South Boulder Creek River Report

South Boulder Creek River Report

9-10-2026

Flos are down to a trickle, and the fish are stressed and fishing is tough.  It's not impossible as temps closer to Gross are good, but lower gets hot fast. For now, it'd be better to fish elsewhere. Your primary hatches will be midges, Caddis, Stones and BWOs .

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For dries, throw a Steve's Sipper dun BWO, Mole Fly, Superman Caddis, AR's BWO Adult and Emerger, Roza's Red Butt Caddis, Grumpy Frumpy, Griffith's Gnat, Film Critic, Big Boned Caddis, Dry Humper, All Season Caddis and a CDC Caddis.

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For subsurface presentations, use a Good Speed Caddis, Juju Baetis, AR's Perdigon, Tung Sassi's Solution, BTS Mysis, RS-2, Crust Nymph, Sow Bug, Tung Poudre Pupa, Poison Tung, Juggaret Chocolate Baetis, Tailwater Tiny, Remote Control, BTS Mayfly, Lil Bit, and a Puparazi.

Guide Rating

2/5

Weather Experienced

- Temperature: Upper 70's

- Wind Conditions: light breeze

- Precipitation: None

Water Observations

- Water Temperature: Mid 50's

- Flow Level: 6.20 CFS

- Water Clarity: Near crystal clear

About South Boulder Creek Fly Fishing

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.