Bear Creek Fly Fishing Report 12/9/25 | Current Conditions, Winter Flies, Access Points

Updated: December 9, 2025

Bear Creek remains extremely low and cold this week, with flows nearly unchanged but clarity bumping even higher. Trout are holding tight in deeper pockets and around undercut banks, feeding mostly during small midday warming periods. The creek is quiet, the water is gin-clear, and delicate micro-presentation is the entire game right now.

Listen to the Audio Overview

Conditions Summary

• Flow: <10 CFS; low and stable week over week, highly technical
• Water Temperature: Upper 30s to low 40s around Morrison
• Air Temperature: High 20s early, warming into the mid 40s
• Clarity: Very clear; fish spook from 20 feet away
• Crowds: Light; only a few locals out
• Best Window: 11 A.M. to 2 P.M.; sun on the water flips the switch
• Fishing Type Focus: Nymphing, because trout stay deep and move only for tiny midges in slow-moving pockets

Weather

Classic Front Range winter pattern: icy mornings, short bursts of mild sun, and cold shadows in the canyon. Expect freezing edges and slick banks.

Top Flies in Your Box This Week

1. Black Beauty 20–24
2. Top Secret Midge 22–24
3. Manhattan Midge 22
4. Mercury Midge 20–22
5. RS2 (black/gray) 20–22
6. WD-40 20–22
7. Rainbow Warrior 20–22
8. Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail 18–20
9. Mini Leech (black) 12–14
10. Pink or red San Juan Worm 16–18

Pro Rig of the Week: Morrison Micro-Drift Rig

• Indicator: Tiny yarn or NZ-style
• Lead Fly: Soft Hackle PT 18–20
• Dropper: Top Secret Midge 22–24
• Weight: Very light; one small micro-shot 10 inches above lead fly
• Target Water: Slow canyon pockets, deeper town bends, and soft edges just above riffles

Hatch Chart for December

Access Points

Lair o’ the Bear Park
Deep pockets and classic canyon structure; great winter holding zones.
⭐ 4.6

O’Fallon Park
Gentle gradient, soft edges, and deeper pools ideal for midges.
⭐ 4.5

Morrison Town Stretch
Low but productive water with accessible winter pockets.
⭐ 4.4

Bear Creek Lake Park Inlet
Slower, wider water; best for beginners and consistent nymphing.
⭐ 4.3

Idledale Corridor Pullouts
Cold and shaded, but deeper pockets always hold a few fish.
⭐ 4.2

Local Regulations & Notes

• Barbless hooks strongly recommended to protect winter fish
• Please avoid redds in shallow gravel
• Thin ice shelves form overnight; wade with caution
• Low flows make stealth absolutely essential
• Dogs and hikers increase pressure in town; fish upstream early

FAQ

Q: Is Bear Creek too low to fish in December?
A: No, but it’s very technical. Focus on deeper pockets and gentle drifts.

Q: Do trout rise here in winter?
A: Rarely. A few midge clusters may bring a trout up on warm afternoons.

Q: What tippet should I run?
A: 6X for midges, 5X only for anchor flies like scuds or PTs.

Q: What section fishes best?
A: Lair o’ the Bear and O’Fallon hold the best winter structure.

Q: Should I fish mornings?
A: Not in winter. Midday is the only meaningful window.

Q: Are streamers worth trying?
A: Only in the warmest sun pockets; otherwise, stick to micro-nymphs.

Companion Article for December

Colorado Winter Trout Fishing Strategy & Behavior Guide

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.

\