South Boulder Creek - Moffat Tunnel - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
South Boulder Creek – Moffat Tunnel - Water Flow Chart
South Boulder Creek – Moffat Tunnel - Weather report & radar
South Boulder Creek – Moffat Tunnel - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Late morning to afternoon | #24-#26 | Griffith Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| February | Midges | Late morning to afternoon | #24-#26 | Griffith Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| March | Blue-winged Olives, Midges | Late morning to afternoon | #18-#22, #24-#26 | Comparadun BWO, Griffith Gnat |
| April | Blue-winged Olives, Midges | Mid-morning to mid-afternoon | #18-#22, #24-#26 | Comparadun BWO, Griffith Gnat |
| May | Caddis, Blue-winged Olives | Mid-morning to mid-afternoon | #16-#18, #18-#22 | Elk Hair Caddis, Comparadun BWO |
| June | Green Drake, Caddis, Yellow Sallies | Late afternoon to evening | #12-#14, #16-#18, #14-#16 | Green Drake Dun, Elk Hair Caddis, Yellow Sally Nymph |
| July | Green Drake, Caddis, Yellow Sallies | Afternoon to evening | #12-#14, #16-#18, #14-#16 | Green Drake Dun, Elk Hair Caddis, Yellow Sally Nymph |
| August | Caddis, Yellow Sallies, Terrestrials | Afternoon to evening | #16-#18, #14-#16, #10-#20 | Elk Hair Caddis, Yellow Sally Nymph, Dave’s Hopper |
| September | Blue-winged Olives, Caddis, Terrestrials | Afternoon to evening | #18-#22, #16-#18, #10-#20 | Comparadun BWO, Elk Hair Caddis, Ant Patterns |
| October | Blue-winged Olives, Midges | Mid-morning to mid-afternoon | #18-#22, #24-#26 | Comparadun BWO, Griffith Gnat |
| November | Blue-winged Olives, Midges | Mid-morning to early-afternoon | #20-#22, #24-#26 | Comparadun BWO, Zebra Midge |
| December | Midges | Mid-morning to early-afternoon | #24-#26 | Zebra Midge |
South Boulder Creek – Moffat Tunnel Access Points
Fly fishing along the South Boulder Creek provides a fantastic fishing experience. Enthusiasts often prefer the stretches near Moffat Tunnel for its abundant fishing spots.
Some of the best access points include:
- Eldorado Canyon State Park: Accessible via Eldorado Springs Drive and provides excellent access to lower South Boulder Creek.
- Walker Ranch: Found 7.4 miles up Flagstaff Road and provides varied river access for fishing.
- Moffat Tunnel East Portal Trail: Skip the crowds and head towards the Moffat tunnel for a serene fishing setup.
Additional considerations:
- Always adhere to local fishing regulations.
- Some areas may require a day-use fee or fishing permit.
South Boulder Creek – Moffat Tunnel Fishing Spots
The South Boulder Creek – Moffat Tunnel is an excellent spot for fly fishing, thanks to its diverse population of fish and beautiful scenery. Here are some top spots to consider:
- Roger’s Park: Located in the town of Winter Park. This area is popular due to its accessibility and population of rainbow and brown trout.
- Moffat Tunnel East Portal Trailhead: Offers a secluded fishing experience with abundant brown and brook trout.
- Walker Ranch Loop: Provides a challenging hike down to the creek, rewarded by excellent fishing for rainbows.
Try different areas of the creek for a variety of fishing experiences. It’s worth noting that the railroad right-of-way adjacent to the creek is private property, so ensure you remain within the public fishing areas to respect local regulations.
South Boulder Creek – Moffat Tunnel Local Fish Species
- Rainbow Trout: This fish type is one of the most common species and highly sought after for fly fishing in South Boulder Creek.
- Brook Trout: A native species, often found in higher altitudes and colder waters.
- Brown Trout: Known for their striking yellow-brown color, they are a common species in South Boulder Creek.
- Cutthroat Trout: Cutthroats are revered by fly fishers due to their aggressive feeding habits, making it a thrilling catch for any angler.
- Mountain Whitefish: These fish are often found in the same habitats as trout and are sometimes targeted for fly fishing.
- Arctic Grayling: A more rare species in South Boulder Creek, they are challenging to catch making them a desirable target for seasoned anglers.
- Greenback Cutthroat Trout: This is Colorado’s state fish and is a special catch for most fly fishers in the region.
- Golden Trout: Golden Trout are rare and highly prized by anglers. They are often found in high mountain lakes and streams.
About the South Boulder Creek – Moffat Tunnel
Travel through time and witness the engineering marvel that is the South Boulder Creek – Moffat Tunnel. This iconic Colorado landmark isn’t just a tunnel; it’s a story of audacity and dedication. Constructed in the early 20th century, the tunnel was a game-changer for transcontinental rail transportation.
Main Highlights:
- Built between 1923 and 1927, this ambitious project spans a whopping 6.2 miles (10 km).
- Named after David Moffat, a Colorado railroad pioneer and visionary who dreamt of a direct route through the Continental Divide.
- With dedication and countless man-hours, the Moffat Tunnel finally emerged, making Moffat’s dream a reality, albeit posthumously.
Today, the Moffat Tunnel continues to serve both freight and passenger trains, a testament to the timeless spirit of human invention. So, whether you’re a history buff or a train enthusiast, the legacy of the Moffat Tunnel has something to intrigue everyone.
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