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Bear Creek is one of the closest pieces of moving trout water to Denver, and winter turns it into a quiet, ultra-technical creek fishery that rewards patience and precision. Flowing out of the foothills near Morrison, Bear Creek offers clear water, light trout pressure, and short but reliable feeding windows when conditions line up. If you are looking for fly fishing near Denver that favors subtlety over crowds, Bear Creek remains a consistent cold-season option.
Updated: December 31, 2025
Bear Creek is settled into a classic winter fly fishing pattern. Flows are low, water is clear, and trout are holding tight to deeper pockets, slow seams, and shaded cutbanks. Morning activity is minimal, but once the sun hits the water, fish become willing participants for anglers who manage depth and drift correctly.
This week’s Bear Creek fly fishing report is about restraint and efficiency. Small midge patterns dominate the food base, and trout respond best to clean presentations in walking-speed water. The creek fishes best during short midday windows, and success comes from covering water slowly rather than chasing aggressive bites.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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Flow: Low winter creek flow
Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s with slight afternoon lift
Air Temperature: High 20s to mid 40s; cold mornings, brief warming
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Light overall, moderate near road crossings
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing with micro patterns and precise depth
Weather
Morrison Colorado Weather
Flow: Low winter creek flow
Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s with slight afternoon lift
Air Temperature: High 20s to mid 40s; cold mornings, brief warming
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Light overall, moderate near road crossings
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing with micro patterns and precise depth
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 air-lock
- Lead Fly: Small Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
- Dropper: Black Beauty or Zebra Midge 20 to 22
- Weight: One small split shot placed close to the flies
- Target Water: Plunge pools, boulder pockets, and short soft seams behind structure
Hatch Chart for December
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 20–26 | Main winter food source; consistent all day. |
| Baetis nymphs | 20–22 | Only active during brief warm windows. |
| Scuds | 16–18 | Good anchor fly in slower holding 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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