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.
October 2024 Fly Fishing Report: Bear Creek
Current Conditions
October is a beautiful time to fish Bear Creek, with cool, clear water and active trout. Flows are stable at 27 cfs, and the trout are feeding aggressively, taking advantage of the late-season hatches. The crisp air and vibrant fall foliage make it a prime time to hit this small creek.
- Flow Rate: 27 cfs
- Water Temperature: Low 60s
- Clarity: Clear, slight stain after rains
- Best Times: Late morning to early afternoon
Hatches & Recommended Flies
Nymphs
- Zebra Midge (#18-22): Perfect for targeting trout in deeper, slower-moving sections.
- Pheasant Tail (#16-18): A great choice for faster water, mimicking mayfly nymphs.
- Pat’s Rubber Legs (#10-12): Effective for reaching trout holding near the bottom in deeper pools.
Dry Flies
- Parachute Adams (#16-20): Works well in both fast riffles and slower runs.
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14-16): Ideal for dry-dropper setups and skating across riffles.
- Hippy Stomper (#14-16): Perfect for drawing aggressive strikes in faster water.
Streamers
- Mini Zonker (#8-10): Great for pulling trout out from undercut banks and deeper pools.
- Woolly Bugger (#8-10): A classic streamer, effective when stripped through slow runs and pockets.
- Sculpzilla (#6-8): Perfect for targeting larger browns lurking in deeper sections.
Fishing Tactics on Bear Creek
- Dry-Dropper Setup: Bear Creek is ideal for dry-dropper setups. Use a Parachute Adams or Elk Hair Caddis on top with a Zebra Midge or Pheasant Tail as the dropper to cover both surface and subsurface feeders.
- Nymphing: For deeper pools and slower sections, a light nymph rig with Pat’s Rubber Legs followed by a Zebra Midge works wonders, especially during cooler mornings.
- Streamer Fishing: If you’re looking for larger trout, streamers like Mini Zonkers and Woolly Buggers can be stripped through deeper pools or along structure for aggressive strikes.
Access Points
- Lair O’ the Bear Park: Offers great access to pocket water and pools, perfect for anglers looking for a quick, local outing. Lair O' the Bear Park
- Morrison Town Park: A convenient spot close to town, with easy wading and good water for dry fly action.
- Bear Creek Lake Park: Located downstream, this area offers more solitude and opportunities to target larger fish in deeper water. Bear Creek Lake Park