Willow Creek | Overview
Flowing north of Granby through rolling meadows and pine-covered hillsides, Willow Creek is one of Grand County’s true hidden treasures. This small, clear tributary of the Colorado River offers peaceful solitude, beautiful scenery, and surprisingly productive fishing for those willing to explore its banks. The creek flows into Willow Creek Reservoir before joining the Colorado River, making it a key part of the upper Colorado watershed. Access to this scenic fishery is easy—just follow Highway 125 north of Granby, where several pull-offs and access points lead to the creek and surrounding public lands. Above Willow Creek Reservoir, the stream meanders through open valleys and lodgepole forests, providing excellent small-stream fishing for wild browns, rainbows, and brook trout. Anglers can expect classic high-country conditions: clear water, undercut banks, and eager trout that rise well to dry flies and terrestrials during the summer months. Light rods and a quiet approach are key to success on this intimate piece of water.
Willow Creek – Discharge (CFS)
Current Conditions
For the most current flow conditions, fly recommendations, and access information, please contact Winter Park Flyfisher. Our knowledgeable staff can help you plan a day exploring this peaceful tributary—where mountain solitude and wild trout await just a short drive north of Granby.
Recommended FLies
The public section of Willow Creek is iced over for the season, and most sections are unfishable until spring. We’ll resume updates in late March or April as ice begins to come off. Through the winter, your best options are nearby tailwaters—including the Colorado River below Shadow Mountain, the Williams Fork, the Colorado River at Parshall, and Muddy Creek—which all offer more consistent open water and productive winter fishing.
