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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.
Bear Creek Fly Fishing Report – June 30, 2025
Bear Creek is hitting its stride—flows are dropping from runoff, water is warming into the low‑mid 60’s, and trout are keying on terrestrials and caddis. Fish are grouping into pocket water and brushy pockets, and if you can beat the crowds and time it right, this creek can produce consistent hookups in a tight, canyon setting.
We’re not flashing generic reports. This one’s tactical: think early-start hopper rigs, dinner-time caddis dries, and slick streamer flicks into structure, with clear water demanding precision. Let’s break it down.
Listen to the Podcast
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: ~28.5 CFS — dropping and fishable for pocket-water drifts
- Water Temp: Low–mid 60°F—approaching stress thresholds late day
- Air Temp: Lower 70s°F, light breeze
- Clarity: Slight stain, but sight-fishing is still productive
- Best Times: Early AM until ~11 AM, then late afternoon after temps drop
- Fishing Pressure: High at main pullouts; smaller pull-offs much calmer
- Wind: Light morning breeze, potential PM gusts
Bear Creek Hatch Chart (June, May, April)
| Month | Primary Hatches | Effective Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| April | Midges, BWOs | Parachute Adams, RS2, Zebra Midge |
| May | BWOs, Caddis, PMDs | Elk Hair Caddis, Barr’s PMD Emerger, Chubby Chernobyl |
| June | PMDs, Caddis, Drakes, Yellow Sallies | Hippy Stomper, Superman Caddis, Head-Light Sally, AR's PMD, Crane Fly |
Top 3 Flies for the Month
- Dry Fly: Hippy Stomper or Head‑Light Sally (#14–16) — ideal for hopper‑dropper mornings and caddis matches later on
- Nymph: PMD emerger under a hopper or Superman Caddis — #18–20; fish seams and pockets tight to structure
- Streamer: Small Woolly Bugger or Olive Mini‑Leech (#10–12) — slow, tactical strips in deeper pocket runs
Tips Fly Fishing on Bear Creek
- Seasonal Tip: The creek heats quickly. Emphasize early and late sessions, and break during midday to protect fish.
- Dry‑Dropper: Big hopper sets attract attention; a small emerger below triggers the picky subsurface feeders.
- Pocket‑Water Drifts: Aim for seams and brush pockets—short drifts matter more than long casts.
- Streamer Fishing: Use early or on cloudy afternoons; hit deep, shaded tailouts and undercut banks at slinky speed.
Access Points
1. Lair O’ the Bear Park
- Why Fish Here: Classic pocket-water canyon with high trout density
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ – crowds pack in, but water fishes well early
2. Cold Spring Gulch Pullout
- Why Fish Here: Quiet stretch with deep run access—great for hopper rigs
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. South of Morrison (multiple small pull-offs)
- Why Fish Here: Light pressure, diverse water types, tight dry-fly angles
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hot Spots
- Brush-filled Pocket Upstream of O’Fallon Entrance — fish hover under braided seams
- Deep Pool Below Cold Spring Gulch Bridge — switch to streamers as water warms
- Seam Pocket at Lair Parking Run-off — prime dry-dropper territory late morning
Local Regulations & Landowner Notes
- Standard CO rules: artificial flies only
- Early fishing OK, but avoid midday heat
- Respect private access points and don’t block driveways or trailheads
FAQ on Bear Creek
Q: How low are flows and is wading safe?
A: About 28.5 CFS—perfect for wading tight seams and pocket water
Q: Can I fish mid-day?
A: Better to rest creek when water temps exceed ~65°F—fish strong morning and late afternoon sessions .
Q: Are terrestrials working?
A: Yes—hoppers, crane flies, drakes, and yellow sallies are all in play this month frontrangeanglers.com.
Q: What line weight works best?
A: A 3–4 wt rod covers most conditions; bring a 5 wt to cast with streamers or heavier rigs.
Q: Is this creek good for beginners?
A: It can be tricky—fish are wary and water is tight. But dry-dropper setups in easy spots like Lair make it accessible.
