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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.
Bear Creek is settling into late fall mode — low, cold, and clear. Morning ice is creeping onto the edges, but trout remain active through the mid-day warmth. The canyon west of Morrison is quiet again, and that’s when this creek shines.
It’s small water with smart fish, where a perfect drift matters more than pattern choice. Expect subtle eats and trout that slide out of shadows to sip midges and BWOs when the light hits right.
“If you can fool a Bear Creek brown in November, you’re ready for anything on the Front Range.”
Listen to the Podcast
[Link to Episode]
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: 14 cfs and stable
- Water Temperature: 41–44 °F
- Air Temperature: Lows near 30 °F highs near 50 °F
- Clarity: Clear with light leaf tint
- Crowds: Low — mostly locals midweek
- Best Times to Fish: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Fly Fishing Type Scores:
- Dry Fly: ⭐⭐
- Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐
- Streamer: ⭐
5 Day Weather Forecast
Crisp mornings and mild afternoons through the week. Expect bright sun with variable clouds and light winds — ideal for midday dry-fly windows and soft nymph drifts.
Current Hatch Chart for November
| Hatch Type | Bugs and Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges #20–24 | Active in slack water all day long |
| Secondary | Blue Winged Olives #18–22 | Sporadic hatch mid to late morning |
| Tertiary | Caddis remnants #18–20 | Occasional late risers on warm afternoons |
Pro Rig of the Week
Guide setup: 8 ½ foot 5x leader to a #16 Parachute Adams with an 18-inch dropper of 6x to a #20 Zebra Midge. Fish from the inside seams out, focusing on pocket water behind rocks and soft eddies along the canyon trail.
When fish aren’t rising, drop a micro shot and swing the same rig as a light nymph setup — two rods in one.
Pro Tip: Walk softly and fish upstream. Trout in these skinny runs feel every footstep.
Top 10 Flies for the Month
| Fly Pattern | Size | Color / Variation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parachute Adams | #16–18 | Grey | Reliable surface fly in calm light |
| Griffiths Gnat | #22 | Black | Perfect for clustered midges |
| Elk Hair Caddis | #18 | Tan | Warm afternoon risers |
| Zebra Midge | #20–22 | Red / Black | Always productive subsurface |
| RS2 | #20 | Grey / Olive | Deadly during light hatch windows |
| Pheasant Tail | #18 | Natural | All-purpose nymph |
| JuJu Baetis | #20 | Purple / Red | Active in overcast light |
| Micro Mayfly | #20 | Brown | Excellent dropper fly |
| Mini Leech | #12 | Black | For deeper canyon pockets |
| Sparkle Sculpin | #8 | Olive | Swing through deeper pools late day |
Tips Fly Fishing Bear Creek
Seasonal Tip: Fish slow and shallow. Most strikes come within 2 feet of structure.Presentation: Keep drifts short and natural — over-mending kills the take.
Timing: Midday sun brings fish to the surface for short but active windows.
Access Points
Lair o’ the Bear Park — easy access and plenty of runs ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐O’Fallon Park — open water and good parking ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Upstream toward Idledale — fewer anglers and smaller pools ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Local Regulations and Landowner Notes
Flies and lures only, catch and release recommended. Respect private property downstream of Morrison and check for ice buildup near bridges early mornings.
FAQ on This Spot
Q: What are current flows and clarity like?
A: Around 14 cfs with clear, slightly leaf-stained water.
Q: When is the best time to fish this stretch?
A: Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the canyon warms.
Q: What flies are producing right now?
A: Parachute Adams, RS2s, and Zebra Midges.
Q: Can I wade or should I stay on the bank?
A: Wading is fine but move carefully — water is shallow and spooks easily.
Q: What species can I expect here?
A: Mostly brown trout with the occasional rainbow.
Q: Any local shops or guides nearby?
A: Golden and Morrison both have local shops with up-to-date fly selections.
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 Boulder 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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