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.
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.
Tiny, scrappy, and always in style, the Griffith’s Gnat is your winter and early-spring MVP. When the air is frosty, and the trout are feeling picky, this little guy mimics clusters of midges perfectly.
Ah, the Elk Hair Caddis—a summertime rockstar. This dry fly holds up in the current like a champ, imitating caddis on the surface with a perfect profile that no self-respecting Clear Creek trout can resist.
The Zebra Midge is small but mighty—a no-nonsense nymph that works all year round. With this in the lineup, you’ll be armed for anything Clear Creek trout are picking off the bottom.
If there’s a “can’t-go-wrong” nymph for Clear Creek, it’s the Pheasant Tail. This fly has that “natural bug” look that trout just can’t ignore, especially in spring and fall when the bugs are buzzing.
This fly is the MVP of dry flies. The Parachute Adams is versatile enough to pass as a mayfly, midge, and just about anything else with wings. It’s practically the Swiss Army knife of flies.
Big trout don’t want dainty snacks, and that’s where the Woolly Bugger shines. It’s the heavyweight champion, imitating everything from baitfish to leeches, and on Clear Creek, it’s your best bet for hooking into a beast.
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!