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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.
At just over 11 CFS, Bear Creek is skinny enough that the trout can read the label on your tippet spool. But don’t let that scare you off—low water means concentrated fish, clear sight-fishing shots, and technical dry-dropper work that will keep you honest. With tricos still lingering and terrestrials along the grassy edges, it’s a three-star kind of week: challenging, but rewarding if you play it right.
At-a-Glance Conditions
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Rating: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (1/5 – we'd skip it again this week)
Flow (CFS): 11.5
Water Temp: N/A (afternoons ~60°F est.)
Air Temp: 61°F midday
Clarity: Clear
Best Times: 8 AM – 11 AM, late afternoons
Fishing Pressure: Medium
Top Flies: Parachute Hopper #12 | Two-Bit Hooker #16 | Slumpbuster #8
🎧 Listen to the Podcast
Bear Creek Skinny-Water Tactics – Morrison Late Summer Update
With flows scraping 11 CFS, we cover how to stay stealthy, which flies are producing, and why afternoons still hold surprising trout close to town.
Weather Snapshot
Source: OpenWeather / NOAA
Hatch Chart (Current + 2 Prior Months)
| Month | Tricos | BWOs | Caddis | Terrestrials | Midges | PMDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
| Aug | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | — |
| Sept | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | — |
Flies for Bear Creek
- Dry Fly Setup: Parachute Hopper #12, 9’ 5X leader.
- Nymph Setup: Two-Bit Hooker #16 below a small midge dropper, 18” apart, 6X fluoro.
- Streamer Setup: Slumpbuster #8, swung through shadowed runs.
- Pro Rig (Guide’s Pick): Hopper-Dropper – Micro Chubby #14 with Two-Bit Hooker #16 dropper.
Access Points
| Spot | Why Fish Here | Parking | Wading | Crowds | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morrison Bridge | Easy access, small pockets, quick hits | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Lair o’ the Bear | Pocket water, good hopper banks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| O’Fallon Park | Deeper slots, shaded afternoons | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Extended FAQ – Bear Creek Near Morrison
Q: Is Bear Creek too low to fish right now?
A: It’s low (11 CFS), but still fishable with stealth and light rigs. Stick to mornings and shaded water.
Q: What flies are working best?
A: Parachute hoppers and micro terrestrials on top, with Two-Bit Hookers and small midges subsurface.
Q: Can I fish near Morrison?
A: Yes, town sections produce, but expect company. Hike into Lair o’ the Bear or O’Fallon Park for more room.
Q: Are there bigger fish in Bear Creek?
A: Mostly small wild browns, but the occasional 14–16” fish shows up, especially near deeper slots.
Q: When’s the best time of day?
A: Early mornings for tricos, late afternoons for terrestrials. Avoid the heat of mid-day.
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