Colorado Fishing Reports ยท South Platte Basin
Boulder Creek drops through Boulder Canyon along Highway 119 and runs right through town on the Boulder Creek Path.
Looking for the latest Boulder Creek river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Boulder Creek.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Boulder Creek fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Flows are very low, about 8 to 10 cfs at Orodell, and the water is crystal clear and in the upper 40s. Above the falls it is barely a trickle, so fish below the falls.
Midges, BWOs and the last caddis. Fish small nymphs such as a Zebra Midge, Juju Baetis or RS2 under a small dry in the deepest water. Fish are spooky, so go smaller and keep your distance.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Boulder Canyon, bring: Zebra Midge #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, RS2 Emerger #18-22, Perdigon #18-20, Chubby Chernobyl #14, Parachute Adams #18-20, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-20, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Boulder Creek details
| Access | Pull-offs along Highway 119 in the canyon and the Boulder Creek Path in town. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 5,500 to 7,000 ft |
| Drive from AvidMax | About 48 miles, roughly 1 hour 8 minutes from our Centennial shop |
| Best season | Spring and fall |
| Fish | Brown and rainbow trout |
| Regulations | Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the current rules. A Colorado fishing license is required. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 6X tippet |
| Camping | None in the lower canyon |
| Kids | Yes on the Boulder Creek Path. The canyon is tighter. |
| Good to know | Watch for traffic on Highway 119. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Midges in town.
Spring
BWOs.
Summer
Caddis and terrestrials.
Fall
Low, clear and technical.
How to get there
Pull off along Highway 119 west of Boulder.