Bear Creek Front Range Gem Clear Water Wild Browns and a Perfect Fall Afterno

Bear Creek is running clear cool and quiet right now. The cottonwoods along Morrison are glowing and the water feels like early fall perfection. Flows are ideal for wading and the trout are sitting tight in deeper pools and under banks waiting for small food to drift by.
This is the week to fish light and slow. Midges and BWOs are active mid day and a well placed dry dropper will outfish any indicator rig.

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Conditions Summary

• Flow Rate: 18 to 25 cfs and stable
• Water Temperature: 46–50 °F
• Air Temperature: Highs near 60 °F lows near 35 °F
• Clarity: Clear
• Crowds: Light in the morning heavier mid afternoon near town
• Best Times to Fish: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Fly Fishing Type Scores:
• Dry Fly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
• Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
• Streamer: ⭐⭐☆☆☆

5 Day Weather Forecast

Cool crisp mornings and sunny calm afternoons. Expect no major wind and clear skies through the weekend.

Current Hatch Chart for November

Pro Rig of the Week

Guide setup: Use a 9 foot 5x leader with a #16 Elk Hair Caddis and 18 inches of 6x tippet to a #20 Zebra Midge. Keep the rig short and tight for small pocket water. Cast upstream to structure and let it drift naturally. The take will be subtle and quick so stay alert.

Top Flies for the Month

Dry Flies

1. Elk Hair Caddis #16 tan or olive
2. Parachute Adams #18 for BWOs
3. Royal Wulff #14 for searching shallow riffles

Nymphs

1. Zebra Midge #20 black or red
2. Pheasant Tail #18 natural
3. RS2 #22 grey

Streamers

1. Mini Leech Olive #12 for shaded pools
2. Woolly Bugger Brown #10 for deeper holes
3. Slumpbuster Rust #10 when light fades

Tips Fly Fishing on Bear Creek

• Seasonal Tip: Fall color and low flows make this the best time to wade quietly and fish small water.
• Dry Fly: Target slower pools and tailouts with longer drifts.
• Nymphing: Light weight and short leaders keep you in the zone without spooking fish.
• Streamer Fishing: Use small patterns in deep bends or under bridges late in the day.

Access Points

1. Lair o the Bear Park easy access good runs and deep bends ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
2. O’Fallon Park tight pockets and small pools great for dry dropper ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
3. Downtown Morrison Section easy walk and quick after work option ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Local Regulations and Landowner Notes

Flies and lures only. Catch and release encouraged. Respect private property signs and park boundaries. Keep dogs out of the stream during low water periods.

FAQ on This Spot

What are the current flows and clarity like
Flows around 20 cfs and very clear.

When is the best time to fish this stretch
Late morning through early afternoon.

What flies are producing right now
Elk Hair Caddis Zebra Midge Pheasant Tail.

Can I wade or should I float
Wading only small stream access throughout.

What species can I expect here
Wild browns and small rainbows.

Any local shops or guides nearby
Yes Denver and Golden based guides frequent this creek for walk and wade trips.

Stop Here After the River

After a mellow day on Bear Creek stop by The Cow An Eatery in Morrison. It is a small town diner with wood floors a chalkboard menu and the best burgers within casting distance of the creek. Order the Cowboy Burger with bacon and green chile and a cold Colorado Native Amber. Sit by the open window and watch anglers walking past with the same grin you have.
https://thecoweatery.com

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