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Bear Creek is one of the closest pieces of legitimate trout water to Denver, and winter turns it into a quiet, technical creek that rewards patience more than power. Flowing out of the foothills near Morrison, Bear Creek fly fishing offers clear water, light pressure, and short but real feeding windows when conditions align. If you want fly fishing near Denver without tailwater crowds, Bear Creek remains a reliable cold-season option.
Updated: January 6, 2026
Bear Creek is settled into a stable winter creek pattern. Flows are low, water is clear, and trout are holding tight to deeper pockets, shaded cutbanks, and slow inside seams where they can feed without burning energy. Morning activity is minimal, but once the sun hits the water, fish become catchable for anglers managing depth and drift correctly.
This week’s Bear Creek fly fishing report is about efficiency. Midges dominate the food supply, and trout respond best to subtle presentations in walking-speed water. The creek fishes best during short midday windows. Cover water slowly, fish small, and expect fewer bites that matter.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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- Flow: Low and steady winter creek flow
- Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s with slight midday lift
- Air Temperature: Cold mornings, brief afternoon warming
- Clarity: Clear
- Crowds: Light overall, moderate near easy access points
- Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing with small midges and precise depth control
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Weather
Morrison Colorado Weather
Expect classic foothills winter conditions. Cold starts, short warming windows, and quick temperature drops once shadows return. Calm sunny days fish best. Wind or heavy cloud cover shortens feeding windows significantly.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- Zebra Midge (black or red) 20 to 22
- Mercury Midge 20 to 22
- RS2 (black or gray) 20 to 22
- WD-40 20 to 22
- Small Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
- Juju Baetis 20 to 22
- Mini Leech (black) 12 to 14
Pro Rig of the Week: Bear Creek Short-Drift Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn or minimal pinch-on indicator
- Lead Fly: Small Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
- Dropper: Mercury Midge or Black Beauty 22 to 24
- Weight: One small BB placed 8 to 10 inches above the lead fly
- Target Water: Deep pockets, inside bends, shaded cutbanks, slow tailouts
Hatch Chart for December
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 20 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 20 to 22 | Limited activity on warmer afternoons |
| Scuds | 14 to 18 | Secondary option in slower winter water |
Download the Hatch Chart
Access Points
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
Is Bear Creek Good for Fly Fishing in Winter?
Yes. Bear Creek fly fishing in winter is consistent when anglers focus on slow water, small flies, and short midday feeding windows. It is one of the more reliable winter fly fishing near Denver options.
How Far Is Bear Creek from Denver?
Bear Creek near Morrison is approximately 20 minutes from downtown Denver, making it one of the closest quality fly fishing near Denver locations during winter.
Q: Is Bear Creek worth fishing in winter?
A: Yes. Low pressure, clear water, and compact pocket structure make it a reliable winter option close to Denver.
Q: How technical is Bear Creek compared to Clear Creek?
A: Slightly easier due to pocket water, but drift control still matters.
Q: Are dry flies an option right now?
A: Rarely. Subsurface midge patterns dominate winter success.
Q: What rod setup works best here?
A: A 4 weight with a shorter leader for pocket control works well.
Q: Does wind affect Bear Creek much?
A: Less than open rivers, but strong canyon gusts can still impact drifts.
Q: When does the bite shut down?
A: Usually once shadows cover the creek, often by mid-afternoon.
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.
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