Fly fishing in Clear Creek County

Fishing In Clear Creek County

A Colorado vacation is always fun when combining camping, hiking and fishing
We encourage visitors to check with the National Forest Service when planning to fish in Clear Creek County.
While some Colorado fishermen delight in pulling fish from holes cut in ice, most wait until April to wet a line. With the arrival of warmer temperatures, many are venturing out. The one thing on every angler’s mind of course, is finding the most productive fishing waters.

Probably the best way to learn about a good fishing spot is by talking to other fishermen, but not everyone is willing to share a secret when the fish are really on the bite… Therefore, to assist anglers, the Division of Wildlife compiles and releases a weekly Conditions/statewide conditions report. This year’s will run every Tuesday from April 8 into the fall. Some 200 waters are featured and more than 50 people regularly contribute new information.

Fishing Holes

These links are from the http://www.fs.usda.gov website and will open in a new window.

Types of Fish you May Find

Cutthroat Trout

GreenBack Cutthroat Trout was officially named the state fish of Colorado in 1994. They are rare and found in small mountain streams and lakes along Colorado’s Front Range.

The Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus clarki) deserves to be state fish, as it is the only trout that is native (indigenous) to Colorado. It has a crimson slash on either side of the throat, below the lower jaw. The Greenback is a threatened species on both a state and federal level.

Where to find them: Clear Creek

Rainbow Trout

The main fish stocked in Colorado, Courtesy Colorado Division of Wildlife.

The Rainbow (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was introduced to Colorado in the 1880′s. It is identified by a reddish stripe running down the side of the fish, and by black spots. It was introduced in 1888 into the Gunnison River. They are native to the U.S., but not to Colorado. They spawn in the Spring.

Record: The Colorado record for catching a Rainbow was in 2003 in Morrow Point Reservoir. The fish weighed 19 lbs, 10 oz.

Where to find them: almost anywhere in Clear Creek.

Brown Trout

The Brown (Salmo trutta) was introduced to Colorado in 1890, and is native to Europe and Western Asia. It’s identifying marks are black spots, and reddish orange spots inside of light blue circles. They spawn in the fall.

Record: The record Brown caught in Colorado was in 1988, 30 lbs, 8 oz., caught at Roaring Judy Ponds.

Where to find them: Clear Creek Reservoir

Brook Trout

The “brookie” (Salvelinus fontinalis) can basically outbreed the other species of fish, helped by its fall spawning. They were introduced to Colorado in 1872, and are native to Canada and the Eastern U.S. Their body is dark, with red and white spots within bluish circles. The pectoral, pelvic and anal fins can be orange, with black and white edges.

Record: The record Brook caught in Colorado was in 1947, weighing 7 lbs, 10 oz. at Upper Cataract Lake.

Where to find them: almost all high-mountain lakes, streams, and beaver ponds

License Requirements

A fishing license is required for people 16 and older to take fish, amphibians and crustaceans, except as noted. Children under 16 don’t need a fishing license and can take a full bag and possession limit.

Colorado residents 64 and older can obtain a free annual fishing license from a DOW office or license agent.

For more information about licenses

Local Businesses

  • Clear Creek Outdoors 1524 Miner, Idaho Springs, CO (303) 567-1500
  • CJR Fly Fishing PO Box 1789, Idaho Springs, CO (720) 530-6153
  • See Through Canoe 606 Colorado 103, Idaho Springs, CO (720) 530-4629