Weekly Report
Despite some variability, flows at Clear Creek have trended lower in recent weeks and are now below ideal levels. Regardless, the fishing has been and will continue to be good. Visibility is on the upper end, but has been prone to swing in the event of rain. Focus on hitting the banks with a dry dropper or hopper dropper to start. This is arguably the most fun and often productive mode of fishing here. You can’t go wrong with a buoyant stimulator pattern like an Elk Hair Caddis, Amy’s Ant or Chubby Chernobyl to one or more smaller nymphs in the searcher/attractor variety. If you go this route, really pick apart the banks and pocket water and be sure to cover a lot of ground. However, nymphing with big and messy bugs at the lead to one or more smaller attractors will garner consistent results as well. When nymphing, focus on the deep and slow water and be sure to adjust your weight and depth accordingly. Lighter rigs will produce the best results right now.
Recommended Flies
Sub-surface
- Zebra Midge (black/red #20-22)
- Perdimidge (#18-20)
- Mercury Black Beauty (#20-22)
- Chocolate Foam Back Emerger (#18-22)
- Stalcup's Baetis (#20-22)
- RS2 (#20-24)
- Psycho Prince Nymph (#18-20)
- Flashback Pheasant Tail (#18-20)
- Guide's Choice Hare's Ear (#14-18)
- Copper John (#18-20)
- Brassie (#18-20)
- Frenchie (#18-20)
- Rainbow Warrior (#18-20)
- Perdigon (#16-18)
- San Juan Worm
- Mini Leech (#12-16)
Surface
- Parachute Adams (#18-22)
- Griffiths Gnat (#18-22)
- Cluster Midge (#18-22)
- Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18)
- Parawulff (#18)
- Amy's Ant (#12-14)
- Chubby Chernobyl (#10-14)
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River Flow
Detailed River Info
Background
Clear Creek is a small freestone tributary to the South Platte river and spans 66 miles across north central Colorado. The stream, which is oddly named "creek", originates at the continental divide near Loveland pass and flows east through Georgetown, Idaho Springs, and the Clear Creek Canyon before joining the South Platte River in Denver County. The stream is often associated with the Colorado gold rush in 1859 as it was heavily mined in a number of locations. Additionally, it has been the primary water source for the Coors Brewery, in Golden Colorado, since 1873.
Angling
Clear Creek is heavily fished and holds an abundance of insect life and small to mid-sized Brown and Rainbow Trout. It is one of the more accessible fly fishing destinations near Denver, Colorado and is great for anglers of all skill sets. So if you're committed to afternoon tea and need a quick fly fishing fix, Clear Creek is the spot to be. Clear Creek trout are not picky when it comes to their diet, however, they spook easily and can spot a fake from a mile away. So choose your steps wisely and keep your shadow off of the water.
River Access
Clear creek has a number of easy access points through Clear Creek Canyon and along I-70 near Idaho Springs. If you're coming from Denver, Clear Creek Canyon is your quickest option. Take I-70 to Highway 58 or I-70 to 6 ave West to Highway 58 and head up the Canyon. There are roughly 3 miles of public access here.
Along I-70 the first access point is where the highway meets Highway 6. Exit 244 and park beneath the bridge on the left hand side. Drive further and you will see access points in Idaho Springs and as far west as Bakersville near Loveland Ski Area.