Top 7 Must Have Flies for Fishing Clear Creek Colorado

Clear Creek is not a forgiving river. Steep gradient, fast transitions, fluctuating clarity, and heavy pressure mean generic fly boxes often fail. The flies that work here tend to be simple, durable, and effective across changing conditions.

Top 7 Flies for Fishing Clear Creek, Colorado – Straight from the Riverbank

If you’re headed out to Clear Creek with dreams of trout on the fly, let’s make sure your fly box is stacked with some crowd-pleasers. This Colorado stream may be small, but it’s mighty, with trout that can be both shy and spunky. So, here’s the lineup you’ll want to bring to keep the action hot, no matter the season.

1. Copper John - Sizes 18-24

The Copper John earns its place on Clear Creek when flows rise or when you need to get flies down quickly.

This is not a finesse fly. It is a tool for depth and visibility in faster water. Use it early season, during runoff edges, or when the creek has a bit of color.

On clear, low water days, downsize or switch to subtler patterns.

Best conditions: Moderate to high flows, faster runs
Why it works on Clear Creek: Weight, flash, and ability to reach the strike zone

2. Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) – Size 18-22

The BWO isn’t just a crowd-favorite among anglers—it’s practically a Clear Creek classic. When the clouds roll in, these little mayflies hatch, and trout come to the surface like it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet.

• When to Use: Cloudy days, late mornings, early afternoons.
• Guide’s Tip: Scope out the slower pools or drift it right behind rocks where fish are tucked away, just waiting for that perfect BWO to drift by.

3. Elk Hair Caddis – Size 14-18

Caddis activity on Clear Creek can be inconsistent, but when it happens, trout respond aggressively.

The Elk Hair Caddis performs best in riffles and faster seams, especially during late afternoon and evening. It floats well and handles rougher water better than more delicate dries.

Use it confidently during summer months or when you see skating adults near the banks.

Best conditions: Summer evenings, riffles, pocket water
Why it works on Clear Creek: Buoyancy, visibility, aggressive trigger

4. Zebra Midge – Size 18-22

Clear Creek trout eat midges year-round, even when nothing appears to be happening on the surface.

The Zebra Midge shines during winter, early spring, and high-pressure days when trout refuse larger offerings. Small sizes are critical. If the fly looks too easy to see, it is probably too big.

Fish this fly deep and slow. On Clear Creek, depth control matters more than pattern choice with midges.

Best conditions: Cold water, winter, early spring, post-pressure days
Why it works on Clear Creek: Consistent food source, minimal profile, effective in clear water

5. Pheasant Tail Nymph – Size 16-18

The Pheasant Tail is one of the most reliable flies on Clear Creek because it matches the river’s dominant food source without trying too hard.

This fly excels during low to moderate flows when trout are feeding close to the bottom and inspecting nymphs carefully. On Clear Creek, slightly smaller sizes outperform oversized patterns, especially during clear water periods.

Fish it as a point fly in a two-nymph rig or under a light dry during summer. A slightly imperfect, buggy tie often works better than a clean one here.

Best conditions: Low to moderate flows, clear water
Why it works on Clear Creek: Natural profile, subtle movement, durable enough for rocky runs

6. Parachute Adams – Size 16-20

When Clear Creek has a surface window, it is often brief and subtle.

The Parachute Adams covers a wide range of mayflies and works well during short hatch periods or sporadic rises. On this river, presentation matters more than exact hatch matching.

This fly also works well as a dry-dropper anchor during summer when trout are feeding opportunistically.

Best conditions: Late spring through summer, low to moderate flows
Why it works on Clear Creek: универсality, visibility, reliable float

7. Woolly Bugger – Size 8-12

The Woolly Bugger is not a numbers fly on Clear Creek, but it is a confidence fly.

Use it early or late in the day, during higher flows, or when targeting deeper pools. Smaller, darker patterns tend to outperform oversized streamers here.

Fish it slowly and deliberately. Clear Creek trout are opportunistic but cautious.

Best conditions: Higher flows, low light, deeper pools
Why it works on Clear Creek: Profile and movement when trout shift to opportunistic feedin

A Few Final River Wisdom Nuggets

Clear Creek trout are smart, but with these flies, you’ll have the upper hand. Keep your casts stealthy, and don’t forget to adjust as you go. Sometimes, it’s the little tweaks that lead to the biggest fish tales. So load up with these flies, hit the water, and let the trout come to you. Here’s to tight lines and a killer day on Clear Creek!