so come prepared with a few options. The water is clear and the fish alert, meaning stealth and precise casts are essential. Cooler mornings mean a slight delay in the bite, but by mid-morning, things are heating up. Perfect for those looking to escape the city for a few hours of well-earned solitude on the water!

Conditions Summary

• Flow Rate: 49 CFS
• Water Temperature: Upper 40s°F
• Clarity: Near crystal clear
• Best Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon

Source: Colorado Division of Natural Resources River Flow Station

Clear Creek Hatch Chart

Top 3 Flies for the Week

• Dry Fly: Griffith’s Gnat (#20-22) – Best used during late morning midge hatches; float it in calmer pockets and riffles.
• Nymph: Zebra Midge (#18-22) – A go-to for subsurface fishing through riffles and pools, effective throughout the day.
• Streamer: Baby Gonga (Black, #8) – Strip in deeper pools or near structure to target bigger trout.

Tips Fly Fishing on Clear Creek

Seasonal Tip
With cooler temps, trout are most active in the afternoon. Keep presentations subtle, and approach carefully to avoid spooking fish in clear water.

Dry Fly
The BWO hatch is in full swing. Use small dry flies like Griffith’s Gnat in riffles and pockets to target trout feeding near the surface.

Nymphing
A dry-dropper rig with a buoyant dry fly and a Zebra Midge dropper is a reliable setup to cover various depths in Clear Creek’s mixed flows.

Streamer Fishing
Throw streamers like the Baby Gonga along the banks and deeper pools. Slow retrieves are key, as fall trout can be a bit more deliberate in their takes.

Access Points

Clear Creek Canyon

• Description: Numerous pull-offs along Highway 6 provide easy access to a variety of fishing spots.
• Why Fish Here: Classic pocket water and larger pools ideal for both dry fly and nymphing.
• Location: Accessible via Highway 6 west of Golden, CO.
• Locals' Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Idaho Springs

• • Description: Diverse water types, from fast-moving riffles to calm pools.
  • Why Fish Here: Great for nymphing and dry flies, offering multiple access points along the creek.
  • Location: Accessible via I-70, exit 240 at Idaho Springs.
  • Locals' Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Golden

• • Description: Scenic section near town with riffles and pools.
  • Why Fish Here: Convenient access and a variety of trout habitats for multiple fishing techniques.
  • Location: Accessible via Highway 6 through Golden.
  • Locals' Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights

Clear Creek is a catch-and-release fishery, requiring all trout to be released back into the water. Barbless hooks are recommended to reduce injury, and anglers must have a valid Colorado fishing license. Observe private property signs and stick to designated public access points to avoid trespassing on private land.