The Location

Directions from Denver

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025

Clear Creek is shaping up to be an excellent summer fly fishing destination as flows begin to recede. For optimal conditions and to avoid canyon traffic and construction, focus your efforts higher up in the drainage. Despite recent afternoon rains and flow rates, the water clarity is remarkably good. Summertime insects are key. Consider Caddis, Yellow Sallies, Golden Stones, and your preferred terrestrials. A reliable setup for this water is a size 10 Amy’s Ant with a size 16 Hare’s Ear dropper. As the CFS continues to drop, target pockets and edges.

Friday, June 25th, 2025

Clear Creek is still ripping. Flows appear to be on the decrease after peaking around 870cfs. Fishing will improve daily as long as this trend sticks. Keep an eye on them as there is still some high country snow pack and some hot days on the forefront. In addition, a big rainstorm can push a lot of water and silt into the river. If you head to Clear Creek, I would push into the upper reaches of the drainage. This helps to find milder flows, softer water, and also helps to avoid the rafting scene. Heavy dry dropper or indicator rigs will continue to be the mainstay until things slow down. On this water, I like to fish the biggest dry in my box, as the fish can be very opportunistic. Attractor patterns such as mops and worms will be top producers in the higher water conditions. 

Friday, June 6th, 2025

Clear Creek’s flows have surged, doubling in the past week. As the alpine snowpack melts and afternoon storms roll in, the river’s levels are nearing historical averages for this season. Runoff is likely to persist for a couple of weeks with the arrival of warmer weather. While conditions on Clear Creek aren’t ideal right now, fishing is still possible. Focus on the river’s edges and slower-moving water. It’s best to avoid wading, as the increased flow makes it more hazardous than helpful. For better conditions, consider heading further up the drainage.

Friday, May 2nd, 2025

Clear Creek is on fire. The clarity is shifting away from gin clear, making for ideal conditions. Fish are loving the movement and the bugs are present. Even seeing some early Caddis on the riverside brush. Runoff is coming in softly so far. Next week is expected to be cool with snow forecasts in the upper regions and rain likely lower down. This is always good fishing weather. Fishing a size 16 Hare’s Ear is always a good choice on this waterway. Clear Creek for me tends to favor a red midge. The Manhattan Midge is a great option and works well as a light dropper under a larger parachute or in a dual nymph rig trailing behind split shot or a large attractor.

Monday, March 3rd, 2025

The weather has been warm. This means Clear Creek should be fishing well in areas that can avoid the winter holds of ice and snow. Lately, construction has been pretty abundant through the lower sections of the canyon. This, on top of ski traffic, makes this a less desirable location for me until spring really hits.

Tuesday, November 19th, 2024

Clear Creek is holding strong. Fishing is still very good on this tributary of the South Platte. If you are not fishing one of the tailwaters right now this is still in play. We are starting to see shelf ice build up overnight. My suggestion would be to start at Idaho Springs or lower and fish down. Lower down the canyon and on the sunny side is the best play going forward. The 10-2 window is also a great rule of thumb.

Friday, November 1st, 2024

Fall is here in the Rockies! After a long and warm late winter we are finally seeing a cool off. The ski resorts up the I-70 corridor are making snow and preparing for opening day. Ski traffic isn’t far behind. Get up to Clear Creek while you can. The upper stretches are just starting to freeze up. The beaver ponds at this point are most likely a no go. If you do visit try late on a warm day. Brown Trout are in spawn mode so keep an eye out. The water is clear and somewhat variable due to weather changes. Dry dropper rigs with a lighter style dry like the Royal Wulff or Stimulator standbys are great options with a dropper 12-16″ below. Fish are just starting to move into winter holds so a heavier beadhead might will be beneficial if there are no active hatches.

Tuesday, August 27th, 2024

Considering we are closing out August, Clear Creek still has a good bit of water coming through. If we see heavy rain in the evening, expect the water to bump a bit the following day. The construction in the canyon makes that section undesirable to fish. It is also pushing anglers further up the drainage. I am seeing more people up higher, around Idaho Springs than usual. There is plenty of access so please be courteous. Run and gun with a dry dropper and enjoy the whack of the brown and rainbow trout.

Monday, July 22nd, 2024

Clear Creek is shaping up for the summer! The flows have been steadily declining and sit in a very fishable position. Depending on the section, expect it to be busy with outdoor recreationists. Rafting is very popular throughout the summer. Focus on the dry dropper rigs right now. The big hoppers like Chubby Chornobyl’s, Hippy Stompers, and Bionic Ants are all great choices. Caddis can be an excellent play on top or as an emerger. Keep an eye out for the summer stoneflies and mayflies as well. The fish are very active right now!