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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.
Bear Creek Fly Fishing Report – Near Morrison (September 6, 2025)
Flows are steady and clear, the banks are buzzing with terrestrials, and trout are sipping midges and Tricos early. Afternoons bring ants and beetles into play, while evenings see the last of the summer caddis. Bear Creek won’t hand you fish, but it rewards stealth and smart drifts with plenty of scrappy browns.
At-a-Glance Conditions
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Rating: ⭐⭐
Flow (CFS): ~25
Water Temp: 57–60°F
Air Temp: High 70s°F afternoons
Clarity: Clear
Best Times: 7–11 AM (hatches), 4–7 PM (terrestrials & caddis)
Fishing Pressure: Moderate — busiest near Red Rocks access
Top Flies: Trico Spinner #22 | Amy’s Ant #14 | Hare’s Ear Nymph #18
🎧 Listen to the Podcast
Bear Creek Breakdown – Small Water, Smart Browns & Terrestrial Tricks
We dig into pocket water tactics, what flies are working right now, and how to beat weekend traffic on this Denver-close gem.
Weather Snapshot
Source: OpenWeather / NOAA
Hatch Chart
| Month | Midges | BWOs | PMDs | Tricos | Caddis | Terrestrials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Aug | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | — | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sept | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | — | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Flies for Bear Creek Near Morrison
- Dry Fly Setup: Trico Spinner #22, 9’ 6X leader.
- Nymph Setup: Hare’s Ear #18 with RS2 #20 dropper, 18” apart, 5X fluoro.
- Streamer Setup: Mini Leech (olive) #12, swung on 4X.
- Pro Rig (Guide’s Pick): Hopper-dropper with Amy’s Ant #14 + RS2 #20.
Access Points
| Spot | Why Fish Here | Parking | Wading | Crowds | Overall | Map Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morrison Bridge | Easy access, consistent small runs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | [Map] |
| Lair o’ the Bear | Pocket water, good terrestrial banks | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | [Map] |
| Upstream Canyon | Quieter, technical sight fishing | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | [Map] |
Extended FAQ – Bear Creek Near Morrison
Q: When’s the best time to fish Bear Creek in September?
A: Early mornings for Tricos and midges, evenings for caddis and terrestrials.
Q: What flies are working best right now?
A: Trico spinners, RS2s, Hare’s Ear nymphs, and terrestrials like Amy’s Ant.
Q: Where can I park for Bear Creek access?
A: Morrison Bridge and Lair o’ the Bear are the most reliable parking areas.
Q: Is Bear Creek crowded on weekends?
A: Yes, especially near Morrison. Hike upstream for less pressure.
Q: Any special regs or closures?
A: Catch-and-release recommended, barbless hooks encouraged. Water gets warm afternoons, so handle trout quickly.
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