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Denver is heating up, but the foothills are holding. If you're chasing trout this week, expect steady flows, rising temps, and increased insect activity in canyon streams and tailwaters. The fish are looking up—especially if you get your drifts tight and your flies right.
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Top 5 Places to Fly Fish Near Denver This Week
1. South Boulder Creek (Below Gross Reservoir)
Flow Rate: ~90 CFS
Why It’s Hot: Cold, clear, and steady. PMDs and caddis are popping mid-morning, and trout are rising consistently in the flats and tailouts.
Top Fly: Perdigon – Size 18 (as a dropper under a small caddis)
Access: Walker Ranch Trailhead or below the dam
Rating: ★★★★★
2. Clear Creek (Upstream of Tunnel 1)
Flow Rate: ~75 CFS
Why It’s Hot: Mornings are clear, flows are down, and fish are active on caddis and small stones.
Top Fly: Elk Hair Caddis – Size 16
Access: Pull-offs west of Tunnel 1
Rating: ★★★★☆
3. Bear Creek (Upstream of Morrison)
Flow Rate: ~28 CFS
Why It’s Hot: Terrestrials are in play mid-day and the creek is low and glassy. Long leaders and light tippet are key.
Top Fly: Black Ant – Size 16
Access: Lair o’ the Bear Park or upstream turnouts
Rating: ★★★★☆
4. Deckers (South Platte River)
Flow Rate: ~325 CFS
Why It’s Hot: Slightly elevated flows are spreading fish out, and early morning sight fishing is solid. Midges and baetis are producing under indicators.
Top Fly: Rainbow Warrior – Size 18
Access: Bridge crossings and public pull-offs along Deckers Road
Rating: ★★★☆☆
5. Waterton Canyon
Flow Rate: ~85 CFS
Why It’s Hot: Low-pressure window early. Best bet is hopper-dropper tight to the bank before bike traffic rolls in.
Top Fly: Chubby Chernobyl – Size 14
Access: Main gate parking, walk or bike in
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Top Flies for This Week
- Dry Fly: Elk Hair Caddis (#16)
A great all-day option. Fish it tight to structure in fast water or dead-drift it through tailouts. - Nymph: Rainbow Warrior (#18)
Great color pop under bright light. The bead gets it down quickly and holds up in current. - Dry-Dropper Combo: Chubby Chernobyl + Perdigon (#14 + #18)
Floaty up top, tactical down low. Ideal in Clear Creek and Bear Creek. - Terrestrial: Black Ant or Hi-Vis Beetle (#16)
Especially effective mid-day when shade lines get active. - Streamer: Thin Mint Bugger (#10)
Best in the first hour of light or during sudden cloud cover. Slow swing near cut banks.
Pro Tips for the Week
1. Get There Early
By 10:30 AM, most spots start getting foot traffic or wind. Early risers will get the best water and the most aggressive fish.
2. Drift Matters More Than Fly Choice
Even the best fly won’t eat if it's dragging. Focus on angles and current seams.
3. Go Small and Natural
Especially in Bear Creek and Boulder Creek, fish are tight-lipped unless you size down and stay subtle.
4. Stay Low
These fish are spooky right now. Wear muted colors and approach from downstream whenever possible.
5. Clouds = Opportunity
If a storm rolls in or the clouds build, switch to a bugger or soft hackle and cover water quickly.
FAQ: Fly Fishing Near Denver This Week
1. What’s fishing the best right now?
South Boulder Creek is fishing best—steady flows, cold water, and active fish on dries and droppers.
2. Are dry flies producing yet?
Yes. Caddis, PMDs, and ants are all seeing surface eats, especially mid-morning and near shadows.
3. What’s the best all-around setup?
A dry-dropper rig: Chubby on top, Perdigon or Rainbow Warrior underneath. Versatile and productive everywhere this week.
4. Is Deckers worth fishing right now?
Yes—if you're willing to fish early or late. Midday is a grind.
5. What’s the water clarity like?
Most creeks are running clear to lightly stained—especially good early in the day before runoff snowmelt hits.
6. Do I need to change flies often?
Only if your drift is clean and you’re getting no takes. Start with proven patterns and adjust your depth first.
