4/21/2026: Clear Creek

Current Conditions:

Flows on Clear Creek are currently around 61 cfs. The river is fishing well, and spring conditions continue to make this place a great option this time of year.

We started the morning just downstream from the larger pullout where US-6 splits toward Black Hawk. There was immediate surface activity, with fish rising right away. We were able to pick off a few early on dries, with fish responding well to both the mole fly and parachute Adams.

As the morning progressed, we saw some baetis coming off, which helped keep fish looking up and actively feeding. After working that stretch, we mixed in some nymphing and found fish holding right where you’d expect this time of year, especially in the tailouts. Consistent action came from staying patient and focusing on those softer transitions.

About an hour in, we moved downstream to the spot where Forrest famously missed the 40” brown last spring. The fish there were still willing to eat, and we picked up a few on the nymph rig. At one point, a couple fish showed more interest in the indicator than the flies, which led to a quick switch over to a stimulator, though that didn’t produce any results.

On the walk back to the car, we ran into a large cloud of caddis coming off, a good sign of things continuing to trend in the right direction as we move further into spring.

Water clarity remains good, and fish are settling into typical spring feeding patterns. Covering water and adjusting between dries and nymphs continues to be a solid approach.

Flies of the Day:

• sz20 mole fly

• sz20 parachute adams

• sz16 frenchie

• sz20 black zebra midge

  
  

Overall, a great morning on Clear Creek with active fish, steady bug activity, and classic spring conditions.