What You'll Find at Clear Creek Reservoir

Clear Creek Reservoir sits in the high country of central Colorado near the town of Georgetown, about 45 miles west of Denver. The lake holds rainbow trout and brown trout, with rainbows making up the majority of the catch. The water sits at roughly 10,000 feet elevation, so expect cold conditions even in summer and a short open season compared to lower reservoirs.

The reservoir is roughly 100 acres when full, though water levels drop noticeably by late summer as Denver Water draws down the lake for municipal supply. Fish size runs small to medium — most rainbows land in the 8- to 12-inch range, with occasional fish pushing 14 or 15 inches. Browns tend to run slightly larger and are less predictable, making them a secondary target for most anglers.

Access is straightforward: a paved road leads to a small parking area and boat launch on the south shore. The shoreline is rocky and steep in places, making wading difficult, so most anglers either fish from a boat or work the accessible sections near the launch. The setting is scenic but exposed — wind can pick up quickly in the afternoon, especially in spring and early summer.

Key Takeaways

  • Clear Creek Reservoir holds rainbow and brown trout at 10,000 feet elevation, with rainbows typically 8 to 12 inches and browns slightly larger.
  • The lake is open year-round under Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations, but ice and snow close access from November through April most years.
  • A boat or float tube is more productive than shore fishing because the shoreline is rocky and steep, though a small parking area and launch exist on the south shore.
  • Water levels drop significantly by late summer as the reservoir supplies Denver's municipal water, concentrating fish in deeper areas.
  • Spinners, small spoons, and nymphs under a bobber all work; fly fishing is productive in spring and fall when water temperatures drop.

When to Fish Clear Creek Reservoir

The practical fishing season runs from late May through October. Snow and ice typically close the access road and parking area from November through April, though conditions vary year to year. Call the Georgetown ranger district of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests before making the drive in shoulder months (May and October) to confirm the road is passable.

Summer (July and August) brings the most reliable access and warmest weather, but afternoon wind is common and fish bite best in early morning and evening. Spring (May and June) and fall (September and October) often produce better fishing because water temperatures stay cooler and fish feed more actively throughout the day. Fall also brings fewer anglers, making for a quieter experience.

Water level matters more here than at many Colorado reservoirs. By August and September, the lake may be 15 to 20 feet lower than in June, concentrating fish in the deeper basin. If you fish late summer, focus your effort on the deepest water you can reach from shore or boat rather than the shallows near the launch.

How to Reach Clear Creek Reservoir

From Denver, take Interstate 70 west toward the mountains. Exit at Georgetown (Exit 228) and follow signs toward Guanella Pass Road. The reservoir access road branches off Guanella Pass Road a few miles south of Georgetown — look for signs marking Clear Creek Reservoir. The drive from the interstate takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour.

The final mile or so is unpaved but passable in a standard vehicle during the open season. A small parking area sits at the south shore near the boat launch. There is no fee to park or fish. The road is not maintained in winter, so do not attempt access from November through April unless you have checked current conditions with the ranger district.

Cell service is spotty or absent at the reservoir, so plan your trip before you leave town. The nearest services (gas, food, lodging) are in Georgetown, about 10 to 15 minutes away by car.

Regulations and What You Need to Bring

You must have a valid Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing license to fish Clear Creek Reservoir. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license and is available online or at sporting goods stores in Georgetown. The reservoir is open year-round under state law, but practical access closes in winter as noted above.

Colorado has no special restrictions on Clear Creek Reservoir beyond standard statewide rules. Trout limit is 10 fish per day with no size minimum, though many anglers practice catch-and-release to preserve the fishery. Bait, spinners, spoons, and flies are all legal. Check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing guide before you go, as regulations can change.

Bring warm layers even in summer — the elevation and wind make it colder than lower reservoirs, and weather can change quickly. A personal flotation device is required if you bring a boat or float tube. Sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses help you see fish in the clear water.

What Tackle and Techniques Work Best

Small spinners (sizes 1 and 2) in silver or gold are reliable producers, especially early in the season when fish are aggressive. Small spoons (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) in similar colors work well from a boat or float tube. Cast toward deeper water and retrieve steadily, varying your speed to find what the fish want on any given day.

Fly fishing is productive, particularly in spring and fall. Nymphs under a bobber work well in shallow areas near the launch, while small streamers (woolly buggers, small sculpins) can draw strikes from browns if you fish deeper water from a boat. A 5- or 6-weight rod is adequate for the trout here.

If you fish from shore, focus on the deeper water visible from the south shore near the launch. The rocky bottom and steep drop-off mean fish often hold in water 20 to 40 feet deep, so a bobber rig with a nymph or a small spoon cast as far as you can reach will outfish short-range presentations. Patience and a slow retrieve often beat aggressive fishing at this elevation.

Boat and Float Tube Fishing

A small motorboat, canoe, or float tube opens up the entire reservoir and is more productive than shore fishing. The lake is small enough that you can cover most of it in a few hours. A boat launch with parking exists on the south shore, making it easy to get on the water.

Float tubes are popular here because they are portable and effective. You can launch from the shore near the parking area without a formal launch ramp. Fish the deeper basin in the center of the lake, especially in summer when water levels drop and fish move to cooler, deeper water. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive.

Wind can be a factor, particularly in afternoon. If you are in a float tube or small boat, monitor the weather and plan to be off the water by mid-afternoon on days when wind is forecast. The lake is small enough that you are never far from shore, but safety should come first.

Nearby Fishing and Services

Clear Creek itself runs through Georgetown and offers smaller trout in a stream setting if you want a change of pace from the reservoir. The creek is fishable in summer and early fall, though it is smaller and more technical than the reservoir. A Colorado fishing license covers both.

Georgetown has a few small motels, restaurants, and a couple of tackle shops if you need supplies or advice. The town is a historic mining community and worth a short walk if you have time. Guanella Pass Road itself is scenic and offers other outdoor recreation if you want to combine fishing with hiking or sightseeing.

Lower elevation reservoirs like Barr Lake (near Denver) and Horsetooth Reservoir (near Fort Collins) offer longer seasons and warmer water if you want to fish before May or after October. Both hold trout and are more developed for recreation, though they lack the high-country setting of Clear Creek.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Clear Creek Reservoir in winter?

The access road typically closes from November through April due to snow and ice. Even if the road is passable, the lake often freezes over, making fishing difficult or impossible. Contact the Georgetown ranger district before attempting a winter trip to confirm current conditions.

Do I need a boat to fish here?

No, but a boat or float tube is more productive because the shoreline is rocky and steep. You can fish from shore near the parking area and launch, but you will reach deeper water and more fish from a boat or float tube.

What is the best time of day to fish?

Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, especially in summer when afternoon wind picks up. Spring and fall often see good fishing throughout the day because water temperatures are cooler and fish feed more actively.

How deep is the water?

The deepest water is in the central basin, reaching 60 to 80 feet in normal conditions. Water levels drop significantly by late summer, so depths vary depending on when you fish. Fish often hold in 20 to 40 feet of water.

What should I do if the road is closed?

Call the Georgetown ranger district of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests to confirm current road conditions before you drive. If the road is closed, lower elevation reservoirs near Denver or Fort Collins offer year-round access and longer seasons.