South Boulder Creek River Report

Join Us Now

South Boulder Creek River Report

10-6-2025

Flows are finally levelling out, and despite still being high, the fishing has been good. Dries have still been pretty good, especially in the slower water and pockets. However, when in doubt, throw a dry dropper, especially early on before the water warms. Your primary hatches will be midges, Stoneflies, BWO's, and caddis.

...

For dries, throw a Ms. Tickle Cripple in BWO, Superman Caddis, Purple Haze, Quill Midge, Micro Chubby, Roza's Red Butt Caddis, Film Critic, AR's BWO, Dry Humper, and Slick Midge.

...

For subsurface presentations, use a Zebra Midge, Juju Baetis, Tag Perdigon, Rainbow Warrior, BTS Mysis, RS-2, Walt's Worm, Sow Bug, Simple PTN, SOS Nymph, Aero Baetis, Prarie Doggin' Caddis, 2 Bit Hooker, and a Crust Nymph.

Guide Rating

4/5

Weather Experienced

- Temperature: Lower 40's

- Wind Conditions: Light breeze

- Precipitation: 40% chance of showers

Water Observations

- Water Temperature: Lower 50's

- Flow Level: 98.70 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.