Trouts Fly Fishing

Reporter: Trout's Guide Staff

Flow Conditions:

Water Clarity:

Current Fishing Conditions:

May Fishing Report

Below Georgetown, Clear Creek is completely open as of the end of April, though the river is still on the lower side. That will soon change though as warm temperatures in the high country will lead us closer and closer to runoff. As flows begin to elevate over the next month, look for fish to be pushed closer to the edges and in the eddies and pockets closer to the bank. Work the pockets in particular with a dry-dropper rig. Also, small streamers stripped along the banks will be productive, especially in the event you arrive to off color water.

5/17/13 Update:  Runnoff is officially setting in on Clear Creek, making for tougher fishing conditions.  Fish will be help up along the bank lines, so be cautious as you approach the water as they will be easily spooked if you try to step in the water.  Dry dropper rigs fished up-stream and along the banks will produce fish, as will high stick nymphing the deeper pockets.  Watch the flows before heading out, as daily spikes in flow will vary depending on the weather.

Insects and Natural Food Sources

Baetis and smaller stoneflies will make up the fish’s diet as we creep closer to runoff. Keep an eye out for Caddis to make an appearance as well, especially in Golden and along HWY 6.

Recommended Flies

Bead Head attractor nymphs such as the Prince Nymph, Flashback Pheasant Tail, Copper John sz. 12-16, Attractor Dry Flies such as the Stimulator or Amy’s Ant sz 8-14,  Small streamers sz 4-10, Baetis Emerger Patterns size 14-18, Caddis larva and pupae patterns size 12-16

River Information

Clear Creek is a tributary of the South Platte River, approximately 66 miles long, in north central Colorado. The creek flows through Clear Creek Canyon directly west of Denver, descending through a long gorge to emerge on the Colorado Eastern Plains where it joins the South Platte.

Clear Creek begins near the continental divide near Loveland Pass, northwest of Grays Peak in western Clear Creek County. It descends eastward through Clear Creek Canyon past the towns of Silver Plume, Georgetown, and Idaho Springs. Within the canyon it receives numerous smaller tributary creeks that descend from the rugged mountains on either side.

Seasonal Overview:

Close to Denver, Clear Creek is no secret.  But this doesn't mean you can't have a good day on the water. Clear Creek is a tributary of the South Platte River, approximately 66 miles long, in north central Colorado. The creek flows through Clear Creek Canyon directly west of Denver, descending through a long gorge to emerge on the Colorado Eastern Plains where it joins the South Platte.

Clear Creek begins near the continental divide near Loveland Pass, northwest of Grays Peak in western Clear Creek County. It descends eastward through Clear Creek Canyon past the towns of Silver Plume, Georgetown, and Idaho Springs. Within the canyon it receives numerous smaller tributary creeks that descend from the rugged mountains on either side.

Current Hatches:

Recommended Flies

Dries: Nymphs: Streamers:

Recommended Products:

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