Author Topic: What is a recommended setup for small clear mountain creeks (Read 1477 times)

Rob Twombly · « **on:** March 27, 2011, 03:36:51 PM »

I fish clear creek quite a bit which is just west of DT Denver in the foothills. Its small...20-30 ft wide and very very clear most of the time. I know I am spooking more fish than I am aware of. As you have to hike down a small canyon to get to most of the river, stealth is key. Saw more fish bolt today and yesterday than I would like to see. So my thoughts are I need to get into fishing at a distance, maybe learn the Spanish set up?? Most of the water is shallow (6" to 2').. there are occaisionally rocks to hide behind but there are some good sized flats that hold fish...until they seen me. would you guys do a long leader set up here or use a bobber...I am not comp fishing at this point so Im not afraid to use one, although I would like to figure out how to do some euro drifts at a distance.

Chris Galvin · « **Reply #1 on:** March 27, 2011, 09:23:41 PM »

Bear Creek? If so, I was in there this afternoon as well! (3/27/11) I feel 8'6 to 9' rods in 2 or 3 weight are best suited for that size creek, due to the need for accuracy, and the amount of overhanging brush.

If it makes you feel better, I fish (and guide) it a lot, and the bite was SLOW today. It needs to warm up a few more degrees to get the fish on the feed. Look for that to happen as outdoor temps increase and a little more water gets in the system. I was able to pick up a few, but had to really work. When it's on, the fish will tell you. I nymphed exclusively.

Rob Twombly · « **Reply #2 on:** March 27, 2011, 10:47:14 PM »

Hey Chris...nope Clear Creek..drive up i-70 to Kermits roadhouse exit before Idaho Springs...and follow it up or downstream 15 10 miles either way. Its not a bad getaway. Where do you fish bear Creek..way up near evergreen or anywhere in the canyon? The water was very cold. I should have tried some tiny stuff but they were moving for the polish/czech flies..#8 &#10

Brandon Matthews · « **Reply #3 on:** May 04, 2011, 11:05:12 AM »

Rob, I think the dry dropper method might be a better choice for the water conditions you are describing. A dry dropper allows you to fish at a distance and if you watch how you lay down and how you pick up your fly line on the water I think you would spook a lot less fish. Plus fishing a 12' leader would help for your dry dropper.

What i like about the dry dropper is the nymph has a great presentation and the dry acts as your indicator without some big plastic thing hitting the water. Plus, I think profiles have a lot to do with it. Both the nymph and the dry have a profile that the fish are used to seeing, but you know that is just my theory. I'm no expert!

I fish a stream exactly the same way in PA it's called Tea Creek. Those fish are super spooky and a 12 foot leader with a dry dropper seems to work the best for me.

Good luck dude!

Rob Twombly · « **Reply #4 on:** May 05, 2011, 08:00:55 PM »

Thanks for the input. I do use a dry dropper setup quite a bit after runoff. Its really a stonefly/baetis/caddis nymph river before runoff so I was thinking of strictly a euro setup. Its funny. The river characteristics change every 50 yards so you could look good polish nymphing in a 20 yard stretch and not get near a fish just upstream. It is the kind of place that is loaded with fish but makes you crazy with having to change up rigs/techniques every 50 yards. The 12 footer is a necessity on the DD rig. Most sections of river dont really get all that much pressure but those brownies know their options for escape are extremely limited so they are on hair trigger. I will spend some time on the dry dropper before runoff begins which could be any day now.