Colorado Fishing Reports ยท South Platte Basin
Clear Creek tumbles out of the mountains along US-6 and through downtown Golden. It is the easiest pocket-water fishing in the Denver area.
Looking for the latest Clear Creek Golden 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 Clear Creek โ Golden.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Golden fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The creek is winding down for winter but fishing well after recent moisture. Water temperature is in the upper 30s up at Idaho Springs and a little warmer in Golden.
Expect midges, a few Baetis and the last October caddis. Slow down: high-stick the pockets with a Prince or small midge, and nymph under an indicator in the bigger pools. A Griffith's Gnat can work when fish rise.
Afternoons are best this time of year.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Golden, bring: Griffith', s Gnat #18, Zebra Midge #20-22, Prince Nymph #14-18, Egg #12-14, Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Mini Leech #10, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-20, Black Beauty #20-24, Squirmy Wormie #12-14.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Golden river details
| Access | Vanover Park and the Golden greenway in town, plus pull-offs along US-6 in Clear Creek Canyon. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 5,700 ft in Golden to 7,500 ft at Idaho Springs |
| Drive from AvidMax | About 28 miles, roughly 40 minutes from our Centennial shop |
| Best season | Fall and spring before runoff |
| Fish | Brown and rainbow trout, with some cutthroat |
| Regulations | Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the current rules. A Colorado fishing license is required. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 5X to 6X tippet |
| Camping | None in the canyon |
| Kids | Yes in the Golden parks. The canyon has a busy highway and fast water. |
| Good to know | Tubers crowd the creek in summer. Fall and spring are quieter. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Midges. Slow but fishable.
Spring
BWOs and the best pre-runoff fishing.
Summer
Runoff, then crowds.
Fall
BWOs and caddis. Prime time.
How to get there
Park at Vanover Park in Golden or at pull-offs on US-6 in Clear Creek Canyon.