Tips for Catching Fish

- Clear Creek contains a sustainable population of brown trout and occasionally a few stocked rainbows in the waters near Golden. Most trout range from 6" to 12" and can be caught on a variety of flies including dry flies: hoppers, stimulators, and elk hair caddies in size 14 through 18, nymphs such as hare's ear, copper john, and perdigons in size 16 to 20, and spinning lures like a rooster tail or panther martin. If you’re new to fly fishing, a single dry fly is likely your best approach. If you’re more experienced, a dry/dropper combo can be effective. Since most fish in Clear Creek are on the smaller side, stick with smaller flies and lures that fish can bite.

- Trout are found throughout the extent of the race course. The lowest section through town is often very crowded with swimmers, tubers, and kayakers making it harder to fish. The middle section past Highway 6 provides some fishing access free of tubers. The final section near the turnaround has the most fishing access and some good spots that are coveted by racers.

- Deciding where to fish is a key element of the flyathlon. Will you fish early to get a good spot while saving the running for later or run hard early and hope to catch a fish at the end? If you have time, scout out the river before the race and have a few fishing spots in mind. Also remember that while you’re fishing, you'll be able to catch your breath and rest before the sprint to the fishing line.

- Since Clear Creek is not very deep in most spots, don't be afraid to move around and vary your casts. If you've cast in the exact same location 10 times in a row without getting a bite, there's likely no fish there or they aren't interested in your fly. If you're willing to get your feet wet, wade into the river and you'll have access to a lot more places to cast. Lastly, a small net can be very beneficial when landing your fish but a ball cap can work in a pinch.