Weekly Report
At this point, Clear Creek is largely out of commission given that it is mostly covered in ice. While you will find the occasional open run, it is in your best interest to fish elsewhere until conditions improve. With this in mind, we will be temporarily discontinuing our daily and weekly forecasts until conditions improve.
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)
Need flies for your trip? FlyCast has collaborated with our friends at Anglers All to package a dozen flies that are hot on Clear Creek, right now - Click here for hand selected flies
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.