Clear Creek
Clear Creek near Idaho Springs, Colorado is a wild brown trout stream that runs from Georgetown to Golden, close to Denver.
- 86 miRiver length
- 3Game fish
- 205Access points
In the FlyFishFinder appAbout Clear Creek
Clear Creek drops off the Continental Divide near Georgetown and runs through Idaho Springs and Clear Creek Canyon to Golden on the Front Range. It is a rugged mountain stream about 86 miles long, with pocket water, boulders and steep banks. Interstate 70 and Highway 6 follow much of it.
Brown trout are the main fish. Rainbow trout and cutthroat trout are here too. The canyon between Idaho Springs and Golden is the core of the fishery, with many turnouts and walk-in spots.
In Golden, the creek runs through town and along the Clear Creek Trail, where public access points are easy to find. Near Idaho Springs, side roads give access along the creek, and the frontage road helps downstream. Midges and blue-winged olives are year round bugs, with pale morning duns, caddis, stoneflies and hoppers coming through the warm months.
Some stretches have artificial only rules, and parts of the lower creek cross private land. Check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations before you fish.
Clear Creek near Lawson, CO
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Nearby gages
- North Clear Creek above mouth near Black Hawk, CO2.2 mi away Not reporting USGS 06718550
- Bear Creek above Evergreen, CO9.5 mi away Not reporting USGS 06710385
- Leavenworth Creek at mouth near Georgetown, CO14.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 06714800
- Bear Creek above Bear Creek Lake near Morrison, CO15.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 06710605
- Turkey Creek above Bear Creek Lake near Morrison Creek16.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 06711040
- Fourmile Canyon Creek near Sunshine, CO22.1 mi away Not reporting USGS 06730160
- Cabin Creek near Fraser, CO23.1 mi away Not reporting USGS 09032100
- Cherry Creek at Denver, CO23.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 06713500
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
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Tips for fishing Clear Creek
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Walk away from the road
Pull-offs fill up fast. A short hike gets you to quieter water.
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Be careful on the banks
Banks are steep and rock is slick. Take your time moving between pockets.
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Fish the Golden Mile after work
The town stretch is easy to reach from the Clear Creek Trail and good for a quick trip.
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Respect private land
Parts of the lower creek are private. Stay on marked public access.
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Use the app to plan
The FlyFishFinder app maps public access points along Clear Creek and shows the live gage so you can check flow.
Every access point on Clear Creek, in your pocket.
- 205 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Rivers near Clear Creek
Clear Creek FAQ
When is the best time to fish Clear Creek in Colorado?
Spring through fall is the season most anglers use. Runoff changes the creek, so check flows.
Where can I fish Clear Creek near Idaho Springs?
Exit 240 gives access near Idaho Springs, and side roads along the creek have turnouts. The canyon below town has many pull-offs.
Can you wade Clear Creek?
Yes, but it is fast pocket water with slick rock. Wear studded boots and take your time.
What flies work on Clear Creek?
Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, hoppers and Pheasant Tail nymphs are staples. The FlyFishFinder app shows what is hatching and working today.
What fish are in Clear Creek?
Brown trout, rainbow trout and cutthroat trout.
Are there special rules on Clear Creek?
Some sections have artificial only rules. Check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations for the section you plan to fish.
