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The creek is running low and clear, trout are holding tight to structure in short compact winter lies, and success depends on making quick clean decisions. Expect brief but productive midday feeding windows when sunlight warms the canyon just enough to trigger movement. This is classic Bear Creek winter fly fishing: small water, fast reads, and technical pocket-by-pocket progress.
Updated: December 15, 2025
Bear Creek near Morrison is firmly in winter mode. Low flows, cold water, and excellent clarity define the fishing right now. Trout are concentrated in deeper pockets, plunge pools, and soft seams created by boulders and canyon bends. The fish are there, but they do not move far to eat.
This week’s update for Bear Creek fly fishing emphasizes efficiency. Covering water slowly but deliberately beats camping in one run. Midges dominate the menu, with occasional baetis nymphs showing up during milder afternoons. Short drifts, controlled depth, and quiet approaches are everything on this creek.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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Flow: Low winter baseflow typical for Bear Creek
Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s
Air Temperature: High 30s to low 40s during the day, colder mornings
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Light in winter, occasional trail traffic near town
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Pocket water nymphing with small midges and tight drifts
Weather
Morrison Colorado Weather
Cold mornings give way to brief midday warmth when the sun reaches the canyon. Calm days offer the best fishing. Wind shortens feeding windows and makes already technical pocket water harder to manage.
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
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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
- 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 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.
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Companion Article for December
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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