South Boulder Creek is a popular fly fishing destination in the front range. The creek is home to a variety of trout species, and other wildlife. SBC is close to town, but also has a wild atmosphere, filled with beautiful scenery.

At just twelve miles from the shop the lack of road traffic and noise makes you feel like you are 112 miles from anywhere. Cool mornings sometimes have nymphs like the Rainbow warrior producing, but as the day warms the hatches start, and you might see as many as five different bugs in a day. BUT we all know Drakes and PMD’s taste best. August and September are two of the best months to fish South Boulder Creek. The weather is usually mild, the hatches are abundant, and the flows are perfect. Currently dropping a little each day, it should settle around 100-125 cfs. The most common hatches in August and September on South Boulder Creek are Blue Wing Olives, Pale Morning Duns, Yellow Sallies, Caddis, and Drakes.( more gray than green) A double dry fly rig can be very effective when they are sipping flies on the surface, and flies like the Film Critic or the Guide Winna Spinner float great and the fish eat them like candy Some of the best dry flies to use for South Boulder Creek in August and September are: Parachutes #10-16, Yellow stimulator #12, Extended Body PMD #16, Peacock Caddis #16. Run a foam body Drake with a CDC Pheasant Tail Dropper and clean house. Access Areas to the Trail Along the Creek, Specifically Below Gross Reservoir There are several access areas to the trail along South Boulder Creek, specifically below Gross Reservoir. Some of the best access areas include:

• The Gross Reservoir Trailhead

• Walker Ranch Lot

• The Kayak Run • The South Boulder Creek Trailhead

• The Marshall Mesa Trailhead

• The Eldorado Canyon State Park Trailhead

Here are some tips for catching fish on South Boulder Creek in August and September:

• The fish spook easy in SBC, approach the fish from downstream and watch your shadow.

• Use light tippet and focus on getting the right first cast in each section.

• Do not be afraid to cover water, and fish several types of runs. The fish can often sit in the faster moving rifles and shallower water.

• Match the hatch. Dry fly fishing can be phenomenal.

• The pockets that hold fish can be as small as a trash can lid so fish it all.

South Boulder Creek is a wonderful place to fly fish in August and September. The weather is usually mild, the hatches are abundant, and the trout are active. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding fishing / wilderness experience, then South Boulder Creek is the place to be in late summer. The “bug factory” is fed with clean chilly water from Gross and the hatches are impressive. We have seen Drakes, BWO’s, and Red Quills deep into October. The team at Rocky Mountain Anglers are very experienced in fishing South Boulder Creek. We have all the information you need, including trail access and road closures, future flow changes, and the best knowledge and bug selection for SBC. Get In Here!