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 – Gauge Height
Current Conditions
April 2026: Willow Creek continues to recover from the East Troublesome Fire, and fishing has steadily improved as the system rebounds. Flows are on the low side for this time of year, but the creek remains fishable and is starting to feel more like early summer than spring. Trout are holding in deeper holes, undercut banks, and softer seams, with some fish beginning to move into nearby riffles during the warmer parts of the day. BWOs and midges are the primary food sources right now. Dry fly activity has been improving, especially during warmer windows, but nymphing remains the most consistent approach, and a dry dropper rig is a good way to cover water and adjust to changing fish behavior.
Recommended FLies
NYMPHS: Pats Rubber Legs (coffee, olive) 10-14, Thread Body Frechie (olive) 16-18), Flashback Pheasant Tail 16-18, Perdigons 18 (olive, black), San Juan Worm (red, pink), Zebra midge black or olive size 20-22, Barr's Emerger BWO 18-22, Copper Ribbed RS2 20-22
DRIES: Chubby Chernobyl 12-14 (gold, royal), Parachute Adams 18-24 (natural, purple), Para Wulff 18-24
STREAMERS: Leach (black, olive), Double Thin Mint
