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Bear Creek, located near Morrison, Colorado, is a small but productive stream that offers a quick fishing escape for Front Range anglers. Known for its swift pocket water, deep pools, and healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout, Bear Creek provides a range of fishing opportunities. With easy access, it's perfect for a few hours of fishing, and the fall season offers stunning views and cool water that keep the trout active.


 Bear Creek fly fishing, Morrison Colorado fly fishing, October fishing report, Colorado small stream fishing

October 2024 Fly Fishing Report: Bear Creek

Current Conditions

October is a beautiful time to fish Bear Creek, with cool, clear water and active trout. Flows are stable at 27 cfs, and the trout are feeding aggressively, taking advantage of the late-season hatches. The crisp air and vibrant fall foliage make it a prime time to hit this small creek.

  • Flow Rate: 27 cfs
  • Water Temperature: Low 60s
  • Clarity: Clear, slight stain after rains
  • Best Times: Late morning to early afternoon

Hatches & Recommended Flies

Bear_Creek_Hatch_Chart

Nymphs

  • Zebra Midge (#18-22): Perfect for targeting trout in deeper, slower-moving sections.
  • Pheasant Tail (#16-18): A great choice for faster water, mimicking mayfly nymphs.
  • Pat’s Rubber Legs (#10-12): Effective for reaching trout holding near the bottom in deeper pools.

Dry Flies

  • Parachute Adams (#16-20): Works well in both fast riffles and slower runs.
  • Elk Hair Caddis (#14-16): Ideal for dry-dropper setups and skating across riffles.
  • Hippy Stomper (#14-16): Perfect for drawing aggressive strikes in faster water.

Streamers

  • Mini Zonker (#8-10): Great for pulling trout out from undercut banks and deeper pools.
  • Woolly Bugger (#8-10): A classic streamer, effective when stripped through slow runs and pockets.
  • Sculpzilla (#6-8): Perfect for targeting larger browns lurking in deeper sections.

fly fishing in colorado (49)-1

Fishing Tactics on Bear Creek

  • Dry-Dropper Setup: Bear Creek is ideal for dry-dropper setups. Use a Parachute Adams or Elk Hair Caddis on top with a Zebra Midge or Pheasant Tail as the dropper to cover both surface and subsurface feeders.
  • Nymphing: For deeper pools and slower sections, a light nymph rig with Pat’s Rubber Legs followed by a Zebra Midge works wonders, especially during cooler mornings.
  • Streamer Fishing: If you’re looking for larger trout, streamers like Mini Zonkers and Woolly Buggers can be stripped through deeper pools or along structure for aggressive strikes.

Access Points

  • Lair O’ the Bear Park: Offers great access to pocket water and pools, perfect for anglers looking for a quick, local outing. Lair O' the Bear Park
  • Morrison Town Park: A convenient spot close to town, with easy wading and good water for dry fly action.
  • Bear Creek Lake Park: Located downstream, this area offers more solitude and opportunities to target larger fish in deeper water. Bear Creek Lake Park

New Amazon Listing Images - Streams, Hoppers and Dries (9)

Tymothe Meskel
Post by Tymothe Meskel
October 7, 2024
Tymothe Meskel is an avid fly fisherman who spends every week out on the water, rain, shine, or snow. He is an outdoor enthusiast who shares their experiences, tips, and insights on this fly fishing blog. With a wealth of knowledge about various techniques, equipment, and fly patterns, he helps anglers of all skill levels improve their fishing game. Join Tymothe on this journey as he uncover the joys of fly fishing and inspire others to appreciate the wilderness and preserve our natural resources.

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