South Boulder Creek has to be one of the most scenic rivers within a half hour of downtown Boulder. This creek starts up in the Indian Peaks near the Moffat Tunnel and gains momentum on its journey towards the cool deep waters of Gross Reservoir. Below Gross Reservoir, South Boulder Creek becomes a great tailwater flowing through the Walker Ranch open space. This area is the most popular section of the creek due to the great hatches and consistent flows through the summer months. The access to this section is fairly easy taking visitors up and over Flagstaff Mountain, onto a dirt road, and into the wilderness.

There is no road following the creek so if you are looking for some solitude this is the spot. The aquatic insect activity in this part of the creek is incredible, it sees hatches of Caddis, BWO’s, PMD’s, Midges and great Terrestrial fishing. South Boulder Creek might be your best chance for a big wild brown in Boulder County. Every year anglers routinely catch browns in excess of 18 inches. The river heads east through some public and private water before dumping into Eldorado Canyon State park. After the plunge pools of Eldorado, the creek mellows out upon entering the flats of Boulder and eventually joins Boulder Creek.