.png?width=300&height=100&name=Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png "Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Co. logo featuring a cowboy riding a large trout, holding a fishing rod in one hand and a camera in the other, with stylized text in a rugged, outdoor-themed font")
.png)
Bear Creek, located near Morrison, Colorado, is a small but productive stream that offers a quick fishing escape for Front Range anglers.
Updated: 12/02/2025
Bear Creek has slipped firmly into its winter rhythm. Flows are extremely low and steady, clarity is excellent, and trout have condensed into slow, deeper pockets along the Morrison corridor. Week over week, the creek has become more predictable as debris clears and water temps stabilize in the mid-30s. Fish are feeding selectively on midges with tight feeding windows, and crowds are lighter than average for this stretch close to Denver. Expect technical small-water nymphing, subtle takes, and short but productive mid-day opportunities.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
%20(5).png?width=800&height=175&name=Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(5).png)
- Flow: Very low winter trickle (single-digit CFS typical; gauge offline)
- Water Temp: Low to mid 30s (based on regional trend and creek size)
- Air Temp: Mid 30s to low 40s mid-day
- Clarity: Clear
- Crowds: Medium around the path, light for anglers
- Best Window: 11 am to 3 pm
- Fishing Type Focus: Nymphing, because trout are holding deep in slow winter water and feeding almost entirely on small midges.
Weather
Expect cold mornings with frost along the banks and thin shelf ice in shaded bends. Once the sun hits the canyon, the creek opens up and trout become more active for a brief mid-day window. Cloud cover improves midge activity slightly, and evenings cool down fast, ending feeding quickly.
Recommended Companion Article
Colorado Winter Trout Feeding Behavior: Why Micro Nymphs Matter in Cold Tailwaters
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
Ten essential weekly patterns tailored to the current Bear Creek conditions:
- Zebra Midge Black 20
- Zebra Midge Red 20
- WD40 Gray 20
- RS2 Black 20
- Top Secret Midge 22
- Black Beauty 20–22
- JuJu Midge Red 20
- Griffiths Gnat 20
- Mercury Midge 20
- Mini Leech Black 12
Pro Rig of the Week
Bear Creek Winter Micro-Depth Midge Rig
Leader: 9 ft to 6X
Top Fly: Zebra Midge Black 20
Dropper: WD40 Gray 20
Weight: One tiny split-shot 6–8 inches above the top fly
Indicator: Micro yarn or smallest air-lock possible
Best Water: Slow, knee-deep winter pockets below boulders and inside bends
Hatch Chart for December
| Hatch Type | Bugs You’ll See | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges (black, gray, cream) | Mid-day window, most reliable |
| Secondary | Baetis | Light activity on warm cloud cover days |
| Tertiary | Winter Stones | Occasional, not a major driver |
Download the Full Bear Creek Hatch Chart Here
Access Points
(Verified, real access only)
Bear Creek Through Downtown Morrison
Easy access via the paved path, with deeper soft pockets tucked along bends. Great for short winter sessions.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Lair O' The Bear Park
The most consistent winter water on the creek. More defined holding structure and slightly more depth.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
O’Fallon Park / Idledale Corridor
Productive pullouts with good winter troughs, though flows are tighter here. Perfect for quick hit-and-run fishing.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Bear Creek Lake Park (Lower Section)
Shallow, spread-out winter water but still holds small groups of trout in deeper depressions.
Rating: ⭐⭐
Photo of the Week
Local Regulations and Notes
- Portions of Bear Creek pass through mixed city, county, and private boundaries. Respect signage at all times.
- Ice shelves form overnight and break mid-day. Step carefully along edges.
- Standard Colorado fishing regulations apply; check CPW for seasonal updates.
- The Morrison stretch has heavy foot traffic. Cast courteously near the path.
- FAQ
- Q: Is Bear Creek worth fishing in winter?
A: Yes, if you approach it as technical small water with tiny flies and stealth. - Q: What tippet should I bring?
A: 6X fluoro for nymphs, 5X for dries if a hatch appears. - Q: Are dry flies happening now?
A: Occasionally during warm mid-day windows when midges cluster. - Q: Do streamers work here in winter?
A: Rarely, but a mini leech can produce a single opportunistic strike. - Q: How long is the good window?
A: Typically two to three hours around mid-day. - Q: Is access icy?
A: Yes, especially early. Afternoon sun softens edges but be careful.
Stop Here After the River
After fishing, roll into Morrison Inn for a cold beer and some seriously underrated green chile. Sit on the patio if the sun’s out and watch traffic crawl by while you thaw out. The Rocky Mountain Margarita and street tacos are the go-to after a Bear Creek day.
https://www.morrisoninn.com
Fish Bear Creek Like a Local- Book Canyon Fly Shop
The guides at Canyon Fly Shop know every pocket, seam, and hatch. Book your trip through GuideBank and fish with the folks who actually live it.
\
