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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.
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Bear Creek is waking up for spring, and so are the trout. With flows holding steady after recent rains, the creek is running clear enough for solid sight fishing but with just enough push to keep fish tucked into pocket water and undercut banks. You won’t find monsters here, but the dry fly action makes up for it—these fish punch above their weight.
Afternoons are warming fast, and trout are keying in on small dries and emergers in the slower seams and riffles. Expect quick eats and short windows of surface activity. Nymphing remains consistent all day with simple, no-nonsense patterns. Be stealthy—these fish don’t tolerate sloppy casts or shadows.
Conditions Summary
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Flows are perfect for pocket water fishing and stealthy presentations, with improving clarity after last week’s precipitation.
- Flow Rate: 20 CFS
- Water Temp: 48–52°F
- Air Temp: 60–75°F
- Clarity: Clear to slightly stained
- Best Times to Fish: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Bear Creek Hatch Chart
| Month | Hatches |
|---|---|
| March | Midges |
| April | Midges, Baetis (BWOs) |
| May | Baetis, Caddis, midges |
- Dry Fly: Parachute Adams (#18–20) – Fish riffles and tailouts mid-morning.
- Nymph: Pheasant Tail (#18) – Drift tight to seams and undercut banks.
- Streamer: Small Woolly Bugger (olive, #10) – Swing through deeper pools and under overhanging brush.
Tips Fly Fishing on Bear Creek
- Seasonal Tip: Focus on pocket water near structure; fish stack tight in cover.
- Dry Fly Tip: A high-vis post on your Adams helps track tiny flies in fast seams.
- Nymphing Tip: Add a micro-split shot to punch through shallow chop into deeper pockets.
- Streamer Tip: Strip slow and short under shady banks—small trout, big attitude.
Access Points
- Lair o’ the Bear Park: Easy access to prime pocket water and riffles.
- Morrison Section: Runs through town; sneaky undercut banks and deeper pools.
- Upstream of Idledale: Less pressured water, tighter casting lanes, excellent dry-dropper water.
Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights
Bear Creek flows largely through public access areas but crosses private property in stretches—be mindful of posted signs. Barbless hooks encouraged; catch-and-release recommended for wild fish.
FAQ on this Spot
- What’s the best fly for Bear Creek right now?
Parachute Adams (#18–20) is catching risers; Pheasant Tail (#18) for subsurface. - Is Bear Creek good for beginners?
Yes! Great practice for small-stream casting and reading pocket water. - When’s the best time to fish Bear Creek?
Mid-morning through early afternoon, before downstream winds pick up.
River Whisper: Colorado Fly Fishing Edge
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